Shaak and Maris – A Star Wars Story: Chapter 10 – No One Can Truly Rule

Shaak reaches out in multiple directions, while Ahsoka and Barriss deepen their attachment.

Chapter 10: No One Can Truly Rule

Dantooine, 13 BBY, 10 months, 2 days, 10 hours

Later that day, after a short meditation session, Shaak mingled with some of the others gathered at the rebel base. One of these was Saw Gerrera from Onderon. He immediately recognized her.

"Master Shaak? It's great to have you here … how did you survive the Purge?"

Shaak looked at him for a split-second with a strange stare, then laughed. "It was a fortunate circumstance. But I'm here now. What is your role in the rebellion?"

"I've organized a group of people – we are from different parts of the Galaxy, but we have the same reasons. We call ourselves the Partisans. It's time to fight back."

Shaak nodded, then smiled. "That it is, but we must be smart about it. Mister Gerrera, are you working with Ahsoka Tano, by any chance?"

"Not directly, but it was great to see her again. I wanted her to know I never held her responsible for the death of my sister."

Shaak's tongue came out for a second and her jagged teeth showed. "I'm glad to hear that. I know about the incident. Always difficult to lose someone you are close to. Ahsoka is one of the truest people I ever knew. She felt every death that took place in that conflict … now we are in a new phase, yet it is the same conflict. One that goes on always …"

At that point, the young rebel cell leader Enfys Nest came up to Shaak and introduced herself. "So glad to meet you, Master Ti. My mother had told me about some of the things you've done … you were a great warrior."

Shaak chuckled. "I hope I still am … but this is a different kind of war."

"I'm fighting against the Empire – but also the syndicates, especially Crimson Dawn. Master Ti, by any chance would you know if they hired another ex-Jedi?"

"Why do you ask?" Shaak's expression became serious.

"About a year ago, someone using a light-sabre killed my mother – ran her right through. She was dressed all in black."

Shaak paused for a second. "Did you get a closer look at her? Where did this take place?"

"The planet Savareen, southeast Outer Rim … no, she had most of her face covered."

Shaak took her aside. "Young lady, might I have your hands? The Force may provide me some answers."

Young Enfys thought this seemed a bit strange, but Shaak was emanating a calming effect. She took the girl's hands and started to circulate energy through her, attempting to find an earlier Force presence. However, the trail was too cold. As she released, she noted:

"I'm afraid it's too faint. Someday, I would like to learn the answer to this. I can tell it was not someone who merely picked up a black-market lightsabre. This person was using Dark-Side Force ability … and … I think it's unlikely that it was one of the Imperial Inquisitors. It will remain a mystery for the time being."

Enfys sighed. "I'm sorry, Master Ti. But of course, I want to avenge my mother's death."

Shaak nodded. "As does Mister Gerrera his sister's … so many on our side have scores to settle. But I wish you success on this."

An hour or so later, Shaak caught up with Jocasta. The archivist suggested they go someplace private to talk. Shaak simply nodded and her old friend led her to a small alcove on an even lower level of the base.

"Shaak. I've come across some pertinent information in my more recent studies. It seems that Palpatine was compiling a list of every Force-sensitive individual in the Galaxy during the War and was likely going to use it after he had completed the treachery of Order 66."

Shaak pondered this. "How did you learn of this? I had suspected they might be doing this. Likely he has built a Sith holocron."

"I learned this from another of our holocrons, among the group from which I took custody that day we left Coruscant. I think the list was more concentrated on some of the younglings in various systems. Do you recall the incident when the bounty hunter Cad Bane broke into our archives?"

"I heard about it. At the time, I was on Kamino, overseeing the clone production and training. We didn't know Palpatine was Sidious at the time, but the whole thing fits … it fits rather well."

"Correct, Shaak. He was already planning what to do once he became Emperor. Wiping out the children was an element of it."

"So … Jo, where do you suppose that holocron is now?"

"It must be on Coruscant. The Emperor made the old Jedi Temple his palace."

Shaak thought for a minute. "We can't go there, Jo. It's far too risky." She paused again, while Jocasta stared at her. "But … there's something I never told you – or anyone else, for that matter. Years ago, I had installed a series of sensors in the Temple, near the Spire."

"I remember those, Shaak …"

"Yes, but what I didn't tell you was that I decided later – all on my own – to make my own set of recordings of Council activities. I felt it might become useful someday."

Jocasta was quite surprised by this revelation.

