Shaak and Maris – A Star Wars Story: Chapter 5 – Stirrings in the Force

The events depicted in this chapter all take place around the same time. We introduce two new characters here.

Chapter 5: Stirrings in the Force

Wild Space, East of the Outer rim, 17 BBY, 2 months

A small starship came in for a landing on the planet Drongar, a quiet world on the Wild Space reaches beyond the Eastern section of the Galaxy. The planet was hot and humid and had considerable water, and was populated by spores that were dangerous to inhale. As the single occupant of the ship got ready to debark, she donned something like a gas mask and then clipped her lightsabre to her belt. The ex-Jedi was a Mirialan woman, who had worked hard and made it through the Trials of Knighthood in her last year with the Order, but was not on Coruscant when Order 66 was issued by the new Emperor, Sheev Palpatine. But the Force had reached out to her and she sensed a profound change in things as her keen intuition told her things had gone wrong, terribly wrong.

So the next two years or so went slowly, as she carefully explored Outer Rim worlds and laid low, sometimes posing as a bounty hunter, other times picking up contract work for the Black Sun organization. In a quiet, methodical way, she slowly added credits to a bank account she had opened on the Corporate Sector world of Issagra. The lady preferred to cover her face much of the time and wore dark clothing that was dull in color and called no attention to herself. Along the way, she had learned about the Inquisitors, even paying an Imperial commander for information for which she had traded sexual favors. For the most part, she blended in well and was never detected by those who might do her harm.

But this time, she had returned to this planet where she had been some four years prior, in search of an almost magical herb that had incredible healing powers, which had once been greatly sought after by Black Sun and the Hutt crime family as well. However, this time, she had no intention of sharing any of it with those groups. Bota, as few understood, was also a substance that could greatly enhance a user's Force sensitivity and power, and she desired to get her hands on it again so as to carefully study it. Back in 21 BBY, there were battles on the planet between the Republic and the Separatists, but it was generally believed that bota was no longer available on the planet and had mutated into an ordinary plant species. But her senses told her otherwise. It was almost as if the Force itself was calling to her and leading her to this place as she landed and debarked. The lady had walked about five hundred metres when her senses told her to stop … this is the place, she thought, and looked around carefully, then she saw it.

Stretching ahead of her for what seemed at least a kilometre, was a field of a mossy green plants tinged with purple, which gave off a most serene odor, one that beckoned. Come here, friend, look no further. But as she started toward the field, suddenly her eyes caught sight of another person, who quickly stepped in front of her. This one seemed to be human and was rather tall, well over two metres in height. She spoke softly as she revealed herself, clad in a shimmering gown of many colors and a luxurious light white robe that caught any light and reflected it back. "Good day," she said and looked into the lady's eyes. "May I help you? What is your name?"

The lady twitched a little, clearly taken by surprise. Drongar was supposedly uninhabitable, but here was a large humanoid figure in front of her, not wearing any kind of mask. "My name is Vacle," she said gently, feeling something for the larger woman, who smiled and said, "and I ... am Su."

Ruusan, Mid Rim, 17 BBY, 2 months

After some earlier failed attempts, Shaak was able to raise Bail Organa after another visit to The Wheel, where they communicated via coded messages. He was most interested in meeting with her, as she would be only the third surviving Jedi Master and former member of the Council. They agreed on a trip to Ruusan, a Mid-Rim world not more than a 10 hour trip from Felucia. When Shaak and Maris arrived in the Intrepid, they made contact with Organa, whose ship Tantive IV was awaiting them and docked with it. He agreed to come aboard Intrepid, as he was eager to see Shaak and how she had been. She greeted him warmly, and introduced him to Maris.

"Senator Organa … how good it is to see you."

"Master Ti – I feel the same, how great it is that another Jedi has survived."

They exchanged hugs, then Maris joined them, and stood, smiling.

"Bail … this is my new apprentice … Maris Brood. We met on the fateful day and she has been with me ever since."

He bowed and shook the Zabrak's hand.

"Pleased to meet you, as well, Maris."

Shaak gestured for them to be seated in her lounge area on the Intrepid, which doubled as a conference area.

