The Rebellion begins to gather some momentum, as some characters come together

Thanks to followers: Nostradamus MB

Chapter 8: No One Will Ever Know Me

The planet Asrat, Northeastern Inner Rim, 14 BBY 5 months, 29 days

Soon after they left the meeting on Alderaan, Shaak and Maris arrived on the Intrepid at the Inner Rim world of Asrat. They could see the planet had large bodies of water and these covered at least half of the surface, but much of it was also obscured by heavy cloud cover. Jocasta had given them some coordinates that had been relayed to her by Jin-lo Rayce a few months earlier.

"Master Shaak, what do you know about this place?" Maris asked.

"Not too much, other than they get a lot of rain. We are directed to go to a highland area in the planet's northern hemisphere." Her ship's computer had been scanning the world since they came out of hyperspace, and some results were appearing on the monitor.

"Can we track a Force-sensitive person from here?"

"They are not so easy to track, or the Empire would be able to find more of them. We should be thankful for that," Shaak chuckled. "But I've got a fix on our destination."

After entry into the planet's heavy atmosphere, Shaak brought the ship down to about 500 metres, then started skimming the surface. The terrain below was rocky, with many small ridges here and there. After a few minutes, the computer let out a few beeps and they saw their destination below. A small outpost in the mountains, with enough room to land a ship the size of the Intrepid, which was about 50 by 20 metres in lateral dimension. No one else seemed to be anywhere nearby at the time they landed. Both Shaak and Maris carried their lightsabres as they debarked from the Intrepid. As they looked around, they were soon met by a friendly woman. She had dark hair, was somewhat overweight, and had a holstered blaster attached to her belt.

"Hello, there. Welcome to Asrat. I've been expecting you."

Shaak smiled. "Really? I would have thought we had not been pre-announced." She laughed and introduced herself. "We are here due to a tip we got from an associate, a man called Rayce. I am Shaak, and this is Maris."

The woman continued to smile, while noticing the lightsabres. "I am Menella Silkaw. Pleased to meet you both. I guess you are here for my son. Won't you please come in?"

Shaak and Maris followed the woman inside her humble home and they took seats in the main room on a pair of wooden chairs.

"Please excuse the appearance of the place. I've not had the energy to keep things tidy and Xendar – that's my son – is always away trying to earn a few credits here and there. He's a good boy, you won't have any trouble with him."

Shaak and Maris each looked at each other, with somewhat amused looks on their faces. Shaak broke the silence. "We understand your son is gifted, is that correct?"

"Oh, he's got some talent, I won't deny it." Menella continued. "His uncle – my brother – was in the Jedi. Robarro would stop in from time to time, but we saw less and less of him after the war started. You say your name is Shaak? Are you the famous Shaak Ti, the Togruta?"

Shaak nodded. "Yes. I don't know how famous I am, however."

"Oh, you are, or, at least, you were. My brother said you were an incredible fighter and a great leader. Did he ever serve under you?"

"Not that I recall," Shaak answered. "Maris, here, is my new apprentice."

"I see. Well, we'd heard from some people we knew that Robarro was killed on the first Empire Day. They said the clone soldiers turned on the Jedi. It was a massacre. Just horrible. Xendar was very close to him. He took it hard."

Shaak sighed at hearing that, knowing that her own experiences – of losing so many friends – were echoed across the Galaxy, to worlds she'd hardly ever given a thought to.

"I'm so sorry." Shaak looked the woman in the eye, and gave a knowing glance. "How old was your son then?"

"Just over seven years. Robarro was like his father. Xendar would wait for him to come back to share his tales of the Jedi. He would hang on every word."

"What happened to the boy's father?" Shaak asked. She glanced at Maris, who remained silent, content to take in the scene.

"That's a very personal situation, Master Shaak. I failed my son. I know it. My husband is gone."

Shaak reached for the woman's hand, and instinctively, she took it. They exchanged glances. Shaak then surged a small amount of energy into Menella and the latter felt it course through her, and it seemed to calm her.

"Master Shaak, I must tell you, I am not a well woman, I have many pains going through me. My body is degraded, and I know I will die. Soon. The boy deserves better than this."

"Where is your son now?"

Shaak sat back and watched, while the woman whistled sharply. "Xendar! Get in here! Someone wants to talk to you."

Menella sat calmly, and soon, the boy came in. He was a serious looking young man, with the look of someone who had to grow up early.

"Yes, mother," he said calmly.

"Son, this is Master Shaak Ti, she is the greatest Jedi. Oh yes, Master Shaak, I know about you, my brother fought with you at the Battle of Brentaal. A braver warrior cannot be found. Xendar. The master is looking for good young men and women to join her. To fight the tyranny and the evil."

Shaak took the measure of the situation, and looked into young Xendar's eyes. The boy didn't flinch and he returned the gaze, holding firm. He bowed low. "Master, what can I do for you?"

Shaak smiled. "Give me your hands, son."

He remained calm and extended both hands to her, and as Shaak took them and gave him her usual surge, she could immediately feel the strength in him. This one is special. How fortunate I am to have found him and this amazing woman who has raised him, despite all of her troubles. Shaak turned to Maris and gave her a look, which the Zabrak returned with a steady nod.

