Ahsoka and the Rebellion – Chapter 49: The Power of Ai
Some loose ends to tie down in this installment.
Thanks to new followers: FerAlb, creaponrun.
Chapter 49: The Power of Ai
Felucia, Assembly Hall, 0 ABY, 11 months, 29 days, 8 hours
The next morning on Felucia. Reema Andujah and Hedala Fardi were both getting their breakfast at the Assembly Hall and had started a conversation. Both Order Members were dressed in training togs, Reema in her own hand-crafted white satin jacket and pants that gave her an elegant overall look. Her formerly choppy haircut had been replaced with a more crafted style and her teeth had been repaired. She no longer resembled the ruffian from the Underground, but a more polished Member of the Order.
"So, Hedala, I don't feel we have been properly introduced. I am Reema Andujah, Padawan second degree."
Hedala thought this was a bit odd. She and Reema had been working together for a few days at this point. She smiled. "And I am Hedala Fardi, Knight first degree."
"Pleased to meet you, Madam Knight. Perhaps we might train together?"
"We probably should. Master Ahsoka had told me you were replacing Luke in her service."
"Yes. Say, what's the deal with you and Luke?" Reema asked, with a trace of mischief in her eyes.
Hedala chuckled. "He's asked me to marry him."
Reema gasped inwardly, but played it cool with Hedala. "Hmm, I had heard that Jedi don't get married. But I suppose that rule was thrown on the garbage heap."
"Master Shaak seems to have no problem with it. Ahsoka herself is planning a wedding."
The two continued to feel each other out as they finished their meal. In her mind, Reema found no reason to dislike Hedala, but still approached her warily. For her part, Hedala found the Coruscanti's behavior a trifle mysterious. It's like she just chooses to ignore certain things. They eventually came to a smaller training room and each picked up a blue-bladed training sabre. Reema insisted on checking the intensity levels on both before they started. Again, Hedala felt uneasy. Doesn't she trust me? The Thabeskan shook her head slightly and frowned, as Reema turned her back temporarily.
The two bowed to each other and started to duel. Reema stepped forward with both hands on the hilt, as if to make the first strike, but then pulled back in a feint that Hedala immediately stepped into. Fardi stuck her blade straight ahead as if to charge Andujah. Recognizing this tactic immediately, Reema smiled in a sly manner, then exploded into action. She swung her blade in front of her in a series of short arcs, quickly batting Hedala's sabre aside and forcing her onto a back foot. Then she let go a strong Force push that knocked Hedala to the floor. Quickly, Reema was on top of her, threatening to end the contest immediately. Hedala, taken aback by Reema's ferocity, was able to roll away and leapt to her feet. Reema didn't give her much time to do anything and made some quick precision slashes as she stepped into Hedala's position. Recognizing the tactic as part of the Makashi style, Hedala tried to get acrobatic. She leaped into the air and jumped over Reema, landing behind her, then cutting her off with a vicious slash that the Coruscanti was just able to block. Reema, wanting to catch her breath, stepped back into a purely defensive style. Hedala, fully aware of this tactic, preferred to poke around her opponent's perimeter before trying anything more aggressive. Reema started to grin at this, and then used the Force in a new manner that took Hedala completely by surprise.
With one hand on her sabre hilt, Reema made a curious semicircular motion with her other arm that caused Hedala to spin around and lose her balance. At this point, Reema struck viciously, knocking Hedala backward, and then followed up with a strong attack. Hedala, badly needing to get to her feet, was prevented from doing so by the attack. Reema's final precision slash hit home and registered as a killing blow on the training sabre – it would have been deadly had they been using their own battle sabres at full intensity. Reema, smiling broadly, stepped backwards and bowed to her defeated opponent, then extended her hand to help Hedala up. As Fardi groggily got to her feet, shaking her head as if to remove the cobwebs, she stared at Reema in awe, then returned the bow.
At this very moment, Ahsoka, who had been observing the latter part of the contest, stepped forward to join her two apprentices, and cleared her throat. Reema turned to her and smirked for a second, before curtsying politely.
"Good morning, Master Ahsoka," she chirped.
Hedala looked to her master with a slightly pained expression, as if to indicate her displeasure at having been defeated so thoroughly. Ahsoka nodded to her, then spoke.
