Shaak and Maris – A Star Wars Story: Chapter 2 – What Do We Do Now?
Hello, all. Apologies for not getting more done on this story, because I really want to make some headway. There is a lot to tell as we review the period during the Empire's early years and what Obi-Wan called the "Dark Times." Shaak Ti and Maris Brood are survivors and they represent two of the Galaxy's only hopes.
Chapter 2: What Do We Do Now?
Shili, the Ti ranch, 18 BBY 11 months, 28 days, 7 hours
Shaak Ti and Maris Brood, after arriving on Shili two days earlier, had gone to the Ti family ranch, an establishment about 50 km outside of the capital city of Corvala. Kaa'shaan Ti, Shaak's father, had founded the ranch some 40 years earlier, a time of relative tranquility in the Galaxy, when the Republic was stable, and the Jedi were seen as a great institution helping to support and act as the defenders of peace and freedom.
At that time, it was considered an honor for the Jedi Order to take someone in, and the order preferred new acolytes to be no more than three or four years old, so they could be trained in the Jedi Way and not have to "unlearn" anything they got from their childhood prior to being taken in. For a family, though it meant losing contact with that member, it was usually a prestigious event as the Jedi were generally held in high regard throughout the Galaxy. For Kaa'shaan and Luu'maas Ti, it meant giving up their daughter Shaak – something both of them would come to regret in the decades to come following 56 BBY, when someone representing the Order showed up on Shili.
Shaak's progress in the Jedi Order was swift. By the time she was 12 years old, she was judged ready for Padawan status. Her areas of ability were many. She was almost scholarly in learning history – that of the Jedi Order and the Galaxy as a whole – and she became fast friends with Jocasta Nu, the elder lady in charge of the archives at the Temple. Master Nu was one who had recommended her for Padawan consideration once Shaak became eligible. At the same time, the adolescent Jedi had shown remarkable proficiency in fighting styles and she usually was victorious in training drills and duels with her fellow students. Shaak had also studied military tactics and weaponry – an unusual course for a female Jedi at the time, but she enjoyed it – and learned all she could about the Force from Masters Yoda and Dooku. The general opinion around the Temple was that Shaak Ti would someday become a Jedi Master.
Shaak passed the Trial of Knighthood around her 17th birthday and soon also had an officer's commission in the Grand Army of the Republic. Lieutenant Ti was recognized for her excellence in tactics and strategy, skills that aided her eventual rise to the rank of General. She had cited her Togruta background and unique senses as being instrumental in her success at the ceremony honoring her promotion to General – which occurred around her 30th birthday. Soon after that, her proficiency in the Force raised her to Jedi Master at the relatively youthful age of 33, and at 35, Shaak became a member of the highly esteemed Jedi Council. All of her fellow masters were duly impressed with her progress and had congratulated her on this accomplishment. Shaak was known for being a quiet, contemplative woman, who only spoke when she had something to say. As Togruta aged at about 66% of the rate of most humans, Shaak's meteoric rise in the Order was truly remarkable. It began to be whispered around the Temple that she would be a serious candidate for the position of Master of the Order – second only to Grand Master in importance – but there was another individual that perhaps stood in her way: Master Mace Windu, an excellent swordsman and tactician himself, and also a close friend.
So there she was this particular morning, at the ranch, having filled her father in on the harrowing events on Coruscant and how she and Maris had made their escape. Mr. Ti thought all this over and had more to discuss with his daughter. A Jedi Master such as Shaak was permitted to return to her home world from time to time and she often kept in touch with her family, sometimes giving advice to her younger brother Tuuk as he matured as well. After the morning meal, her father lit a pipe containing some locally-grown substance (not the "buu'raa", something less hallucinogenic) and he opened the discussion.
"Shaak, my dear, have you given much thought about where you might go?"
"Yes … but I've come to no conclusions."
He took a drag on the pipe, then made a quizzical expression.
"You know, of course, that if what you say is true, they will be looking for you. You were very high in the Jedi Order and Palpatine will demand to know your whereabouts from Skywalker."
Shaak nodded, solemnly. "Absolutely. It means I cannot stay here without putting everyone in grave danger. But part of the reason I came here was so I might discuss these matters with the Elders."