Menella rose and came over to stand by her son, but started to cough as she put her hand on his shoulder. Instinctively, Xendar turned around and took his mother's other hand and steadied her, then led her over to the sofa where she gratefully sat down as she felt her legs weakening. Shaak felt her heart strain as she watched this unfold. How can I take this lady's son away from her? When I think about how many other times this may have happened in the past. The order I want to build will not be built on anything but this kind of love. With it, we can do anything. That's what the Force tells me.

Menella saw the compassion in Shaak's normally opaque eyes. "Master, I was told you are looking for Force-sensitive young people. By Mister Rayce. Was that correct?"

Shaak nodded. "It is." She took a breath cycle, then gazed again into Xendar's eyes. "And, Madam, I can say this much already. Young Xendar, here, certainly qualifies. If he is willing, I would like to take him to my home on the Outer Rim. But I am conflicted. I feel you need him more than we do – and we certainly do."

Menella smiled. "Lady Shaak, do not be concerned over my fate. If Xendar can help you, my mission is complete. Those evil forces that took my brother and so many others must be stopped. Whatever it takes."

Xendar stood again at his mother's side, as Shaak continued to look him over. "I would be most honored, Master, to join with you," he stated. "But what of my mother? I feel she will die."

Shaak nodded as well. "Madam, might I have a look? I am considered a healer, like so many of my people, the Togruta."

Menella laughed. "Sure. What can it hurt?"

Shaak came to her side, then waved a hand slowly over her, as if doing a type of scan. "You seem to have a degenerated nervous system, and your spinal column is in severe decay. Has anyone here taken your case?"

Menella shook her head. "Things have changed here on Asrat. Since Palpatine took over, the local authorities have pledged their allegiance to him and his empire. Helping a former Jedi's surviving sister is not high on anyone's priority list. I am fully aware of what awaits me. I've only survived this long on sheer will, to look after my son and to hope he can carry our family banner forward."

Shaak looked at her and their eyes met, and the Togruta nodded tightly. "He will have his chance, that much I can assure you. Maris and I will train him, and someday he will be a great leader and do his family proud. I am certain of it."

As she looked in the boy's direction, she then addressed Menella directly. "But I would like to at least try to help you, if you are up to it."

"I might as well, Master Ti. Do you think I can be saved?"

"I think there is a chance. I would like to bring you to Shili, my original home. There we have many healers. If you can be saved, they can do it."

"Then I am ready to leave for Shili." She turned to her son. "Xendar, pack your things. We are leaving Asrat, maybe never to return. We are now in the keeping of Master Shaak Ti, and Miss Maris."

Shaak nodded and rose, signaling to Maris. "Prepare the ship. Set course for Shili."

Xendar bowed to her before he left the room. "Thank you, Master. I will serve you to the best of my abilities."

Shaak chuckled. "I have no doubt of that, son."

Somewhere in the Universe (beyond the SW Galaxy), 14 BBY 2 months, 12 days

One-time Jedi Knight Barriss Offee arose from a deep sleep. Clad in a luxurious white and silver gown and matching robe, she rubbed her eyes slightly and looked around at the stark and empty room she was in. She was still on the world-ship belonging to the one that called herself Su, the "empress of all known realms." Though the wondrous woman was not in the room with her, Barriss could nonetheless feel her presence and it became obvious that not only was the world-ship Su's own private realm – the dimensions of which she could not begin to determine – it was also a projection of the empress's being and senses, that every millimeter of it was intimately known to her. It's as if she's watching me in a strange way. How long have we been on this journey?

Again, in her mind, Barriss reviewed the places they had been, and how the universe seemed to look much the same, wherever they went. Each galactic cluster – the congalaxiations, as Su referred to them – had a similar rhyme and reason to it, though each was unique. The individual galaxies in a cluster would exhibit different characteristics. Barriss could not measure time or distance anymore and was completely at the mercy of the multi-colored, multi-faceted Su – the one with the strange black eyes that usually revealed nothing, but sometimes, seemingly everything. Gazing into Su's eyes was a journey all its own. Barriss could sometimes see her past – growing up on Mirial, the first trip to Coruscant, life as a youngling in the Temple, her first meeting with Master Luminara, her fellow Mirialan whom she grew so close to, and then the Master's horrible death at the hands of the cloned troopers on that wretched jungle planet – it was all too much. Barriss wanted to pull away from Su, to make those images stop. Su, as always, sensing everything her new apprentice was feeling, would then close her eyes and pull Barriss to her bosom, much as a mother would her child.

Then, one day – again a period of indeterminate length – the ship entered another galactic cluster and seemingly zoomed into a particular galaxy, one of massive size and scope. As they approached, it was clear that they were headed into something approximating the mid-rim of this galaxy, and then a planet appeared in front of them, one mostly covered by water, but with land shapes as well. Before Barriss could grasp what was happening, Su placed a loving hand on her shoulder, and then they seemed to transport themselves to the surface of the planet. Barriss saw a large building, clearly some type of palace, stretching out before her, but then they were inside. She turned to look at Su, but the lady was motionless, with only a gentle smile on her face. They were now standing on the floor of a large room in the palace. There were many people, clearly of human form, all of light complexion and lavishly dressed, especially the women. Their attention was focused on a young boy seated at what appeared to be some type of musical instrument. As the child's hands moved around the keyboard, a rather intricate piece of music could be heard, the complexity of it taking Barriss's mind in new directions. When the boy finished, he rose to stand, seemingly proud of his achievement. An older man came to him and the child bowed deeply to him.