"Well done, Apprentice Andujah. I see you have learned some new tricks." Her expression was non-committal and her voice even. "Hedala is a skilled warrior."
Reema smiled again. "I hope you approve, Master."
Ahsoka chuckled. "Nothing wrong with improvisation. Master Shaak would be most pleased." She then turned to Fardi. "Hedala, I believe you have some other things to catch up on, am I correct?"
Hedala nodded sheepishly, very much wanting to put this embarrassment behind her. She and Reema had had prior duels but they were more evenly fought. This time, there was no sugar-coating it. She had been soundly beaten. The young Coruscanti was improving even faster than they had thought. Ahsoka, for her part, gave no outward indication of her thoughts. As Hedala bowed to them both and left, Ahsoka turned to Reema.
"Ms. Andujah, would you care to duel with me? If you're feeling up to it." Ahsoka said, with a slight hint of menace in her tone. Reema beamed at her new master. "I would welcome it, Master Ahsoka," she replied simply.
"Very well, then. Do you have your custom sabre?"
Reema nodded, then picked up her bag and pulled out the weapon, handing it to Ahsoka while stowing the training sabre.
Ahsoka inspected it carefully, noting the inscriptions and design.
"Did you do these yourself?"
Reema replied. "I did, Master. Do they meet with your approval?" The last word came out of her mouth in a slight mocking tone.
Ahsoka ignored this and proceeded to light the blade. Out came the brilliant amethyst hue and Ahsoka twisted her face a bit as she sensed it, then took some practice swings, noting the ease of handling and the smooth function.
"This is a well-crafted sabre." Maris – or someone – has taught you well. "Wherever did you find this crystal?"
Reema started to sense that her new master was a bit troubled. "I've had it for a long time, Master. I found it on Coruscant."
Ahsoka nodded, then switched off the blade and proceeded to inspect the hilt assembly. As she removed the crystal and held it up to the light, a strange sensation came over her, a feeling of déjà vu. Something about this … I know this crystal, but from where, exactly? Ahsoka decided to file these feelings away for a time, but planned to meditate on this subject deeply, and also on the powerful Force signature that Reema was giving off. She placed the crystal back into the hilt, closed it up, and returned the sabre to her apprentice. She then drew her own white-bladed sabre from her belt, stepped into the center of the room, and beckoned Reema to join her.
"Let's see whatcha got," she said warily, as she glanced at Reema out of the corner of her eye.
Reema joined her and stood across from her, ready to start the duel. The two of them bowed, and Ahsoka made the first move. Out came the white blade and she went straight at Reema's head. The Coruscanti, almost as if she expected this attack, stepped back quickly and then up came the purple blade with a flourish, knocking Ahsoka backwards with a small Force push and then Reema muscled her way in. Ahsoka realized this was serious and went to the acrobatics. Her speed took Reema by surprise at first, but Andujah adjusted quickly, falling into a defensive stance as she waited for Ahsoka to commit herself. The Togruta's sword-work kept Reema on her toes and the two gamely exchanged slashes and leaps. Reema tried to use Force tactics, but Ahsoka anticipated them and shoved Reema around the room. Reema, starting to get a bit angry, peered at Ahsoka out of the corner of her eye and sneered. OK, Princess. I know what you're good for. She played it defensively for a second or so, then, catching Ahsoka just a slight bit off her concentration, launched her attack. First came a Force push that shoved the Togruta backward about three metres, which was followed up with the Force spin move she'd earlier used on Hedala. As Ahsoka compensated for this, the purple blade went after her, forcing a response. The combatants' white and purple sabres got caught in a blade lock, but Reema – who had been spending much time strengthening her upper body in the weight room – won this exchange and again Ahsoka was knocked backwards.
As Reema followed through, Ahsoka started to feel a distinct Dark Side energy coming from the young girl. She grappled internally with how to handle this. If I go to superior Force tactics, I'm conceding to her sword work – which is uncommonly good for someone her age. But if I do not, she is not going to respect me. A problem, this is. Reema, seeing the indecision on Ahsoka's face, stepped backward for an instant, to allow her master to save face.
"What do you think of my ability, Master?" She chirped happily, the Dark Side aura disappearing.
Ahsoka, grateful for the respite, answered in a snippy fashion. "Not bad for a Padawan second degree. But I think we're done for today."