"Shaak, do you think your sensors might still be there?"

"They should be. My next step now is to see if I can patch into them and create some kind of feed through my relay channels."

"How difficult might it be to do that?"

"Not that easy – at the current time. I would have to get much closer to Coruscant and do that without him detecting me. At the current time, I don't have the sophisticated methods I will need …"

Jocasta nodded, then returned to her earlier topic.

"I want that holocron, Shaak. As you know, Jin-lo Rayce and I are building a training academy. I need to know if any of my students might be on Sidious's list."

Shaak then related Enfys Nest's account of the mysterious dark lady on Savareen. "Does this sound at all familiar?"

Jocasta shook her head. "No … but it's more than a bit concerning."

"Jocasta – my good friend – I can't, in all good conscience, allow you to go to Coruscant now. I don't know what you might find but Sidious rarely leaves the throne from what I've heard. You would be walking into a death sentence."

Jocasta slowly shook her head and looked back at Shaak.

"Of course, you are right. I can't be of any use to you if I'm not alive … so, Shaak, I have a feeling there is more you might have to tell me. I'm quite impressed with the young man you've just taken on. He seems quite poised and of excellent character. I'm certainly glad Jin-lo did the advance work."

Shaak brightened up and nodded back, while breaking into a soft smile. "But there's more good news. Knight Varda is also still with us. You remember her, right?"

"Indeed I do. I would love to see her again. How is she getting on?"

"Fairly well. Time is starting to catch up with her. When I found her, about 35 days ago, she was ailing from a badly damaged hip joint. I've started the healing process for her and given her some restorative exercise therapy. But her mind seems to be in good shape. She's really a good resource for some of our younger acolytes to learn from."

Jocasta smiled and let out a soft chuckle. "I'm very glad to hear that. Varda and I go back a ways together. She was always sort of a rebel. Would often ask questions. Reminded me of our old friend, Master Qui-Gon."

Shaak nodded in a knowing way. "I think you would still recognize her. When I did the scan with her, there was still some of that fire burning inside."

"After you left, how did you leave things with her? Might she be an asset for us?"

"Too soon to tell," Shaak sighed. "I think she was wary of me at first. I set her mind at ease, telling her all was forgiven."

"Oh?"

"Yes, she had gotten herself into a bit of trouble during the war. Basically deserted her men and went to a quiet, out-of-the-way planet on the southwest Outer Rim. Now she's reconnected with an ex-AgriCorps member on a planet not far from our facilities."

"So …"

"I told her I knew what had happened, but we have to put those things behind us. The situation now requires every possible asset we can find against Sidious and his Empire. I think we can count on her, but she still has some healing to do – physically, and psychologically."

"Just let me know what you need, Shaak. But where might I find Knight Varda?"

"Jo, at this time, I think it would be best if I keep that confidence for her. She has been to Felucia – for the healing process – and she swore to keep our secrets there."

"I understand, my friend. She will have to reach out to us. Did you tell her I was still alive?"

"I did, along with Obi-Wan and Yoda, but I gave her no location information."

"You know, Shaak, there is another item I thought we might discuss – one that pertains especially to Force-sensitive people like us."

"And that would be?"

"This group of people they are calling the 'Inquisitorium' …"

"Oh … I heard something about this recently. Bail Organa confirmed it. He told us that Ahsoka Tano killed one of these people, although it was not her intention when she confronted him. I've been trying to learn more, but thus far, not much success. My new communications channels may be used to report such sightings and the like."

"Shaak, they cannot be permitted to find us – any of us. Since they may already know about Ahsoka, they will be looking for us. This comes under the same heading as the holocron I first mentioned. Sidious cannot be happy with knowing some of us were survivors."

"Jo, please take every precaution. I don't want to lose you."

"Nor I you. Your decision to keep all of our whereabouts safe is a good one. I only hope they do not learn of what you are doing on Felucia."

"About that. Maris and I are working now toward creating a further concealment strategy that will make our Force signatures on the planet opaque to outsiders. This will require a field generator of sorts. I'm now in the preliminary stages of design on this."

Jocasta gave out a slow whistle. "This would be so exciting … combine this idea with the sensors on Coruscant, and we might just begin to get some idea of what they are planning, but at the same time, be able to prevent them from learning what we are planning."

Shaak chuckled. "That is the general idea."