Barriss glanced again at Su, but then she realized the people in the room had no idea of the presence of the two aliens among them. Suddenly, the whole scene disappeared and now Barriss and Su found themselves aboard some type of craft, one that was flying through the air at great speed. The passengers on the craft were in a state of alarm and general fear and soon they were flying over what appeared to be a large city, but just as suddenly, the craft had crashed into a large building and had started to burst into flames. Then Barriss and Su were back on their world-ship, gazing out of the viewport under magnification, which zoomed in on the scene they had seemingly just left. A pair of towers on the ground below – in a city with many waterways around it – were being consumed by flame and smoke, and many figures on the ground below were running in all directions to get away from the scene of the seeming catastrophe. Barriss turned to Su, and asked, "What is this? Where are we?"

Su smiled and turned to her, placing her arm around her. "A planet, located in the secondary galaxy in Group Ten, on its mid rim. I selected two scenes from this planet's past. They show how the Force drives people in ways they cannot comprehend and how its effect is felt everywhere we go in the universe."

"So …" Barriss said slowly, "These things already happened? When, exactly?"

"Exactly?" Su laughed. "My dear girl, you hopefully are learning that nothing is truly exact. From the standpoint of the people we saw, a span of over two hundred of our standard years may have elapsed between them."

Barriss then nodded. "So we traveled into the past. And those people had no idea we were there?"

Su shook her head slightly. "None whatsoever. Barriss – the Force allows us to review history. Everything that happens is a record kept somewhere."

"Who was that young boy?"

"A gifted child, performing for his emperor. Very talented, don't you think?"

"Indeed. I would like to hear more …"

"At another time, my dear. You will come to know the true importance and meaning of music and its manifestation in the Force. I have so many lessons for you still to come."

Barriss gazed at Su again, her eyes filled with wonder. "I love you, Empress Su. How fortunate I am to know you. But I don't truly know you, do I?"

Su chuckled gently, then hugged Barriss carefully.

"I am a multi-faceted individual. No one will ever know me completely. But be not troubled. Our journey together has just begun."

"Where are we going next?"

"Sleep, my child." Su waved a hand gently over her apprentice, who fell into unconsciousness.

Mirial, Northeastern Outer Rim, 14 BBY 2 months, 10 days

After a few hours, Barriss reawakened and looked around. Her plain white room, with its vast expanse had now become much cozier and habitable. There were a large sectional sofa, a couple of soft, inviting chairs, and a small area with a desk and a small monitor that appeared to be attached to a holo-image device of some kind. An office? For me? She wondered, but then Su re-emerged, wearing another of her many multi-colored garments, this one trailing a metre or so behind her and serving to hold the river of white hair coming from the empress's head.

"How do you like it?" Su said softly, smiling, and gazing into Barriss's eyes.

"It's nice. Is it for me?"

"That's right. You will be spending more time with me and I wanted you to have your own private space."

"But right now?"

"We have returned to Group 17. Your home, Mirial, is below. I am going to give you the chance to get your affairs in order. Take a few months, and I shall return."

Barriss looked a little puzzled. "It seems like you are asking me to stay with you, am I correct?"

Su came close to Barriss, placed both hands on the Mirialan's shoulders, and purred out a response. "Does this idea meet with your approval? I hope it does … only a very fortunate few ever learn of me in your galaxy. But I find you an intriguing sort, one with great potential – once you clear your head and begin to reach your true destiny."

"A few months, you say … hmm. I guess you want me not to worry about the 'Primary Galaxy of Group 17', as you keep referring to it. But I've been doing rather well lately, even making some good adjustments to my ship."

Su chuckled. "On my worlds, we have no need of things such as Imperial credits. Everything we want, we can fashion out of our existing resources. You want to keep your own ship? That would be fine, it can be a reminder of what you have worked for, perhaps a comforting link to the past. Just like your lightsabre."

Barriss reached down to notice her hilt was attached to her belt, and that she was now wearing a sleek body suit of shimmering black, one that seemed to be almost part of her body, like an outer layer of skin. It felt incredible, light and airy, as it seemed to breathe. She walked over to a mirror to catch a glance of herself and couldn't help but smile. I like this. I seem to be a new person. Barriss detached the hilt and activated the blade, which ignited with its usual blue hue. She took a couple of practice swings then switched it off, and turned to face Su.

The elegant empress continued to smile. "I like seeing you in black. It becomes you. I like the air of confidence you present. Your life is now beginning again. And soon you may adopt a new, more suitable identity."

Barriss, seemingly drawn by a magnetic attraction, found herself in Su's embrace and it felt most wonderful. To feel that someone wanted her and cared for her was unlike anything she had ever known. The Mirialan people were a rather correct and conservative lot, usually minding their own business and following orders. Since the rise of the Empire, Mirial had quietly agreed to be loyal and the regional Moff was happy to collect his tax revenue for the overlords of Coruscant, while Palpatine had not even so much as visited the planet.