You bet we are, Master. Reema smirked inwardly. She knew better than to rub it in Ahsoka's face. It was mid-morning and already she had had quite a day. Both Hedala and Ahsoka had plenty to think about concerning their new teammate and apprentice.
Felucia, The Order Medical clinic, 0 ABY, 11 months, 29 days, 14 hours
Later that afternoon, at the Clinic, Shaak returned to Anakin's room to check on his vitals. He had been taken off of the ventilator and his lungs were working, though it took a few anxious seconds as the doctors waited for them to "pink up" which indicated his circulation had been restored. Shaak then decided to wait four more hours before bringing him to consciousness.
As she came out of his room in the ICU, Maris came up to her.
"Master, how goes it?"
Luke and Leia, seeing that Shaak had reemerged, came up behind Maris to listen.
Shaak responded. "He's breathing on his own now. A very good sign. You three should eat and maybe get some rest. I will be awakening him in a few more hours. If that goes well, you will be able to see him and speak with him."
Felucia, The Order spaceport, 0 ABY, 11 months, 29 days, 15 hours
Around this same time, the great former Jedi Grand Master, Yoda, had arrived in the Felucia system. Shaak's people in the control blocks scanned his ship and granted him a landing slot. As he emerged from his ship, he was given a welcome in keeping with his status. Knight Xendar Silkaw greeted him personally.
"Welcome to Felucia, Master Yoda."
Yoda nodded. "And to you, Knight Silkaw. Speak highly of you, Grand Master Shaak does."
Xendar tapped a button on his com device, which summoned Frehya. He and Yoda chatted for a bit, then Knight Lumoxa arrived in a new speeder, one that had been reserved for special guests.
Yoda looked her over carefully, then smiled. "Meet you at last, I do, Knight Lumoxa. A fine reputation you have."
Frehya blushed for a second, then spoke.
"Master, I have been preparing for your arrival. Shaak has been looking forward to it. We have made accommodations for your stay here and hope they will meet with your expectations."
Yoda smiled at the woman, sending her encouragement via the Force. "Certain, I am, that all will be perfect."
The speeder then arrived at a small, newly constructed residence somewhere close to the Assembly Hall. Frehya stopped and Yoda hopped out of the speeder before she could assist him. This caused her to chuckle, at which he turned to her and asked:
"Surprised you were? When 900 years you reach, be this nimble, you will not."
She laughed. "No. I don't suppose I will. But let me get to 900, and we'll see about it …"
Yoda returned the laugh, as she showed him in. Another Togruta maiden was waiting inside and she bowed to both Frehya and Yoda. He took a quick look around the place and saw that it had kitchen facilities for him to prepare whatever type of meal he wanted, and he quietly thanked Shaak for being so considerate.
"What do you think of it, Master?" Frehya asked.
"Excellent, it is. My stay on Felucia, enjoy it, I will." He noted in a pleased tone.
"Very good, Master Yoda. If you require anything at all, just let us know. This young lady," she gestured to the Togruta. "She is assigned to your cabin here. If she cannot directly see to your inquiry, she will be in touch with the admins. Please introduce yourself."
The young Togruta curtsied. "I am Muu'saama, Master, for whatever you need."
Yoda smiled and quickly scanned her, immediately detecting that the young lady was Force-sensitive. He spoke to Muu'saama directly. "Another one, from Shili, you are?"
She nodded. "Yes. I have lived there all of my life … until now."
"Pleased, I am, to make your acquaintance."
Frehya bowed to him. "I will be leaving now, Master. Muu'saama will help you."
Yoda nodded, then bid Frehya farewell. He turned to the young Togruta, who followed him into the small house.
Felucia, New Order Hotel, 0 ABY, 11 months, 29 days, 16 hours
At this time, other leaders of what had been the Rebel Alliance started to arrive on Felucia. Shaak had called a meeting for everyone the next day and was planning to go over her plans for the Imperial government. Valles Santhé had not yet arrived but was expected later that evening. The group included many of the same leaders who met with Shaak and Ahsoka on Pantora, such as Mon Mothma of Chandrila, Garm Bel Iblis of Corellia, Ackbar of Mon Calamari, and Riyo Chuchi of Pantora as well. They had been arriving through the afternoon and were checked into luxury suites at a newer hotel, of which the Order had overseen the construction. Valles, as would be expected, had already commissioned a new palace for Shaak and Ahsoka on Felucia, which was partially complete. This structure would be more like a large mansion than any of Lady Santhé's residences on Lianna, or the new palace they built on Avalonia, but it would be a level of opulence that Shaak had formerly disdained.