Her father nodded slowly. "That might be valuable for you. I am not so conversant on the Force as you – and they – are. But what of your new friend, the Zabrak?"
Shaak smiled. "Maris is a loyal individual, only wanting to know where she fits in now that the Order has been blown up. I owe her a good and thorough training." She was drinking some hot herbal tea, and took a sip. "We have much to consider – not the least of which are the valuable Jedi holocrons I am carrying on my ship."
Kaa'shaan took another hit from the pipe, then spoke.
"The Elders may be able to help you store them here for a time. They will understand the significance of them. Tell me this – can anyone access their contents, or only a Master such as yourself?"
She chuckled. "It depends … but for the most part, they are inaccessible."
While they were conversing, Maris came in to join them, carrying a mug of the tea, provided to her by Shaak's mother Luu'maas. Shaak greeted her, while Kaa'shaan pointed to a chair, upon which Maris duly sat. She remained quiet while they continued to talk. Finally, she spoke up.
"Master Shaak, what is the plan? We can't stay here. I feel there is danger if we do."
Shaak nodded. "Yes, my friend. We will meet with the Elders later today. After that, the Force may show us the correct path."
Shili, the Temple , 18 BBY 11 months, 28 days, 12 hours
Shaak and Maris rode in a speeder belonging to her father's ranch and after a journey of about 120 km, came to a large wooden structure on a plain of reddish grasses. The structure was not immediately visible from a distance as its color made it blend into the background. As they debarked, a dignified-looking male Togruta greeted them. He immediately recognized Shaak. As she and Maris approached, he bowed before Shaak and kissed her hand when she offered it, as per Togruta custom.
"Greetings, Master Ti. It is good that you have come home. Will you join us?"
Shaak curtsied and lifted her skirt as she did so. "Thank you. I am honored. Elder Taa'kuu'saa, this is my apprentice, Maris Brood. She is one of the few remaining from the Order."
Maris then curtsied and the Elder bowed before her. "Greetings, Miss Brood, and welcome to Shili. I am a Kuu'gru, a spiritual leader of our people here."
They then silently followed the Elder into the wooden building. There were only a few people inside, all males, and they went on about their business, not paying much attention to Shaak. Taa'kuu'saa led his two guests to a seemingly empty shaft, then waved his right arm laterally. A platform seemed to just appear and the three of them mounted it as it descended into the ground, while the entrance overhead disappeared from view. After descending some twenty metres, the platform stopped and they stepped off of it and strode into a large underground enclosure. Maris, looking around in all directions as she tried to get her bearings, was quite curious. On the walls, she could make out carvings of various sorts that were of Togruta figures.
The Elder, seeing her curiosity, described their location.
"Miss Brood, you are now in an ancient Temple of our people and our spiritual heritage. I am a leader of this Temple."
He turned to Shaak. "Your father contacted me last night after you had returned home. He explained your situation – and the plight of the Jedi."
Shaak nodded tersely. "It is a grave time. We must go into hiding, the few of us that are left. At this point, the Force tells me that Maris and I are not the only ones … but I cannot concentrate on that now."
Taa'kuu'saa gazed into Shaak's dark eyes. "What do you need from us … if anything?"
She replied evenly. "The entire galaxy is now at risk, but, of course, most of the population will fail to see that. Many are likely happy that the War is over and the new Empire will restore order. My meditations have been telling me that."
Pausing for a minute, she continued. "We are carrying with us a cargo of great value. The bulk of the Jedi knowledge and study … in the form of many holocron devices. If we are ever to mount any kind of return to prominence, these will be crucial. My task now is to find a redoubt … a place I can repair to in order to plan the years ahead. My foremost immediate concern is to look after my apprentice here, Maris Brood. Her skills will need to grow so that she may help us recover."
The Elder nodded and activated a com device. He spoke in quiet tones, apparently summoning someone. Then he turned to Shaak.
"Lady Ti … esteemed Master, let me understand you through the Force."
He extended his hands, which Shaak grasped. She surged raw Force energy into him. As this took place, Maris looked on with awe. This part of the Jedi was never explained to me, she thought. The Elder calmly maintained Shaak's grasp, until about two full minutes had passed. He then spoke.