Barriss Offee was, in many ways, a typical Mirialan woman, quiet and unassuming, and for the most part, she had been a loyal Jedi who stuck to her studies and passed the Knighthood trial on her second attempt, at an age of 25 standard years. Somewhere along the line, Barriss started to internally question the logic of all she was doing, but she knew best not to question her master, Luminara Unduli, also from Mirial. Master Luminara, however, did not have the answers to her Padawan's deeper questions, and once Barriss had become a Jedi Knight, she and her master parted ways. The younger Mirialan then plunged herself into improving her physical fitness and fighting technique. Barriss started to feel an anger burning inside of her, and she realized it was to be directed at the Jedi Order itself. Why, if the Jedi were to be the guardians of peace and freedom in the Galaxy, were they allowing themselves to be drawn into an immoral conflict that clashed with all of their basic sensibilities? She began to feel a sense of indignation, but she kept this to herself. But then, she struck, putting an elaborate plan in motion that led to 26 deaths in the bombing of a section of the Jedi Temple itself. And this plot also led to her effectively framing Padawan Ahsoka Tano, who had once been her friend. In the end, of course, Ahsoka had been exonerated due to the tireless efforts of her master, Knight Anakin Skywalker, and Barriss had been taken into custody by the Jedi.

But after that, things got a little sketchy. About four months later, all hell broke loose as Order 66 went down and the Jedi became marked individuals, but in the process, everyone who had been in detention blocks also was let out. Barriss took this opportunity to flee the Temple and purloined a ship. She also was able to grab a blue-blade lightsabre that she found – and she wasn't exactly sure whose it was, but it was hers now. Her own sabre had been confiscated when she was incarcerated. Whatever the case, Barriss Offee knew she had to get as far away from Coruscant as possible.

All of these things were running through her mind as she saw the disk of Mirial looming through the viewport. Soon she was being released by Su – who waved goodbye and smiled – and was back in her rented home on the planet below. Everything was just as she had left it.

Mirial, Northeastern Outer Rim, 14 BBY 1 month, 15 days

Ahsoka Tano, piloting her ship Essence, dropped out of hyperspace with the planet Mirial coming into view. She had twice tried, unsuccessfully, to reach Barriss since their sort-of reunion two years earlier at the Issagra space station, and was starting to wonder whether this was another waste of her time. I don't know if you're here or not, old friend, but the information you gave me said this was your home base. Ahsoka engaged the com and punched in the sequence, and saw the attempt successfully received. Ah … finally.

"This is Fulcrum. I want to reach Lady Vacle of Mirial."

"This is she. Good to hear from you, Fulcrum. Welcome to Mirial. I've been expecting you."

Ahsoka breathed a sigh of relief. "Shall we meet?"

"Sure. Sending coordinates now, over."

"Received. I will be down in a few minutes. Fulcrum out."

Ahsoka then proceeded to orbit the planet and soon found the re-entry corridor that corresponded with the location she was given. It took her down to a settled area near the coast of one of Mirial's oceans. She took the ship over the surface and soon came to the landing platform, a rather informal setup where various Mirialan inhabitants kept their ships. The people here seem somewhat affluent, she thought. Ahsoka set the Essence down and prepared to debark. At this time, she was clad in battle gear, wearing sections of light armor that protected her body from most blaster fire. Now about 22 years of age, Ms. Tano looked a bit different from her Clone Wars days and her lekku had grown a bit and were also starting to change color, from blue stripes to a bluish gray.

The temperature on this occasion was warmer than usual and Ahsoka welcomed the tropical air as she stepped out on the planet's surface. It wasn't long before 'Lady Vacle' appeared, dressed in a long black cloak.

"Hello, Ahsoka. It's good to see you again." Barriss curtsied to her guest. "Won't you join me?"

Ahsoka returned the curtsy, then smiled, somewhat warily. "I'd be delighted," she said, with a cheer she did not feel.

Barriss tilted her head and started walking, as Ahsoka joined her, and they proceeded silently to what resembled a large apartment block. They boarded the lift and rose fifteen levels up, then exited. Barriss led them down a corridor and soon they came to her home. As the door slid open, Ahsoka could see that it was an expansive space.

"So this is where you live now?" Ahsoka queried. "It's nice."

"Thank you. Let's sit down for a bit. May I offer you something?"

"A little water would be nice," Ahsoka replied, still keeping her guard up.

Barriss went into her kitchen, then returned with two glasses, and handed one to Ahsoka.

The Togruta took a swig, smiled and looked at her onetime friend, who had doffed her cloak and was shimmering in her all black "second skin" that also showed a greatly improved physique.

"I must say, Barriss, you look most different these days." And that's not all, you have a very different Force signature as well. Ahsoka took careful mental notes but drew no conclusions. She wanted to see what information the Mirialan might offer.

Barriss immediately detected Ahsoka's attempts to scan her and radiated softness and peace in response. She then noted, "Ahsoka. We might do better if we were to work together. What is the latest on the rebellion?"