Before Shaak or Ahsoka had even met with them, they were sharing cocktails in the swanky new eatery that was part of the new hotel. The talk was mostly about the new government and who might be expected to fill some of the critical new roles. The realization had dawned on the group that Valles held most of the cards in this deck and they wondered exactly which way the deal might go.
Bel Iblis and Mothma were having a private conversation between themselves in a secluded booth.
"So, Mon, how do you read Ms. Santhé?"
"Garm, she's a weapons maker. There can be little doubt that she will expect the military to be the highest priority."
"But what about Shaak? If you know her like I do, she won't allow Valles to just run everything for her."
Mothma sighed. "I do hope you are right, Garm. But she's one woman, and the Imperial bureaucracy is immense. We've got to maintain an open line of communication to the Empress."
"Never underestimate Shaak Ti."
At another table, Admirals Ackbar and Raddus were conversing with Chancellor Chuchi.
"I am more than curious about our roles in the Imperial Navy," Ackbar stated, flatly.
"And what of more neutral systems like ours?" Riyo wondered aloud. "But I trust Princess Ahsoka. We have a long standing friendship."
Raddus, now about 65 years of age, remained silent, occasionally nodding. He had decided to keep an open mind and would wait for Shaak.
Felucia, The Order Medical clinic, 0 ABY, 11 months, 29 days, 18 hours
The Grand Master, of course, was attending to Anakin Skywalker. The predetermined amount of time had elapsed and she was ready to bring him into a conscious state. Her two assistant medics stood by his bedside, while anesthesiology was on hand in case of any complications that might require him being put under again. Shaak then spoke.
"I am going to apply the Force to him and revive his consciousness … now!"
With that, she waved her hand slowly across his body and the effect was quick acting. Within about 15 seconds, Anakin was stirring and his eyes opened. At first his sight was blurry but it soon cleared. He then realized he could not turn his head as it had been locked into place to prevent any damage to the newly installed cervical vertebra no. 3 that had been placed the day before. Anakin then tried to speak and had an immediate sensation of dryness in his mouth that had been caused by the ventilator. The first image he could make out was that of Shaak Ti, standing over him, smiling.
"Welcome back, Knight Skywalker. It has surely been a long journey for you," she said softly, continuing to smile.
Anakin's mind was racing. "How did the operation go, Master?"
"All is well so far," she replied. "We're going to take it slow. I cannot let you turn your head yet but that new bone is working perfectly. Your new legs and arm are coming along as well – they are prosthetics but contain your organic tissue as a basis."
"I see, Master Shaak. Very good. I am looking forward to it."
"I know you are, Anakin. Now, there are some people who are looking forward to seeing you."
"Yes, Master. Is Master Brood here?" Anakin asked, anxiously.
"I will show her in. She's been waiting most patiently. But so are Luke and Leia."
"I wish to see Maris, first … then my children."
Shaak then sent a Force impulse to Maris, who quickly and eagerly entered the room, then walked to Anakin's bedside. She had on another red dress, this one far more revealing, and her hair was flowing in a veritable river of black softness.
"I will give you two your privacy," Shaak spoke gently.
Maris looked at him, not quite sure what to make, but much relieved that he seemed to be in good spirits.
"How are you feeling, my love?"
"Very well, considering. This is really going to happen."
"No pain?"
"Almost … but it is to be expected. I have new lungs, a new neck and it's all connected. I never believed it, that this day might come. The hard part is over. Soon we will be together in every way, my sweet Maris." She had gotten herself dressed up for him, wanting his first vision of her to be memorable. Now her heart was pounding with excitement.