"Might I get you something, Senator? I have delicious herbal beverages, that are sure to please," she said with a laugh.

He nodded and she poured him a glass using the Force and handed it to him.

"Thank you, Shaak." He took a sip and nodded. "Nice flavor."

She chuckled, then got down to business.

"I understand that you are organizing an 'underground' resistance movement to the Empire, is that accurate?"

"It is. But we are very small at present. Would you be interested in joining us … or perhaps assisting in some way?"

Shaak took a deep breath and smiled. "I would. What would you say are your current needs?"

"More along the lines of intelligence. We need to know Imperial ship movements and patterns of deployment, if we are to begin work on a base."

"I see," she nodded. "At the current time, what are your capital assets – ships, troops, funds, and the like?"

He took a breath. "I am working with two other Senators – Mothma of Chandrila, and Bel Iblis of Corellia. As of now, we only have a handful of ships, but in the future, we should be able to procure more of them. We would also be able to find possible crew members between our three planets."

Shaak nodded. "You are referring to, of course, Alderaan – in addition to Chandrila and Corellia?"

"Yes. And we probably have the best source of credits on Alderaan … perhaps several million are available."

"Very good." She chuckled. "At least we have something to build on." She took another breath, then continued. "I have been working on building a communications relay system that would enable us to set up a sort of network. Currently I am working in the Thanium and Tion sectors, close to the important munitions world of Lianna, where they build the TIE line of ships, among other things."

Organa smiled. "This is a good start, indeed. Shaak, I'd always been told how clever you are and about your tactical brilliance. Are you comfortable with disclosing your current situation at this time?"

"At this point, we are keeping that on a need-to-know basis. Perhaps a show of good faith on your part might prove useful."

"Very well, Master Ti. We too have started building an intelligence capability. An old friend of yours – a fellow Togruta – is heading that effort up. If I tell you more, you will be certain to guess whom that might be. But can we be frank, here? Between you and Maris, and a couple of others, the number of remaining Jedi we know of is five individuals. There may well be more, however."

"Ah. There are two that I have become aware of – Masters Kenobi and Yoda. Both on the Outer Rim, somewhere."

Organa seemed a bit surprised by this. "Have you been in touch with either?"

"Not I, but I have been led to believe – by my source – that they are alive and well."

"Would this source be – by any chance – another Jedi?"

"Yes. She is the one who awakened me on the fateful day and we made our joint plans to escape. Maris had just arrived on Coruscant and we agreed she would go with me."

"And you are referring to?" Bail ventured.

"Master Nu. My longtime friend and ally. I cannot divulge her current whereabouts now."

"Very well, Shaak. I will tell you the name of our new operative."

"The Togruta?"

He nodded. "Ahsoka Tano."

Shaak gave an audible sigh of relief. "I am most gratified to learn that. So now we are six."

Wild Space, Drongar, 17 BBY, 2 months

"Pleased to meet you, Madam Su," Vacle said softly. "Does this field belong to you?"

The larger female smiled. "Yes, it is my recent planting. It is coming along nicely, wouldn't you say?"

Vacle knelt in front of the plants and breathed in the air around them. A strange tingle shot through her system. This batch of bota seemed quite potent. "Y-Yes … is it ready for harvest?"

Su laughed heartily. "Are you some type of farmer? The bota are never to be seen as a mere product."

She held her hands out in front of her and suddenly, a small electric current seemed to emanate from her palms and it struck Vacle in the mid-section. But instead of it doing any apparent harm, the warmth it produced seemed to soothe her, almost like a form of massage. After about a minute of this treatment, Vacle started feeling dizzy, and Su stepped forward and caught her body as it fell into her hands. Su then levitated Vacle off the ground and then seemed to float herself and they were whisked away to a place nearby.

When Vacle awoke, Su was peering over her. "Ah, my Jedi friend, are you feeling better now?"

She looked up at Su, who was smiling gently in a maternal manner. "Where am I now?"

Su chuckled, then shook her head. "My dear Padawan Offee, didn't they teach you in Jedi School that it was impolite to answer a question with a question?"

