Shaak and Maris – A Star Wars Story: Chapter 3 – Settling In

This installment in the back story covers the period of time when Shaak Ti and Maris Brood established their home on the jungle planet of Felucia. We mostly provide an overall narrative here as the two of them did not have very much contact with anyone else over these first couple of years after Order 66 and the Jedi Purge, which came to be known in the Galaxy as Empire Day, a holiday that Palpatine and his minions would observe with each passing year.

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Chapter 3: Settling In

Felucia, unknown location, 18 BBY 6 months

After a few months, Shaak and Maris had settled into a routine on Felucia. At first they lived entirely on the Intrepid, but Shaak wanted to start establishing a more permanent presence so they had constructed a shelter of sorts and had cleared some small areas in the Felucian jungle. The wildlife, such as it was at the time, varied greatly among both plants and animals, but the sentient species remaining on the world after the end of the Clone War were not sufficiently evolved to permit much communication. However, Shaak had some success with the jungle rancors and little by little, won them over with her creative use of the Force. They were the ones that helped her clear some of the jungle, along with both Maris and Shaak's use of their lightsabres.

The two Jedi spent much time together in training sessions, as Shaak instructed her apprentice on proper sabre forms and technique. Taking a "ground-up" approach, she first stressed building an air-tight defense and keeping oneself from being exposed. A lightsabre, properly used, could protect the wielder from most attacks, such as blaster fire and even slug-throwers. The Felucian environment, with its high humidity, was not conducive for blasters and so many of the pirate groups that had tried to settle there had to use more primitive weapons, most of which were ineffective against the rancors. Shaak soon realized the best way to settle more permanently on this planet was to prevent any others from doing so. The rancors were naturally suspicious of outsiders but came to understand that their sabre-wielding friends felt the same way. So long as they could live together in peace, a good working relationship was formed.

For building materials, they found that local wood was more than adequate to make sturdy structures and thus their rudimentary building became a home of sorts for them and allowed them to set up a simple kitchen where they could cook their meals. Amenities such as plumbing and electricity would have to wait.

One night, the two of them had sat down to a simple meal in their home. After consuming the basic meat and vegetables – a meal based on traditional Togruta eating habits – Shaak prepared a warm herbal beverage, made from some plantings that she had cultivated in the months since bringing them from Shili on a voyage. As they drank it together, Maris could feel her mind start to let go and relax.

"Master, by any chance, was this made from that plant your brother was smoking? Back when we first came to Shili after we escaped Coruscant."

Shaak laughed. "Not the same one, but one related to it. The Buu'raa is only one of what we call 'substances of imagination.' They help our minds find new ways to see things. I've finally been able to get this batch to bud. There were some challenges in getting them adapted to the rich Felucian soil."

Maris nodded. "So much to learn. But you think this planet is a good place for us now?"

Shaak nodded. "It's going to work out fine. The Force is very strong here. I'd never felt so much of it in the plants anywhere else. It permeates everything and there is a symbiosis between the animals and the jungle. We are going to look after things here."

"So, Master, what about the holocrons?"

"I've brought the first group of them and now we have to find a way to store them. A way to keep them safe. I've also been studying the seismic nature of the planet. There are many natural faults and strata – some of them not far below the surface. We could construct a vault."

"Really? How would it work?"

"Via the Force itself. I can open a fissure and we can enter it. When we are done with a particular visit, we exit and re-seal everything. It's the perfect setup. Unless you are looking for our holo devices, and know exactly where to stand, you won't be able to access them."

"I see. So we already have some of the knowledge?"

"We do. But we must be very careful with it until our new vault is ready."

"Do you need my help to build it?"

Shaak smiled at her now faithful apprentice. "That would be great. I won't need you to do too much. Mostly just observe how I make use of the Force."

"I look forward to helping you."

Left unspoken by Maris was the fact that life on Felucia was mostly quiet and peaceful – yet achingly dull. Still, the young woman was fully aware that she was fortunate to be alive at this time in the Galaxy. Elsewhere, Darth Vader, the onetime Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, had created his own custom lightsabre after having returned to the site of his defeat by Obi-Wan Kenobi, the molten satellite of the planet Mustafar in the Galactic Southern reaches. Vader was scouring the Galaxy, looking for any surviving Jedi and Force users and had some success in finding them. Those unlucky enough to be found by him were quickly terminated. One such Jedi had been the source of Vader's new lightsabre, whose crystal he had removed and then "bled" to turn red.

Meanwhile, Vader's onetime Padawan, the Togruta Ahsoka Tano, had faked her death and gone into hiding, eventually making her way to the Southeastern part of the Outer Rim, to a dusty and quiet planet called Thabeska. She had used her skills as a pilot and mechanic to gain employment with the Fardi clan, a family of smugglers. Ahsoka had changed her name to Ashla and knew that she must never allow anyone to learn of her real identity and her great ability with the Force. Her twin blue lightsabres were also nothing but a memory, a necessary part of her that was left behind, to make her "death" seem convincing to anyone who came upon her improvised "burial" site, a planet called Denova, not far from Mandalore and Dathomir, in the Northeast region of the Outer Rim. But, during the times she would meditate alone, Ahsoka resolved to someday fashion a new set of sabres that would truly reflect her personality. That day seemed far away at this time.