Ahsoka smiled. "We are quietly making progress. Would you like to join us? I hope you are no longer helping the syndicates."

"Yes, I am through with them and I am now more about self-discovery and realization." Barriss knew it might not be a good idea to mention Su, but what, seriously, could Ahsoka or any of her allies possibly do in response? She had no intention of sharing anything about the mysterious "white lady", including the little white holocron or the remaining portion of the bota.

For her part, Ahsoka knew Barriss was concealing a great deal. Clearly, her financial and material situation had greatly improved over the two years since they had last seen each other. Being a kind-hearted person, she wanted to let Barriss in, but also had to be careful. She took a different tack.

"You know, of course, about the Inquisitors? They are combing the Galaxy to find people like us, especially still remaining former Jedi."

"I am aware of that, Ahsoka. But I have new powers now and I can deflect their attempts to scan my whereabouts. If they don't know what they are looking for, their chances of finding anything are greatly reduced. But you mentioned that you had confronted one of them and that one paid with his life. I would imagine that his cohorts did some investigation of the circumstances regarding his death."

Ahsoka thought about this for a second. Of course, she is right, and we have really not progressed much on learning whom these people are working for, other than the logical assumption that it is the Emperor.

"Barriss, I tried twice to reach you, but got no response. Were you aware?"

Barriss shook her head. "My apologies, Ahsoka. But I'm not always at home here on Mirial. In fact, I will likely be going away again and am unsure of when I might return. I might, however, be able to learn more about things regarding the Empire. Would you like for me to meet with Senator Organa before I leave? I would be happy to share some insights."

Ahsoka gazed into her friend's eyes but saw nothing. She has become really skilled at evasion. The Togruta then responded. "I think that would be greatly appreciated. I am planning to travel for a meeting in the next few days. Might we go together?"

Barriss nodded. "I am fine with that. I would travel in my own ship, however."

"That shouldn't be a problem."

The planet Dantooine, Northern Outer Rim, 14 BBY 1 month, 10 days

A few days later, Ahsoka awoke in Barriss's apartment, having used the Mirialan's guest bedroom. The two ex-Jedi had grown to know each other again, and had spent some hours talking and walking together, as Barriss showed her some of her home world. The events of the Trial were now mostly forgotten and it seemed they could be friends again. They even did some light sparring activity with their lightsabres, as Barriss had constructed a second blade in blue. Ahsoka was greatly impressed with the progress in skill the Mirialan had made and knew they could be a powerful team. This day, it was time to travel – to the secret base the rebels were carefully constructing, on the Northern Outer Rim.

The two ladies, feeling some platonic affection for each other, walked hand in hand to the launch and landing facility where Ahsoka's ship, Essence, had remained during her time on Mirial. They proceeded to where Barriss's ship, newly constructed and named Bliss, was docked. (Barriss had sold her earlier ship Mirial Princess after taking delivery of Bliss.) She led Ahsoka aboard and showed her around. This was clearly a luxury vessel, one of modest size but with many comforts.

"She's got a class 0.75 hyperdrive, Ahsoka. I'm sure I can keep up with you."

Ahsoka laughed. "I'm glad to hear that," she said softly, and they again looked at each other and smiled. It felt good that Barriss was becoming her friend again, as the years since she had left the Jedi were quite lonely. Now there was someone who had been facing many of the same feelings and issues and they could share these experiences together and learn from them.

Barriss tilted her head at a slight angle, smiled again, and lightly touched Ahsoka's forearm, as the Togruta returned the gesture.

"So where are we going, Ahsoka?"

"We have to be careful, Barriss. I'm going to enter the coordinates into your nav system, and sync it with my ship so that we arrive at the same time. Senator Organa wants to keep the list of people who know the system rather short. But if you arrive with me, it should help to alleviate any concerns."

After Ahsoka had done the programming, she caressed Barriss's arm again. "All set. I'm going to my ship now. We'll be in direct contact with open coms. The trip will take about 7 hours. When we drop out of hyperspace, follow my lead. I'll do the talking."

During the trip, both women slept and so they were refreshed and ready upon arrival. The coordinates Ahsoka had provided led them (unbeknownst to Barriss) to the planet Dantooine, on the northern Outer Rim in the Raioballo Sector. As she saw the planet through her viewport, Barriss thought it seemed familiar. I know this place. Ahsoka and I have been here before. They came in low over the surface, revealing a mostly green world, with many rivers and lakes. But it was a quiet place, with no major cities or advanced technology, which would keep it relatively safe from the Imperials as they would have few reasons to go there.

As their landing area came up, Ahsoka announced her arrival.

"This is Fulcrum, General Dodonna. I've brought a friend."

An hour or so later, Ahsoka and Barriss had gone inside the simple rebel base facility and proceeded down two levels underground. They entered a conference room and there were Bail Organa, along with Ackbar and Dodonna and a few others. Ahsoka introduced them all to Barriss, and for the most part, they were pleased to have the former Jedi potentially on their side. After some general discussion among various people in the room, Organa called them to order and all took their seats, with Barriss next to Ahsoka.

"First, I would like to introduce another new member of the Alliance – Miss Enfys Nest, leader of the Cloud Riders."