"Huh?" Vacle gasped. "How did you …"

"Well then. I will assume that you are feeling better. Would I be correct?"

"Yes, madam. Quite correct. My apologies."

Vacle was feeling awake, but a strange energy she had never felt before was coursing through her. Su had produced a small cup and had opened Vacle's mouth and was pouring it down her throat. It all happened too quickly for her to do anything about. And soon, a very different feeling was present, a feeling of desire, for a number of things.

Su smiled, then levitated Vacle into a comfortable chair with a number of soft cushions. They appeared to be in some type of dwelling but not much was clear, as her head had trouble focusing. Her eyes cleared and it seemed the beverage she had just consumed was starting to work, but what was it doing, exactly? Su continued to stare at her and was now seated on a cushion of something resembling a throne, which was inlaid with gold and many different colored gemstones, each polished to a fine detail. Her gown continued to gleam and she had doffed her robe, now showing a finely chiseled physique, with broad shoulders and long, muscular arms and legs. Even her neck muscles looked supremely fit.

"Let me ask you something, Padawan. Why did you come here?"

Vacle stared ahead, but realized she had better be on her best behavior. The Force energy emanating from Su was on a level she had never before experienced, but instead of it terrifying her, it made her relax, and gave her a feeling of security.

"Madam Su, I am a scientist and I study the Force. I have come to Drongar to investigate a new planting of bota. The Force had revealed it to me. You see, I was here about four years ago when the earlier crop failed and …"

Su cut her off. "There you go again, using agricultural terminology. You and your fellow privateers from the Republic and their so-called opposition had to have learned a lesson four years ago. How many had to die over bota? Those in this galaxy really ought to learn respect and better manners."

Vacle thought about it for a second and realized the woman was right. "My apologies, Su. We were just very interested in the properties of the bota."

Su scoffed softly. She seemed to be a very proper individual. "I am not interested in the motives of people who see everything as a source of profit. Let's talk about you, then I will tell you about me. Your name, though for some reason you prefer to conceal it, is Barriss Offee, from the planet Mirial, in the northeastern outer rim of your galaxy. You were in the organization calling itself the Jedi and were – from all appearances – a devout follower. But now your life has been flipped and you have nothing to belong to."

Vacle realized that Su had unusual access to information, and also realized it might not be wise to ask how she knew all of these things. So she realized she had little choice but to "come clean" and hope Su might be some kind of benefactor.

"Yes, what you said is true. I was Barriss Offee, but I cannot go by that name any longer, as I will be found and killed. I want to live. I think things will be better in the future. The bota was my hope of realizing greater powers that I might use to defend myself."

Su seemed to smirk for a split-second, then turned serious. She rose, then walked over to Barriss and waved a hand over her, silently scanning. Satisfied, she put her hand on the top of Barriss's head firmly and sent more energy into her.

"How does that feel, young lady?"

"Kind of nice, actually. No one ever did that for me before."

Su removed her hand, then invited Barriss to sit next to her on her throne. "No? You deserve to have it done, often. I see great promise in you. Tell me something more, Padawan. Have you ever left this galaxy before?"

Barriss shook her head, then remarked, "I'm actually a Knight now, or I was. My work with bota helped me gain the title. I was becoming a healer."

Su laughed. "And you enjoyed that, no? Gave you a sense of fulfillment, did it not?" Barriss nodded, as Su continued. "Come with me and you shall have new opportunities that you never dreamed were possible."

Barriss thought it over and was curious about this strange woman. "You said you would tell me about yourself. What should I know about you? You seem very powerful."

Su stood for a minute and tossed her head forward. She removed what looked like a golden clip and her hair came cascading out in a long river of blondish locks, almost reaching the floor below the throne. She produced a sort of brush and set to smoothing her mane carefully.