"Master, I now better understand. We Kuu'gru must now prepare. Our underground facilities must be carefully maintained. For now, we shall retain your precious cargo and divide it up according to your specification. If the new emperor is as you say, we must not furnish him any means of learning about us. We shall maintain our above-ground occupations and daily pursuits. Off-worlders are not familiar with deeper Togruta culture and methods. That is to our advantage. Let us meditate … together."
He turned to Maris and addressed her. "Young Miss Brood. Your role will become clearer as you gain further training. For now, please know that the Togruta people will be in your debt as you come to our aid in what may be our darkest hour."
Maris nodded, not really sure about what she was hearing, but she sincerely wanted to help. Soon a group of Togruta males arrived and were seated at a round table, where Shaak was placed in the position of honor. Among these men were the Kuu'gru leader Mee'luuk (whom we see in chapter 41 of Ahsoka and the Rebellion). Maris sat nearby, but as she was not a Togruta, she was not included in the discussion that ensued. The talk was mostly in the native language, called Togruti. The topics, in addition to what had been discussed previously between Shaak and Taa'kuu'saa, involved various Force-related concepts.
Among these included concealment of Force signature and preparation of various hidden vaults around the planet to hold Shaak's store of priceless Jedi holocrons. She did not mention that some of these were Sith holocrons, feeling that this detail should be her personal secret. Each holocron was packed into its own box and carefully wrapped, something Shaak had attended to during the journey from Coruscant.
When the discussion between Shaak and the Kuu'gru Elders had concluded, she took Maris aside and explained everything. Needless to say, the Zabrak had a few questions of her own.
"How long are going to stay here, Master?"
"For a few weeks, I believe. We will leave the family ranch so we do not put my parents and brother in danger and then we shall stay underground. They are preparing space for us."
Maris nodded. "How about the holocrons? They're still on your ship, I think."
"Yes. We will make plans to divide them up. Five locations have been suggested on the planet and the cargo will be conveyed to them. You and I will have to go back to the spaceport and tag everything with the proper location."
"Do you know where we might want to go from here?"
"Not precisely. We need to find a planet where the Dark Side energy is strong so that our signature will be concealed. Palpatine will want to know why we haven't shown up on the lists of Jedi that are accounted for as being dead. He won't likely worry too much about you, but I am a big target."
Maris sighed. "I have to help you, Master. If anything was to happen to you, what would I do? Where will I go? I cannot sit around and wait for the Empire to find me."
Shaak put an arm around the Zabrak's shoulders. "You will just have to trust me, Maris, and know that I will take care of you. We will find a way forward. However we must. It is not the Will of the Force for us to die. We might be the only Jedi left."
Shili, Corvala Spaceport, 18 BBY 11 months, 3 days, 10 hours
Shaak and Maris soon were able to get the holocrons transported and stored. Taa'kuu'saa, a Togruta Elder almost 150 years of age, was assisted by his able lieutenant, Elder Mee'luuk, himself around 110 years old. Both of them radiated a kind and gentle energy that gave Maris some hope. For the first time, she was learning about another species and their way of life. The Togruta struck her as eminently sensible people, who nonetheless found time to enjoy life while maintaining their basic dignity. Shaak was certainly no exception. Though she was relatively young, she seemed to command respect wherever she went on her home planet. Due to her association with the Jedi Master, Maris was also given respect and treated with kindness.
So now it was time to pick out a destination. After more meetings with the elders, Shaak brought up the planet Felucia. In earlier visits, she had noted the place had a strong Dark Side presence and it was now a relatively unsettled place for sentient life. It had been a battleground during the recently concluded war but the Empire saw little reason to colonize it and believed there were no significant raw materials to be found that were worth the effort. Rising early in their underground home among the Togruta elders, Shaak and Maris discussed the next move.
"Master, we have talked a little about going to Felucia. What is the plan? Can we visit and decide?" Maris asked Shaak.
"Yes. It's time. I have spent many sessions in meditation over the past weeks and we now must make our move. We go to Corvala today to get my ship ready," the Master replied.