At times, Shaak would think about Ahsoka during her daily meditations on Felucia, as she also wondered how many other ex-Jedi had survived and where they might be. Somewhere, however, the Force seemed to be telling her that more than a few still remained – but who they were was a mystery to her at this time. Her own survival, and that of Maris, had become her primary concern. As the planet was lush with greenery, there was plenty to eat and abundant water. Over time, the two of them had settled into a routine, one that included daily training sessions and time spent reviewing the basic knowledge that Shaak had found on the first set of holocrons she had brought to the planet.

One night, her mind began to fix itself on other facets and aspects of the Force. A particular holocron – one she gave the number 12 – that was ostensibly about Jedi and Sith history had taken her mind down a new path. Shaak started to express herself quietly in her thoughts …

So here we are, half a year later. Things seem to be quieting down a little as the remaining Jedi go into hiding like we have done. How many are there? It's too soon to know, but the Force is telling me they are out there. Surely, Master Yoda must be among them. He would have known what to do, just as I did. Keeping the Temple knowledge safe. That felt like the right thing to do ... and since that day, the Force has answered me in kind. Now I have so much time before me. I shall come to discover much that I did not know before, because there wasn't any time. In a way, I am glad the War is over, despite how it ended. The War was cannibalizing us, changing our very essence. Most of us were not ready for the hard times it brought upon us.

What shall I do now? I only know I must get stronger. There are powers and abilities I must master. And I also must help Maris gain more of her own ability. She will be strong in the Force someday, I can foresee it. Her heart is in the right place ... she looks to me to guide her - in everything. I feel she was not trained well by her former master ... but no matter. There will be plenty of time for her to learn the right habits and approach. Her training goes well thus far. She pays close attention and I particularly like her overall fitness. Maris is strong and works hard. How lucky I was - and she was too – that she arrived when she did on Coruscant. Someday we may start a new order of Force wielders, and we will challenge Palpatine and Vader. But we are very far from this kind of talk. My purpose now is to learn all I can.

Felucia, unknown location, 18 BBY 1 month

After the rest of the year had elapsed, Shaak and Maris had made much progress. They had returned to Shili and met with the Ti Family, where Shaak explained to her father what her ultimate plans were. They also met again with the Kuu'gru Elders and reviewed their progress. At this time, Shaak had begun construction of a temporary vault for the holocrons as her rancor friends had directed her to a cave deeper into the jungle. Most of the holocrons remained on Shili in various secret locations known only to Shaak and the Council of Elders.

They also brought a pair of speeder bikes from Shili, which would greatly help them to explore the Felucian surface. They also took along a portable generator which could be recharged from the ship. Shaak spent much time studying the various flora of the planet and was able to determine which plants would be suitable as food, while also analyzing them for possible medicinal properties. She then realized that this environment might well be superior to Shili for this purpose.

Maris spent her time hunting for prey they could eat, and found no shortage of smaller game that cooked up tasty when using Shaak's spicy herbs. Growing up on Iridonia, Maris was not discovered by the Jedi until she was about four years old. The Knight who found her (also a Zabrak from this same world) around 36 BBY later brought her to Coruscant and she joined the other younglings in the Temple. From a very early age, the young Zabrak showed her resourcefulness. Although seemingly not a bookish sort, she nonetheless spent time in the Jedi archives and library and did her homework.

Though she knew little about her family's history prior to her birth, Maris never really had much desire to learn of it. The Zabrak species are usually independent minded, but she wasn't given a choice. The Jedi became her "family" as such, and they, like they did with all their young trainees, tried to mold her into their idea of the model adherent, one that would grow up to follow the teachings of the Jedi Code. The young Maris was taught to not form attachments and learn all she could about the Force. The problem for her was that her master was not well-suited to train his young Padawan when she was given to him around her fifteenth birthday. But she did her best to follow his teachings, as imperfect as they were, and she fought valiantly when the war began and the two of them helped to destroy many Separatist forces.

The problem was that Maris carried with her a large amount of fear. She was terrified of what might happen to her if her master were to die – but that day came nonetheless. Yet it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Because it was then that she first met Master Ti, someone she'd heard about but didn't really know. Now, after almost a year with Shaak, Maris was feeling more than grateful. Shaak was the mother figure she'd never had, and now realized she'd always wanted. Yes, the Jedi Order drummed the "no attachments" dogma into her brain and there was a time when she could dutifully recite Master Yoda's exhortations about fear, anger, and hatred, and the need to "let go of what you fear to lose," but she'd never really bought in completely, and now, here was Shaak, a person of major importance in the Jedi Order, telling her to embrace her emotions and learn to trust, cherish, and accept.