"Miss Barriss. I told you my name is Su. A very short name, but it is all I need. I am an Empress of everything – all galaxies, all worlds, all aspects of the Force. I have existed for a very long time. What is my purpose, you may ask. To hold all knowledge and rule all I see – yet, only if it is my desire. My desire may be endless, or it may be very focused. I am someone who is never in a hurry. I have no enemies, for I cannot be destroyed by the feeble powers that have been raised in this rather young galaxy. What do I want most of all? Companionship. Someone to share my knowledge and someone to give my powers to. Might you be the one? Time will tell …"

Barriss thought a bit about what Su had told her. It seemed wildly fantastic, almost as if her new acquaintance was testing her in some way. She wasn't sure just what to think, when Su wrapped one of her long arms around her and surged more warmth into her, which had a mildly intoxicating effect. The kind of power she had wasn't the blunt unfocused torrent that Vader or Sidious might deliver, but the overall effect was even more effective. Su started caressing Barriss's hair and massaging her back and shoulder muscles, all the while continuing to surge ever more energy into her. Barriss could not begin to understand what was happening to her, only that she liked it and wanted it to continue.

Ruusan, Mid Rim, 17 BBY, 2 months

Shaak and Maris continued the discussion with Senator Bail Organa.

"Of course, Senator, you well know that we have to always be mindful of Palpatine and his pet, Anakin … who now calls himself Vader."

Organa nodded, with a slight smirk. She continued.

"We cannot afford to make any miscalculations where he is concerned. For a thousand years, we Jedi had been told – and taught – that the Sith were a historical relic. Now, it seems, we Jedi are in danger of becoming the same. Could you perhaps fill me in on Padawan Tano?"

Feeling that Shaak was someone who would be even more protective of Ahsoka than he was, Organa shared the details of her life, including the rescue operation on Raada and the death of the Sixth Brother. Shaak listened intently.

"Ah … I'm proud of what she has done thus far. Ahsoka has always been quick to learn and a bold user of the Force. But now she is also learning the value of restraint and patience."

"Would you care to contact her?"

Shaak shook her head slowly. "I think, at this point, it would be best if she felt she was really the only Jedi out there. If she were to understand the truth, her current mode might possibly change – and not in a good way. As I am not prepared to take her on as another apprentice – Maris deserves my full attention – It would be best right now for her to continue on her current operational mode. But … this 'sixth brother' – clearly he was not an independent operator. What do you make of him?"

"I agree. Vader may have recruited him, if not Palpatine himself. The Emperor – it has been whispered – would like to eliminate any and all other Force-sensitive and active people in the Galaxy. It stands to reason that they have recruited a group to assist them in accomplishing this."

Shaak scoffed. "Palpatine is kidding himself if he thinks it will be so easy. There will always be those whom the Force chooses to present itself to. But we must be mindful. My people back on Shili have already taken precautions. They have no desire to be drawn into any confrontations with the Empire."

"Understandable. So, Shaak, have you any ideas on how we might proceed from here?"

"Too early to do anything more than start to organize. Your decision to have Ahsoka work in an intelligence capacity seems a wise one. Maris and I will do the same and we may even reach out to her at some point for the purpose of exchanging information and relaying it onward."

"Thank you … so, Shaak, is there anything we can do for you?"

"Yes. I would like to know of both Master Yoda and Master Kenobi's whereabouts, at least with regard to planet and sector. I want them to know that I am still in the game, so to speak."

"I can give you that now. Yoda is on the planet Dagobah, in the Sluis Sector on the southern Outer Rim, while Kenobi is on Tatooine, in the Arkanis Sector on the southeastern Outer Rim."

"Hmm. That was also where Anakin Skywalker originally came from."

"Ironic, isn't it?"

"Very much so," Shaak chuckled. "Well, Senator, this has been a most worthwhile meeting – for both of us. We are going to take our leave, but we will continue to reach out. You may inform Senators Mothma and Bel Iblis that I am also with the resistance. May the Force with you – with us all."

"With you, especially, Master Ti … and Padawan Brood. It's great to have both of you."

With that, Bail Organa exited the Intrepid and returned via the airlock to Tantive IV.

Shaak turned to Maris, who had mostly stayed silent during the conversation with Organa. "We've a journey ahead of us. Set our course for Dagobah."

"Yes, Master. That should take about 20 hours, based on my calculations."