Two hours later, they had arrived at the spaceport, where Intrepid was awaiting them. The ship was not terribly conspicuous from the outside, just a dull gray light freighter with mostly functional lines. But Shaak over the years had kept it in top running condition, changing parts as they wore out and doing regular maintenance. Starship mechanics was yet another area she had studied extensively while growing up in the Jedi Temple.
As she and Maris boarded, they were cleared for departure by Corvala control. As the Imperial Era began, not much changed outwardly in Corvala as the city continued to carry on trade and commerce as it had for hundreds of years. Most Togruta were relatively unconcerned with off-world affairs and few could afford a starship. Shaak took the helm of the ship and soon they had lifted off.
The trip to Felucia would take about 16 hours, as the Intrepid had a class 1.5 hyperdrive. In preparation for their trip, both women had purchased some basic items of clothing in Corvala and had also stocked the galley with basic food supplies. Togruta meat dishes were easily preserved via freeze-drying and storage was taken care of as well, and of course Shaak had many herbal foods and medicines on board as always.
After they had made the jump, Shaak got in a short meditation session and about two hours into the voyage, she asked Maris to train with her in the open area of the ship that had once been a cargo hold. She showed the Zabrak how to set lightsabres to "training mode" so that they would be non-lethal for basic sparring. There hadn't been much time for training at the Kuu'gru Temple and showing a lightsabre in public would be most unwise at this time, so this was the first real chance Shaak had to evaluate Maris's skill level. Maris still had the green-bladed sabre she had been issued by the Jedi, which she had kept in good working order and always had with her. Shaak of course had her blue blade that had been hers for a long time. It felt almost like an extension of her body as her Force ability had given her this capability for almost thirty years.
As they stepped into the open space, both Shaak and Maris bowed to each other. They were clad in simple black shorts and exercise bras.
"Get used to this attire. Felucia is a hot and humid place, not for those who like cold weather," Shaak noted.
Maris simply nodded.
The action started with Shaak taking a defensive pose and beckoning Maris to strike first. The Zabrak obliged, but moved cautiously as she'd never dueled with Shaak before and was unsure of what to expect. She raised her sabre and went for a basic thrust. Shaak's answer was to bend her knees slightly and strike upward sharply, which pushed Maris's blade away. She followed up with a downward slash that the Zabrak barely was able to block. Maris tried to recover and started swinging back and forth, a bit wildly. Shaak quietly shook her head, then made two precision slashes in tight, which pushed Maris back on her heels. Shaak followed up and pushed the advantage, as Maris lost her balance and fell on her rear end. Shaak switched off her blade and extended a hand, as Maris, feeling more than a little embarrassed, did the same and gratefully let her master pull her up to her feet.
"I can see we have some work to do," Shaak said quietly, her voice almost a purr. "No matter, when we're done, you will become the swordswoman you want to be."
Maris smiled. "Thank you, Master Shaak. I'm glad you didn't hold back. I needed to know my level." She paused, then chuckled. "I've never faced anyone with your level of ability. You are so … elegant. But deadly. Good thing we were on training settings."
"Well, I of course am a firm believer that sword work is only part of becoming a Jedi Knight. You also have to put in the time learning all you can – about many things. With me, we shall take that journey together. I'm most happy to have a student like you."
"Thank you, Master. I want to learn all I can." Maris replied.
"I know you do," Shaak smiled, then reached over and patted the Padawan on the shoulder. "Let's take a rest now."
Maris followed her into the lounge, and they sat down together. Then, surprisingly, Shaak waved a hand and a Jedi holocron flew into the room from an unseen location. As it appeared, Maris was at first surprised, but realized that her master was strong with the Force in more ways than she knew. Shaak set the holocron down on the table before them, then made some quick movements with her hands and it opened, revealing a display that acted as a kind of directory to the contents. Maris watched in rapt attention.
"My apprentice, from here you get your basic instruction to the skills and knowledge needed to become a Jedi Knight. You and I will spend some time over the next few days so I may provide your instruction."
Maris then responded. "I've never seen one of these before and had no idea how it worked or what was inside. This is kind of exciting. My first master never did this for me."