Barriss smirked for a second, and listened as the senator described the new member, who had just passed her 15th birthday. Of course, this was the daughter of the older Enfys Nest, whom Barriss had killed on Savareen during her raid on their camp when she stole back the coaxium for Crimson Dawn. It had been dark that night, and Barriss had some of her face concealed – crucially, her tattooed birth marks that all Mirialans carried – so she rightly presumed that the younger Nest did not recognize her.

The meeting summarized the status of various aspects of the rebellion and the progress it was making in building a relay communication network. Organa praised the role of Ahsoka in setting up the intel network (while Barriss smiled at her friend upon hearing this) and then mentioned there were now seven former Jedi in the rebellion, while nodding in Barriss's direction. He did not, however, mention who the others were, only that they preferred to remain undisclosed for the time being.

Felucia, 14 BBY 1 month, 1 day

Master Shaak Ti was in her bedroom on Felucia, engaged in a deep meditation session. Maris Brood was outdoors, about 200 metres away in an open area, instructing their new acolyte, Xendar Silkaw, in the mechanics of sword play. Still only 12 years old, young Xendar had never held a lightsabre before, despite his uncle having once been a Jedi Knight. Maris started training him with newly fashioned wooden swords that give the user a sense of the balance and coordination needed to become a sabre wielder. For his part, the boy was excited to begin his training and showed no aversion to hard work in the Felucian heat. Maris made sure he took regular water breaks, but praised his effort. Xendar and Shaak had taken his mother, Menella, to Shili, where the Kuu'gru healers would look after her.

While they worked out, Shaak was deep in thought, carefully considering many things. Master Yoda was referring to a seventh – the Force tells me now that it is Barriss Offee, and I can detect her across the Galaxy. The rebels were meeting on Dantooine and Ahsoka was with them. Very good that she and Barriss should have connected and the foul deeds of the past remain – in the past. Maybe we the Jedi should have listened to Barriss back then, clearly she was onto something. Maybe we couldn't detect Palpatine's evil, but to be drawn into the war the way we were was catastrophic. It compromised everything we stood for and I was no exception. I fought hard to "free" Brentaal and almost died in the process. But what was it really all about? What if the war was nothing but a means to destroy the Jedi? From my talk with Master Yoda, I began to conclude that. He sensed this was happening but it was too late to stop, as the Separatists threatened to destroy the Republic – but the Republic, was it really worth fighting for?

Consider what happened that led to the war – extreme corruption that was engineered by the Trade Federation, the Bankers Guild, Techno Union and the Commerce Guild. These groups made a mockery of the idea of representative government by purchasing the votes they needed in the Senate. No wonder many support the Empire today, at least, in their mind, Palpatine has restored order and eliminated those nefarious groups. Of course, he is a tyrannical individual who only cares about one thing – maintaining absolute power. The more I learn of what happened during The Purge and all that has come after it, the more I know we must overthrow this menace. And the primary reason it has taken place is due to the faults and failures of the Jedi. We grew too certain of ourselves and became tradition bound – when we should have been open to new ways of understanding.

What will it take to restore a decent government for the people of this galaxy? I am afraid that even if we overthrow Palpatine and reestablish a Republic, soon we will be right back where we started. How tragic that would be. Maybe there is another way.

As Shaak ended her meditation, she went to look over her ship, the Intrepid. A general survey told it was in need of various upgrades but not all of these could be so easily accomplished with the limited resources which she had to work with. She had identified some of the parts she wanted and a quick trip to the Corporate Sector could enable her to purchase most of them. The shields needed beefing up and so did the ion cannon. But most important were two things: a hyperdrive upgrade from class 1.5 to 1.0 and an improved stealth capability. After two days of working on the latter, Shaak felt satisfied that she could move around the Galaxy more easily. Using a new technique she also gained from one of the holocrons – a sub-volume regarding the nature of Force "signatures" – she determined that it was possible for someone to project her personal "footprint" in the Force to wrap back onto itself, in a sort of "Mobius strip" effect. Working with her droids, she fashioned a small ion wave generator that could send a sort of "endless wave" that would confound anyone trying to make sense of the ship's Force signature – in a sense, make it "invisible" within the Force. Once it was ready, Shaak was confident she could make more trips to places like the Corp-Sec or the Wheel. Droid Gotra was also willing to assist her – for a price – and this had begun a relationship with the organization that would be ongoing.

Shaak then told Maris and Xendar she would be away for about two days and gave Maris her itinerary. They wished her well and passed the time until she returned.

"The Master is so calm and reassuring," Xendar noted. "She reminds me of my mother."

"I never really knew my mother," Maris said in a matter-of-fact manner. "They drafted me into the Jedi when I was very young. You are lucky to have had a good woman like her to raise you." Xendar nodded, as she continued. "Shaak has become my mother in many ways. Every day with her is a learning experience, but she makes it quite pleasant. I didn't have such a great master when I started my Padawan training. His mind was often on other things. He drank and he gambled. We were always stopping at places so he could do that, so along the way, I developed a taste for whiskey and learned about the pod races and the fathier races on Vaynai."

"Miss Maris, that doesn't seem like anything the Jedi would condone," Xendar remarked. "My uncle tried to teach me about the Jedi Code."