"Good. I … we – should have plenty of time to meditate and do some training."

Wild Space, Drongar, 17 BBY, 2 months

Barriss Offee was feeling so relaxed with Su that she fell into a deep sleep, so her hostess on Drongar Force-carried her to a guest room in the mysterious structure they were in, one that could not be seen at all from the outside as it was made of a substance that completely reflected any and all light from whatever source. Su had disappeared temporarily when Barriss awoke, so the Mirialan ex-Jedi looked around her room, which was completely white – the walls, floor, ceiling – except for a large window on one side that afforded a view of what seemed to be the outside.

She arose, and started to walk over to the window, and soon noticed an incredible lightness in her steps. But this wasn't like being intoxicated. She felt very much awake and refreshed, and started to wonder about Drongar – was it like this when I was here before? I cannot recall. As Barriss gazed out of the window, she could seemingly see several kilometres, across fields, streams, and rolling hills. It seemed that the structure she was in had been built on the top of a hill itself, but nothing felt solid, or established.

She only knew she was already quite fond of Su, but had only just met her. A few minutes later, Su returned, striding purposefully into the room. She had changed into a lighter version of her earlier gown, which still consisted of many colors, perhaps an attempt to reproduce a visible light spectrum. Everything about this wondrous woman was a total mystery.

"Good day to you, Padawan Offee. Have you enjoyed the trip?"

"What trip, Madam Su?"

"Oh, we've navigated to the other side of your little galaxy."

Barriss was stunned. How was this even possible?

Su, clearly anticipating her every thought, came to her and gently extended her arms and Barriss fell lovingly into them. Su smiled at her in a maternal way, then spoke.

"I see you are having trouble conceiving how that might be possible. We simply took an alternate route – a "short cut" if you will. We are now on the western reaches, a place, I believe, they call the "unknown regions" – unknown to you, but not to me."

"What kind of ship did we use, Madam Su?"

Su laughed softly, then kissed her tenderly on the forehead. "Why, Miss Barriss, we are still on it."

Barriss again was stunned. "H-How? This looks like a planet, or at least a moon. It's beautiful out there. I thought we were still on Drongar."

"Oh, no, my friend. This is one of my ships – but it is not like what any of you might call it. It is a world-ship, if you may wish to call it as such. I can convert its surface detail in any configuration I wish. Normally I am a person that loves beautiful things and colors, so I prefer this design. I am pleased you like it."

"Madam Su, are we alone on this … world ship? And, may I ask, how is it powered? It is incredibly massive."

Su laughed again. "I can create miniature stars, and I use them to power everything. The basic building blocks of the universe. Meant for me to shape as I see fit. I told you I was an Empress of everything."

Barriss figured she had to be in some kind of crazy dream and wondered when she was going to awaken. Was this the effect of the bota?

"Indeed you did, Madam Su. But do you ever get lonely? I suppose it's a silly question."

"Oh no, Miss Barriss. There are no silly questions, only answers – and solutions … to everything. Life in the universe is always a process of education. I am a generous sort. I have had many companions over the millennia … each one someone to remember. Sometimes I create my own – other times I invite someone to join with me. I would like to extend my welcome to you."

"I see," Barriss said slowly. "Why me?"

"You are a unique being, Miss Offee. One that deserves a more rounded experience in her life. You were part of the Jedi Order in this galaxy, but more than that, you are a healer – and I see great promise in you. In other galaxies, there are similar organizations, all for one purpose – to discover the Force. With me, your discovery will continue."

"Are you on the Light Side or the Dark?"

"Neither … or both. I dislike simple categorization."

"Why is that, if you don't mind me asking? We were taught that the Dark Side must be resisted, whatever it took," Barriss said more emphatically.

Su caressed Barriss's hair again, lovingly. "Of course you were. That is the Jedi dogma. So fearful of natural emotion and thought, that they kidnap children and raise them almost as laboratory subjects. And at the same time, convince the parents that this is the honorable thing to do."

"Hmm, when you put it like that …" Barriss murmured. "So, how might you describe yourself, regarding the Force?"