Love and affection had not been part of Maris Brood's life for as long as she could remember. Everything revolved around Shaak, who was basically her mother in every possible way. The young Zabrak had been separated from her family on Iridonia by the Jedi around her sixth birthday. A Zabrak Jedi Master named Eeth Koth had been the one to discover her and had told her family she would be well cared-for by the Order. But her time with the Jedi had been most trying. Maris had always had an aggressive attitude but everywhere she turned in the Order, they were trying to restrain her, telling her that she mustn't fall to the Dark Side. Even so, she showed promise and became Padawan to another master who was training her well, but he had been killed the day of Order 66. Fortunately for Maris, Master Shaak Ti found her later the same day, having returned by herself after her master had thrown himself between her and the clones' blaster fire – a selfless act that saved her life, but left her deeply scarred.
Shaak had immediately deduced what had happened, and, knowing the gathering danger, decided to take Maris on as her new Padawan right then and there. Maris then assisted Shaak and Jocasta in removing the holocrons from the Temple and she and Shaak made their getaway to Felucia. Over the years, she and Shaak bonded and their mutual affection grew. Shaak was providing the structure in her life that she so badly needed. It went without saying that Maris would do anything Shaak asked her to and Shaak was well aware of that and never abused this trust over the years. Master Ti would train Maris rigorously, and the young Zabrak's powers, skills, and abilities grew, along with her confidence. After about ten years, she and Shaak founded the new Order and Maris was given Knighthood in a private ceremony with just herself and Shaak.
Over the following ten years, Shaak and Maris worked together in converting Felucia into their private world, eventually setting up the planetary defenses and building all of the structures that would be used by the Order. They had also started searching the Galaxy clandestinely to locate other Force sensitive individuals. Shaak's great meditation skills had aided immeasurably in this search and they found scores of people from various worlds and species, many of whom were to become the Acolytes of the new Order. It was this setup that Ahsoka Tano arrived into some two years earlier and even though Ahsoka and Shaak immediately became close, Maris was never made to feel unwanted, as Shaak had loved her like a daughter and now, effectively, she and Ahsoka had become sisters.
So what had occurred that drew Maris to Anakin, even while he was still outwardly Darth Vader? There was a recognition by Maris that Anakin and Ahsoka had a very powerful relationship of their own, one that had been strained by recent events but was certainly not over. When the fateful day came and the ambush of Vader by Shaak and Ahsoka took place, Vader was given the opportunity to once again become what he had been as Anakin – provided he could break free from the Emperor. Maris at first was carrying a huge reservoir of anger at Vader because of the events of Order 66 and the wanton slaughter he had conducted. She vowed someday she would settle the score and when the chance came, she blasted him with electric current in an attempt to finish him – after Ahsoka had merely wanted to incapacitate him.
It took some time before either one of them could trust each other and feel comfortable being around each other, but little by little, Maris came to see that Anakin was sincere about returning to his earlier existence and also that in many ways, Emperor Palpatine was the true villain. In their times together, they talked openly about their mutual feelings. Anakin was most sincere with his regret about killing so many of the Jedi and he understood Maris's personal trauma as she had barely escaped with her life. So, from this mutual understanding emerged respect, which grew into empathy, and finally, passion.
In Anakin, Maris had found the type of person she had always been looking for – without ever really knowing it. And, in Maris, Anakin believed he once again had the kind of woman in his life that he had before with Padmé Amidala – a woman with high ideals and a desire to bring justice to the Galaxy. The difference was that Maris was also a very proficient Force wielder and a natural apprentice to Grand Master – now Empress – Shaak. And as such, Anakin realized he would also be given the chance to stand at the Empress's side and help her rule over a galaxy where righteousness and justice prevailed.
So as the two of them clasped hands and exchanged glances, they soon gazed into each other's eyes for the first time. The energy level between them rose as Anakin could literally start to feel himself healing ever faster as his desire was now standing before him in all her radiant glory. I am with you now, my love – and for always. For her part, Maris was enjoying a feeling she hoped would never end. No one had ever loved her like this before and now she could feel it and it was all she could do to calm herself down. Shaak, sensing the level of Force coursing between them, decided it might be best to slow it down. The GM came back in the room, placed a hand on Maris's shoulder and steadied her daughter, causing the Zabrak's fever to break and her normal demeanor to return. Thank you, Master … She smiled and turned to Shaak, releasing Anakin's hand in the process. Maris then left the room but could scarcely recall actually walking … perhaps the Force was carrying her but she didn't give it much thought.
Shaak then signaled for Luke and Leia to come in, and as they each passed Maris on her way out, they looked at each other in wonderment, but said nothing. The twins each came to their father's bedside and then took turns holding his remaining hand and feeling the gratitude he felt for them accepting him as their father.