Maris chuckled. "My master was a Zabrak, like me. We are very independent, and that's not always a good thing."

"What happened to him?"

"He was killed near the end of the War, over near Mandalore. I was afraid when that happened. He was not the best master but he cared about me and gave his life to save me when the clones turned on us."

"Do you miss him?"

"Sometimes I do, yes. We had some good times. But Master Shaak has had to make me un-learn some of the things he taught me about lightsabre combat, and I can tell she doesn't like me drinking but she says nothing."

The two spent the time amiably. Maris had already taught him how to hunt small game, of which the planet had many species, and which plants could be safely ingested. Meat and vegetables, this was the diet Shaak wanted them to practice, as it was best for their physical development. Xendar soon learned not to doubt Shaak's vast knowledge and in time, he greatly enjoyed their meditation sessions together as he learned to quiet his mind and allow the Force to reach him.

"The best teacher anyone could ever have," Shaak always said, but Maris was proving to be a good teacher as well.

Soon the Master returned and her ship had something of a new look about it. "I will call it Intrepid II now." Maris and Xendar went aboard and Shaak showed them around.

Once the tour was over, she announced, "We are now ready for the next step. I have detected another strong Force presence and it reminds me of someone I once knew in the Jedi. She is a bit older than I and was once a teacher of mine in the Order. It is time that I pay her a visit."

"Do you remember her name?" Maris asked. Shaak's reply was short. "Varda."

The planet Lianna, Allied Tion Sector, NE Outer Rim, 14 BBY 0 months, 15 days

Valles Santhé arose early in her home, a magnificent palace in the capital city of the planet Lianna, as was her custom. She had been asked by her grandfather to prepare for the visit of Darth Vader, who, in a rare pre-announced visit, was planning to take a tour of the TIE line of fighter ships. The Santhé family controlled a major weapons and munitions corporation and had long done business with the Galactic Empire, and with the Republic before that. The firm's history dated almost four centuries and it was constantly in the vanguard of development, specializing in strike craft, but also made many larger vessels for an array of clients. The Santhé Corporation's recent history was dominated by one man – Kerred Santhé. He had, among other things, masterminded the acquisition of Sienar Fleet Systems about fifty years prior, which placed the firm into the same class as the Kuat Drive Yards as a galaxy-wide armaments maker.

Kerred Santhé had run the firm for over seventy years and was nearing retirement. He'd wanted to do that much earlier but did not feel comfortable turning the firm over to someone not in the Santhé family. The problem was that his son, Bithaw, was clearly uninterested in business and had long ago abandoned the family, preferring to spend his ample inheritance cavorting around the Galaxy with all manner of attractive females (of various species), drinking, gambling and living it up. His estranged wife, Mirella Sienar Santhé, was left to raise their one child (though she suspected he likely had others on various worlds), daughter Valles, more or less alone.

As Valles grew up, it became quite apparent that she was rather precocious. She attacked her studies with gusto, essentially graduating high school by age ten. Valles also was developing, even then, an incredible knack for understanding peoples' psychology and feelings, and used this ability to insert herself into almost any situation. She was charming as well and quite attractive, learning how to use cosmetics to alter her appearance to seem much older, despite her diminutive height. Her mother had grown more despondent as the years went by and more or less left Valles to grow up on her own. Naturally, she gravitated toward her grandfather, who had become enchanted by the girl and her prodigious abilities. One she had her diploma, he offered her a choice – to proceed on to college, where she would be surrounded by people almost twice her age, or, to learn the corporate structure of Santhé-Sienar. She chose the latter and threw herself into it with abandon. By her 13th birthday, Kerred started allowing her to trail him on his daily duties at the office, provided she would stay quiet and observe, agreeing to go over any questions with him in private later. By age 16, she was given a division of the company to run, which gave her some negative reactions from others who had spent most of their lives at the company.

Valles hardly paid attention to any of that and relentlessly pushed ahead, constantly angling for more responsibility, which her grateful grand-dad was all too happy to grant her. To him, it seemed he had finally found his chosen heir to eventually run the whole firm. Now, at 23, Valles was the de facto CEO in all but name, and was not only close to taking over Santhé-Sienar, she was rapidly buying up large sections of Lianna real estate and constructing ever more lavish palaces for herself, using them to throw huge parties and present herself as the planet's leading charity supporter. Ultimately, Valles had huge ambitions, which it seemed could not be satisfied. Her grandfather continued to dote on her, much to the chagrin of other top management at the firm, but she kept on pushing.

So on this day, it was her chance to really make a score by showing that her firm could continue to keep the confidence of the Imperials. Vader was quite punctual, arriving at her office on the top floor of the Santhé Tower at the ninth hour as scheduled. When he entered, he was seemingly in a less-irritated state than normal and the sight of the lovely Valles Santhé did nothing to dampen his mood.

"Good morning, my Lord," Valles chirped, as the dark lord simply stared ahead. After a breath cycle, he spoke.

"I hope, for your sake, that my trip has not been a waste of time. The Emperor is most interested in taking delivery of the new generation of strike craft."

Valles started to smile, but found him hard to read as his mask covered any facial expressions. Best to keep it strictly on business. Clearly this gives him an advantage, of sorts. No matter.