Su smiled. "Why, my dear, that is simple. I am a creature of the Force – in all of its manifestations. I wear many colors because I pay respect to all shades of life and its many possibilities. And, in turn, I am guided by this understanding. I have lived for a very long time. I have watched the history of your galaxy for millennia, observed the follies and missteps, along with the occasional flashes of insight and brilliance. The pattern repeats elsewhere. It is the way of things."

Barriss sat silently, wondering how to process all of this, but realized her journey with Su was only beginning.

"What should I do next, Madam Su?"

"Return to your current life for a time. I will give you a small amount of the substance your galaxy calls the bota. Mine is the pure extract of Force knowledge and ability, which the untrained novices were searching for but never obtained. Mine does not "mutate" nor does it expire. But it must be used carefully or great harm will result. Under no circumstances are you to share this substance with anyone. I will also give you the instructions for how to use it in a miniature holocron. And I will transport you to your home planet of Mirial. Already, your starship has been made ready and given certain "adjustments" that will make you invisible to anyone that might want to track you or do you harm."

"Thank you, Madam Su. I don't know what else to say."

"That is fine, dear Barriss. After a time, I shall return to you and we will talk. I expect your knowledge to grow greatly before then."

"How will I know you have come back?"

"You will know. One thing you must understand. I see everything."

"So you will be watching me?"

"As the need arises, my dear."

Barriss watched as her new benefactor walked away slowly, her beautiful gown swaying and catching the light. A few minutes later, she returned, with a translucent white robe over her shoulders that draped behind her in a sort of short train.

"All preparations have been made, my friend. Come with me, please."

Barriss followed obediently. Su extended new garments for the Mirialan, a white gown, of a unique fabric lighter than air, which seemed to be crafted from a very unique substance – there were no seams or signs that it had created by anyone other than Su herself. As Barriss donned it, suddenly she felt enveloped in a new kind of energy field, one that made her tingle for a minute, then delivered a warmth. She was then given a light multicolored robe – not as spectacular as one of Su's gowns, but still quite special. Su draped it over her new adherent.

"Follow me outside." As they walked through the halls of the white structure, they eventually were outside its walls, again standing in a field of greenery that was tinted with violet.

"The bota, my dear Barriss." Su spread her arms majestically, as if taking it all in. "Now we ride."

Suddenly, the light in the air disappeared and was replaced by the blackness of space. Stars appeared and disappeared, but otherwise there was no sign whatsoever that they were in motion. Barriss felt compelled to stand next to Su, who happily welcomed her. They embraced tenderly, smoothing each other's garments. Barriss again allowed herself to be carried away in the bliss of finding true peace and tranquility – a feeling she would come to love and wish for continually.

After what may have been a few minutes – although it seemed more like hours – the sky above started to lighten slightly and what appeared to be a planet came into view on the horizon. As it grew larger, the image started to rise in the sky. Soon, Barriss could discern the details of her home world. The planet was a dull olive green in color, marked here and there by large bodies of water, which caused the skies above to have much cloud cover. Mirial was usually a cooler world and most of its inhabitants lived near the planet's equator.

Su took Barriss in her arms and gave her a gentle, lingering kiss on her lips. Barriss felt one last exchange of energy and knew that she would soon be saying farewell to her new friend, a bittersweet sensation to be sure. She had so many questions she hardly knew where to start. Her repaired and refitted starship suddenly appeared and as she started to board it, Su handed her a small vial of bota and the promised holocron, a pyramid-shaped device about three centimetres high. A last quick kiss and Barriss was soon on her way. As she approached her planet, she looked back, but there was no trace whatsoever of Su's strange "world-ship." She wondered if this had all been a dream, but she had the bota and the holocron, plus the beautiful, unique gown and robe Su had given her.

Barriss made contact and the authorities on her planet were happy to welcome home a fellow Mirialan. "Greetings, Miss Vacle. Glad you could make it home," they said in a perfunctory manner, in the way of the species. Once she was on the ground, Barriss looked longingly at the sky. I miss you – so much – already, dear Madam Su. I shall wait patiently for your return. But Barriss knew now what she must do. And she started making plans.

To be continued …