Shaak laughed. "Maybe he was working up to it. I am surprised, however, that he didn't spend much time on sabre forms with you."
"Oh, he did. It's just that I didn't get enough time to practice. He wasn't the kind of teacher that you are. I'm quite lucky that you were the one that saved me."
Maris wanted to hug Shaak, but the older woman's basic deportment made her hesitate. Shaak seemed like a rather formal person. She simply nodded, with the corners of her mouth turning upward slightly, giving a hint of a smile.
They talked some more, then Shaak prepared a small meal from the supplies they had loaded. An hour or so later, she recommended they both get some sleep as they needed to be sharp when they reached their destination.
Felucia, unknown location, 18 BBY 11 months, 1 day
The Intrepid dropped out of hyperspace and the blue and green disk of Felucia soon appeared before them.
"We're going to do some recon first," Shaak noted. "Then we can analyze where we might want to land."
Maris simply nodded as she stared straight ahead. She'd never been to this planet before, but that was hardly unusual. So far, most of the galaxy was quite unknown to her, aside from her home planet (Iridonia), Mandalore, Coruscant, and a few others.
As Shaak brought the ship into orbit, she started scanning for various life forms.
"Quite a large number of different plant species and the jungles are very thick. Clearly this planet has abundant water and the soil is very fertile. I'm picking up some larger animal species as well. But not so much in the way of sentient life. It seems almost abandoned." Shaak stated by way of review.
Eventually, she found an area that was somewhat clear and they agreed to make the landing. Once they were on the ground, Shaak did another scan and felt things were quiet enough for them to step outside and look around a bit. As they did, both of them quickly noticed the heat and humidity.
"We're going to need lighter clothes if we're going to stay here," Maris noted. "We must be near the equator, no?"
"I don't think we're that close, actually. The tilt of this planet on its axis is only a few degrees, so the seasons don't likely change all that much. Look around, dear Maris. See the amount of life this place supports. This is what I mean when I refer to somewhere being strong with the Force. But, as with all things, there must be balance. That means Light … and Dark."
As she spoke, her finely tuned senses detected a large creature in the distance. Soon, a giant beast stepped out from the trees and stared at the two Jedi. Maris, startled, quickly drew her lightsabre and was about to ignite it when Shaak raised her hand to stop her. Into the clearing had stepped a jungle rancor, a species akin to the rancors Maris was familiar with on Dathomir, the home of many Zabraks, which had been hers for a time. Those beasts usually had bad intentions and many of her fellow Zabraks – male and female – would test their courage in fighting with one.
"Master!" Maris gasped. "That's a rancor, it will kill us!"
Shaak waved her hand slightly and faced the beast, then spoke in a cloying manner, which quickly calmed it.
"Good day to you, friend … my name is Shaak, and this is Maris. We are just visiting today … and we would seek your kind indulgence."
Maris whispered next to Shaak's montrals. "What are you doing? You think he understands you?"
Shaak chuckled. "Of course he does. These species are semi-sentient. Yes, I know that others in the Galaxy keep them enslaved as 'pets', which they torture. The rancors now are very suspicious of other species."
Maris calmed down a little as she realized the creature had become somewhat docile. "You sure know what to say to them."
"It's not so much what one says … rather, how one says it."
The rancor started making some guttural sounds in a gentle tone, and Shaak continued to sooth it via the Force.
"We are looking for a new home, kind sir. We promise no harm will come to you. All who may come with us in the future will respect the natives of this planet – your home."
Shaak and the rancor continued to converse, while Maris looked on, this time more curious than astonished. Just another talent of my new master. This is going to be a great adventure, serving under her, she thought.
After the conversation was over, the rancor quietly left them and walked away in peace. Shaak motioned to the ship, and Maris followed her aboard.
"Time to meditate, my apprentice," she said, grasping both of Maris's hands and taking a reading via the Force. The girl was still somewhat troubled and Shaak calmly surged some warm energy into her. They then sat on the floor of the main room and started to meditate together, Shaak taking the lead and making some low-pitched humming sounds to set Maris's mind at ease and put her into a receptive mood.
"That's it, my child. Let the Force in."
To be continued …