"His majesty should be well pleased. As discussed, I would like to show you our production line."

"Proceed," was all Vader had to say.

She showed him over to her private landing platform, where they boarded a shuttle craft. Valles took the controls herself and proceeded to fly them out of the City.

Vader, for the most part, remained silent, but was coolly assessing her all the while. She seems quite confident, and ready to handle any task herself. Impressive.

After a few minutes, they had arrived at the TIE plant.

"My Lord, this facility constructs the standard line, but is also dedicated to the new V1 and X1 lines. These ships will provide hyperspace capability and shielding."

Vader seemed content, as he calmly observed the various goings on. Valles, feeling that she had his attention, offered:

"My Lord, would you like to try one out? The word is you are a pretty fair pilot."

Vader wanted to laugh at that but stifled. "You assume too much." But then, he had a closer look at the X1 prototype. "Perhaps … this one, Lady Santhé."

She smiled. "Allow me, sir." She touched a com and gave a command. "We'd like to take X1 unit 327 out for a test flight. Please set it up." She heard the reply, saying it would be done.

"Lord Vader. The ship is being prepped now, as we speak. Is there anything I might get you? Some refreshment, perhaps?"

Vader stared at her, incredulous. The young woman seemed not to be the slightest bit intimidated by him, but all the same, she was properly attentive and wanting to be of service. The fact that she seemed to be the one in charge of this huge corporation impressed him all the more. Something about her … she knows much, the Force is telling me … something … but cannot place it. He turned back to her, showing at least a modicum of politeness.

"Lady Santhé, perhaps something cold to drink."

Valles nodded, then snapped her fingers and an aide appeared. "A glass of water, please, for Lord Vader."

"Yes, milady!" The man ran off quickly after one glance at the Dark Lord.

Vader stood for a minute, calmly taking in the sight of Lady Valles Santhé. She seemed quite attractive in her black satin dress, with her luxurious hair and radiant complexion, perhaps as much as any woman he had ever met … even his once-beloved Padmé Amidala … mustn't go there! The memory of his pain at her death came flooding back …

For her part, Valles could feel the tension inside of him. I've touched something inside him … the man is in terrible pain. Soon the aide returned with a closed canister filled with cold Lianna spring water, which he handed to Valles. She turned to Vader.

"My Lord, do you have an attachment? I believe you will appreciate our natural water."

Vader said nothing, but produced, from somewhere, a small tube that he then fastened to the top of the canister, with the other end attached to what appeared to be an opening in his mask. He then calmly drank from the canister, savoring the cool freshness of it. Not bad … not bad at all. The people here are very efficient.

After he had drunk all he needed, he handed the canister back to Valles. "Thank you, Lady Santhé. Now, I hope the ship is ready."

"This way, my Lord." Valles said softly.

The two of them soon boarded the prototype fighter. Valles took it up first, demonstrating its capabilities. She did a couple of rolls and some tight maneuvering. They were some 100 km above the planet's surface. Quietly impressed by the lady's piloting prowess, Vader again grew nostalgic for Padmé, but quickly stifled it. He turned to Valles.

"Might I take the con, milady?" He asked, in his most gentlemanly manner.

"Please do, my Lord."

He proceeded to put the ship through its paces, and again and again, found it quite responsive, almost to the point that it was anticipating what he wanted to do before he even knew he wanted to do it. Impressive. Most impressive. Once they had re-entered, and she was taking him back to the City, she turned to him softly.

"My Lord, might I ask what you plan to tell His Majesty?"

Vader chuckled internally. "Less than I will tell you."

Valles was confused for a second. "Lord Vader?"

"Not to worry. Your company has performed admirably. I am greatly impressed by the new lines and their capability. I also would like to place a special order."

"I shall see to it personally, my Lord."

"Ten of the V1 ships, and a single

X1, for my personal use. These are to be delivered to the Corellian System, to be taken aboard Imperial Star Destroyer Vigilance. That is all."

He took another breath cycle, and continued. "The Empire will proceed with our already placed orders regarding TIE interceptors and light cruisers. My commendations to you, Lady Santhé, and your fine organization. The Emperor will be most pleased that his orders have been carried out with precision."

Vader then turned to go, but spoke directly to Valles. "Until we meet again, my lady." He proceeded to bow to her, then gently took her right hand and approximated kissing it, causing her to blush slightly. She shook her hair, which let out a whiff of her perfume – which seemed to please him greatly – then smiled.

"I shall surely look forward to it, Lord Vader." She curtsied, letting more of her perfume penetrate the air.

As she watched him leave, she picked up her com. "In my office, in fifteen minutes, please."

Valles was then seated in her office lounge area on the top floor of the Santhé Tower. After having met with one of her senior officers at her desk, she then called a short meeting.

"Have you contacted the Imperial Ministry of Agriculture?" Valles asked.

"We have, Miss Santhé. Minister Kyver has agreed to come to Lianna personally. She wanted to consult with you directly on the needs of our newest crop varieties."

Valles smiled. "Ah, very good. It is time that Lianna becomes known as a home for gourmet cuisine. There will be nothing to stop us from gaining our proper recognition."

To be continued …