"I have returned, my son, my daughter. Returned to be the father you both deserve. But one thing I must point out. If not for my history, I would still be in the Jedi and thus unable to be a father to both of you – because of the restriction on attachments. Now, Master Shaak has created the kind of Order that allows bonds of love and support between people to exist."
Leia spoke first. "Father. I am so happy to see your face for the first time. Do you remember our first meeting?"
Anakin laughed – and it was a real laugh, not a metallic one coming through a mask. "I'm afraid so … I accused you of being a traitor to the Empire. Of course, I was correct."
Luke joined in. "I think our first meeting was on Cymoon 1. Hedala and I battled against you and I think you would have finished us both off if Ahsoka hadn't shown up."
"You are correct, son. But here's something you probably didn't know. Ahsoka and I were already working together by that time. So I was only trying to toy with the both of you. However, your friend Hedala was a bit more talented than I expected so I had to get a little rough with her. You may extend my apology to her."
"Maybe you can do it yourself, Dad. I've asked her to marry me."
Anakin laughed again. "So I will have a daughter-in-law now as well? I will apologize to her directly. She's a fine lady, son, I could see that right away."
Leia laughed too. "Luke! That got real serious – real quick … but I saw how she looked at you. Hedala is a great person. You're very lucky to have found her."
The conversation went on for a while in this vein but eventually Shaak returned and told them Anakin needed to rest so he could heal further. They asked when he might be walking again and Shaak was not ready to give an estimate, but told them "sooner than you think." All in all, it was a successful first day back for Anakin Skywalker as he could now accurately state that Vader was now part of his past.
Felucia, Assembly Hall, 0 ABY, 11 months, 29 days, 21 hours
That evening, Reema sought out Hedala and found her having dinner with Luke at the Assembly Hall. She wanted to let Knight Fardi know there were no hard feelings on her part.
"Good evening, Hedala. Luke," she said cheerfully. Reema was wearing her favorite color – white – and had on a long and low-cut satin dress that played well with her black hair. Her elegance caught Luke's attention for a second as she grinned at him.
"Good evening, Reema," Hedala replied, in a non-committal manner. I should reach out to her, as we are supposed to be teammates. "Would you like to sit with us? You look beautiful tonight."
Hedala had told Luke about the duel that morning and about Reema's sour attitude, speculating that it had something to do with their change of assignments.
"Thank you," Reema replied, taking the other side of the table. "Hedala, my apologies for my behavior this morning. I was out of line. You deserve more respect, being a Knight."
Hedala chuckled slightly and flipped her hair a little bit, gauging Reema's reaction. "Not at all, Padawan Andujah. You beat me fairly. I should thank you for showing some problems in my defensive approach, but you are already a fine swordswoman. Maris has taught you well, but I think you also have plenty of natural ability."
Reema exhaled, then smirked slightly. You haven't seen anything yet, blondie. "Thank you, Hedala. Most of it is just plain hard work. I'm on my grind every day."
Luke laughed. "Reema – are we having a rematch? I think I may have figured you out," he said playfully, gauging her reaction.
She smiled, then looked at him seriously for a split-second, then relaxed. "Shuuuu …" she smirked. "People pray on my downfall, but every time I hit the ground I bounce up like roundball. You got it, cousin."
Luke returned her gaze. "You pick the room, friend. 900 hours."
At that, Reema rose, bowed her head to Hedala, and turned to leave. As she started walking away she thought: Respect the game, that should be it. What you eat don't make me sh-t …
Felucia, Shaak's home, 0 ABY, 11 months, 29 days, 22 hours
After meditating for a few hours upon settling into his guest residence, Yoda arose and asked the Togruta, Muu'saama to accompany him. He was actually quite pleased with the young lady's Force ability and he asked her to join him for about 15 minutes.
"Young Muu'saama, promise you have. Extend to me, your hands."
She did as he asked and he grasped both her hands, much as Shaak had done a few days earlier when she had selected the maidens from Shili to join her trusted personal staff. Yoda sent a gentle Force current into her and she felt the tingle.
"What you are feeling, describe it you may."
She thought for a second. "Peace, Master Yoda."