With all of this running through her mind, Maris decided to ask her new master some questions that she had been thinking about. They had just concluded a rigorous training session, which consisted of running through the Felucian jungle and cutting away much underbrush with their lightsabres. Both Shaak and Maris were wearing minimal clothing and were barefooted. Shaak believed that peak physical fitness was an absolute must if someone wanted to be a true warrior. Only then could that person say she or he was ready for whatever came her or his way. As they sat down together on the jungle floor, Shaak took her apprentice's hands and started to probe her consciousness. Maris relaxed and accepted the interaction. When Shaak had finished, she released Maris's hands and began to meditate. At that moment, the apprentice then asked:

"Master, we haven't talked much about the Jedi over this past year. Any reason why?"

"Maris, I've been meditating on it for most of the year. Would you like to get into details?"

"Yes, Master. I would like that very much."

Shaak smiled, then drew a breath and exhaled.

"I've come to realize and understand a number of things. You probably don't know this, but you are the third Padawan I have had over my career. The other two didn't go so well."

Maris looked at her intently. "What happened?"

"Both of them were killed by members of criminal organizations. I was really not prepared then for this responsibility."

"I hope you are now, Master Shaak." Maris said in a deadpan tone, but Shaak could sense her uneasiness.

"Much has happened since, my dear. I've come to see you as more than just a student. You are my friend and I will help you become strong. Together, we will be a force to be reckoned with."

Maris stared at her for a second, then relaxed as her lips curled into a smile.

"I have to believe that, Master. Already I have learned from you about sabre forms and technique. I once was so sloppy. But it almost didn't matter against those droids."

"True." Shaak laughed. "They were crude approximations of cyber warriors. Their makers were more concerned with quantity than quality. Overwhelm with numbers, that was Dooku's philosophy during the war." She paused a second, then seemed to sigh slightly. "A pity, actually, when I think of the kind of swordsman and gentleman he once was."

Maris perked up a bit at that. "Really? Did you serve with him at one time?"

"When I was much younger. He took interest in me, praised my innate Force ability and sabre handling skill. I decided to master the Makashi, the Second Lightsabre form, as he was an expert in it. I was interested in becoming his Padawan but he had other plans."

Maris nodded, then looked at her as if to say ... "tell me more."

Shaak smiled and chuckled. "Well, little did I know it at the time, but my friend the Count was slowly growing disenchanted with the Jedi Order. He believed that we had grown stagnant and ossified – set in our ways – and were slow to respond to the challenges."

Maris looked confused, and shook her head slightly. "What challenges?"

"Defending the Republic. I was only 19 years of age when Finis Valorum became the Supreme Chancellor. He was basically a good man, wanting to govern fairly, but things were happening too quickly. The Corporate Alliance was on the move and so was the Trade Federation. After Valorum won a second term of office, the plotting against him got under way. His political enemy, Senator Taa, revealed that a huge amount of money had been transferred into the Valorum Family accounts. The matter went to the Internal Activities Committee and Valorum denied any wrong-doing, but his political influence was severely weakened."

Maris was paying close attention as Shaak recited the recent history. "Yes, Master, I remember learning in the Temple about how the Chancellor was later forced out of office. Padme Amidala had something to do with it."

"That is correct. But I seriously doubt she was the real influence. When Valorum was voted out, Senator Palpatine took his place ... now he is the Emperor. A Sith Lord they call Darth Sidious."

"How did you learn of these details?"

"The word has been quietly circulating through the Galaxy. Our friends on Shili, the Elders, have become aware of this via their strong sense of the Force. I have since been able to confirm it."

Maris again thought for a minute, then asked. "Master, what happened to Master Jocasta? After we left Coruscant."

"She and I have been in communication, via a secret link. She has gone into hiding but is somewhere in the Core region. Jo has also learned – she didn't say how, exactly – that Master Yoda and Master Kenobi are also still alive, somewhere in the Galaxy, likely the Outer Rim Territories."

"That's a very large area. They could be very hard to find," Maris noted.

"True, indeed, my dear, but I am starting to see that we may have more resources than we originally realized. We are going to set up channels of communication in the months to come, if possible."

"Do you have hope that we can do that?"

"Yes. The Force is telling me I can find them. I'm going to reach out. With that generator, I can rig up a continuous signal that will send a Force alert. If they are out there, I may be able to locate them."

"Master, can you keep the Empire from tracking these signals?"

"We can. They will be along a frequency that they do not use. I've also spent some time in recent weeks monitoring their communications so I know much of their methods. Of course, these could be changed, but currently, they have no reason to think anyone is plotting against them. They mostly think the Jedi have been eliminated, and it's just a matter of consolidating their power."

"Nice ..." Maris chuckled.

"You see, dear, I have been reviewing the contents of the holocrons we now have with us. There is much content on them but I have already learned about something known as Force Transmission – an ancient power that we could have made good use of during the War – and it will not be trackable except by a very sophisticated Force user. Palpatine is such a user, but even he cannot see everything at all times. We are going to do this. It may take some time, but we have plenty of that."

"Indeed, Master. I'm excited about this, though. It's like we can start to fight back." Maris nodded to Shaak.

"Yes my dear. Yes." Shaak then pulled her apprentice close and gave her a long hug. The two felt closer than ever. In the days to come, there would be much to do. Shaak had big plans and only now was starting to share them.

To be continued ...