"Good … my friend. Patience. The greatest virtue, it is. Clear, your mind must be. Only then, the Force will enter."
She relaxed, while continuing to hold her hands gently. Yoda was impressed with the young lady's serenity. She had remained almost completely silent during her time with him, as if she could detect his teaching simply by occupying the same space and time with him. A wise one, this Muu'saama is. Chosen well, again, Shaak has.
Yoda released his grasp and Muu'saama let her arms fall gently to her sides. She stood and awaited his direction.
"To Master Shaak, now, we must go," he said simply. Muu'saama stepped outside the small house, then clapped her hands once. A speeder appeared and she took the driver's seat while Yoda hopped in. Within a couple of minutes they were at Shaak's doorstep. Upon arrival, Frehya opened the door and invited both of them inside, whereupon she served Yoda a beverage that Shaak had prepared for their meeting.
The Grand Master soon emerged, wearing a midnight blue velvet and satin robe that offset her lekku. In addition, Frehya noticed that her master had a small amulet on a platinum chain dangling from her neck, resting between her two front lekku. She had never seen it before, but the Force was telling her to not question the GM on this occasion. As Shaak prepared to take her normal throne-like seat, she opened her robe to reveal a shimmering platinum colored gown that seemed to reflect even the slightest trace of light in the room. Frehya felt her gaze being drawn to her master and she walked over to her, then curtsied respectfully. Shaak smiled as she followed Frehya's eyes to the amulet, which was now starting to give off a faint blue glow that was reflected off of Shaak's beautiful gown.
During this time, Yoda had taken his seat and Muu'saama hers, as they awaited Shaak's signal.
"Leave us, my dear." Shaak said softly to Frehya, who curtsied again and left the house. Shaak then waved a hand and all lights in the room were extinguished, leaving only her gown and the amulet, whose glow had grown steadily brighter.
Yoda then spoke. "The amulet of Kalara, it is. Call to you, it did." At once, Yoda had recognized it as being an ancient Sith artifact, but he had never seen it in action before, as it was believed to be over 4000 years old.
Shaak nodded. "Ahsoka discovered it on Drewwa when we established the ordinance depot. It is the final piece."
Shaak then grasped the amulet with her right hand and it magically was detached from the chain. It seemed to fit her grasp exactly. She then slowly raised her arm and held it overhead, between her montrals, then spoke the following incantation in her native Togruti:
Naa'raa-khaa'duu … Kuu'gru Bii'shuu … Naa'gaa'suu'waa'taa
As she finished, a blinding light started to emanate from the amulet, and soon Shaak's face and body were bathed in red light. A mysterious voice then sounded, deep in tone, as if from some ancient Lord:
By the Power of Ai … You are now Lord and Master of the Universe … your exalted highness, Shaak Ti.
A small crack of thunder could plainly be heard, as if an opening in the Force had occurred. Shaak signaled to Yoda and Muu'saama to rise and approach her. She then took Yoda's left hand in her right, and Muu'saama's right hand in her left, as Yoda and Muu'saama then completed the circle.
The circle is now formed … Shaak spoke firmly, as the amulet rose on its own above the three of them, bathing them in red and blue light in strobe-like rapid succession, before the light changed to white and soon the regular lights returned to Shaak's small home. She released their hands and both Yoda and Muu'saama were seated.
"The ceremony, beautiful it was," Yoda said solemnly. "The seat of power, you now possess. Foresaw this, I did."
Shaak nodded. "As always, Master, I am guided by your wisdom. What have you for me now, at the dawn of our new age in the Galaxy?"
Yoda took a couple of deep breaths, and exhaled. "Shaak, my friend. Proud of you, I am. Excellent, your plan was. Covered, all details were."
Shaak lowered her head to him in a gesture of respect, the amulet having returned to her right hand, then to its chain dangling from her neck, as if awaiting its next command. "Thank you, Master."
Yoda looked her directly in the eye. "For you, this I have. Your power, wisely you must use, else your servant no longer will it be. Depending on you, the people are."
He took another breath, then sipped the beverage she had prepared for him.
"A new energy in you, see it I do. Unite the Light and Dark, attempt it you had indicated to me. But … beware this level of power you now possess."
Shaak nodded then lowered her head to him and held the pose for about ten seconds. "Acknowledged, Master. Ready I am."
(to be continued …)