Mirial, 13 BBY 9 months, 5 days

After a series of adventures elsewhere, Ahsoka Tano returned to Mirial to meet with Barriss Offee. She wanted to bring her friend up to speed on what had taken place. As she landed, she put her astromech in charge with doing some spot maintenance on Essence II and then headed off to Barriss's apartment tower. Ahsoka breathed in the humid tropical air of the coastal city as the local sun was coming up over the horizon. I hope she won't mind me dropping in like this, unannounced, but I have to tell her what took place. In an earlier get-together, Barriss had mentioned having new powers and the ability to confound the Inquisitorium and their relatively unsophisticated tracking methods. I sure would like it if she might show me some of these abilities …

The Togruta soon arrived on foot at the tower and boarded the lift. Unbeknownst to her, Empress Su had arrived in-system and was planning to take Barriss on another journey. The extra-Galactic monarch quickly detected Ahsoka and decided to observe her for a bit before visiting her Mirialan friend and prospective apprentice. Ahsoka, of course, was not equipped to know anything about Su or her methods at this point in her development.

Barriss came to the door to investigate her visitor, and smiled when she opened it to see her friend.

"Come in, chum. I have missed you, Ahsoka."

"Barriss." Ahsoka said softly and smiled, as the two embraced quickly. "I've got some news that I'm sure you will be interested in."

"Well, come in then, dear. Might I get you anything?"

"Have you got anything stronger than ale?"

The Mirialan chuckled. "It just so happens …" When she returned, she brought a bottle and two small glasses, then proceeded to pour them each a shot.

Ahsoka thanked her, then sipped the whiskey. "Smooth … you brought out the good stuff."

Barriss softly scoffed. "Ha! What kind of hostess would I be? … Ahsoka, old friend, only the best for you. As you may have noticed, life's been good to me recently."

Ahsoka glanced around the apartment, noting a few changes, and the fact that her friend was dressed lavishly in elegant black gowns and a flowing robe with a short train. She laughed and sipped a little more. "I'd say it has … nice threads …"

"Thank you," Barriss chirped.

"So …" Ahsoka chuckled. "I came here to see you for a reason."

"Tell me."

"Well, I know we had briefly discussed the Inquisitors before …"

Barriss nodded. "Go on."

"I might as well just come out and say it. I got into a scrape and had to kill two more – one male, one female. I don't know anything more than that."

Barriss simply smiled, seemingly not moved at all by the deaths of the Inquisitors, which Ahsoka took note of, but said nothing. Finally, the Mirialan asked, "Are you OK, though? They didn't hurt you or anything?"

Ahsoka simply shook her head tightly. "I'm fine. From what I've seen, these people aren't really all that clever. Their offensive capabilities are sorely lacking."

"That's because they mostly were once Jedi."

"Really? How did you learn that?"

"It's been whispered. Besides, Jedi are not taught to attack, mostly defend."

Ahsoka looked back at her for a minute, then nodded. "I guess that's true. Having a master like Anakin, though, I followed a different path."

"Absolutely, you did. And they used to talk about you in the Temple. You had a reckless reputation, just like he did."

"I sure hope you didn't circulate that kind of gossip. It would be most hypocritical …"

Barriss laughed. "Got me there, Ahsoka. Once I was no longer under Master Luminara, I started following my own path too. I only wish now that I hadn't betrayed you. It's great to work with you again, especially now that we are free of the Jedi Code."

"Well …" Ahsoka grinned a little, and again shook her head. "I didn't leave them because I wanted to kill people and break things. I just didn't think they would be loyal and look out for me as a fellow Jedi. Instead, they just went along with that snake Tarkin."

"You're certainly right about him. Now he's a big shot in Palpatine's Empire. I sure hope he gets what's coming to him."

Barriss took a swig of the Mirial whiskey and finished her glass. "Would you like another, friend?"

"Why not?" Ahsoka laughed. "I'll sleep it off here. Like I said before, nice place you have."

"But," Barriss said quietly, "I'm wondering who might discover the bodies – or did you take care of that, too?"

"Yes, I did. I cremated the corpses. Figured they deserved at least that much, especially if they were once Jedi."

"By the way, where exactly did this happen?"

Ahsoka didn't answer at first, taking another swig. Then, she replied, "an out-of-the-way planet called Takodana."

"I don't know it."

"Southwest Mid-rim, not too far from Endor."

"Don't know that one, either," the Mirialan chuckled. "But it doesn't matter. Go on, I know something's bugging you."

"Yeah … you know what? I kind of lied about something." Ahsoka then shed her top and Barriss gasped as she saw what appeared to be a serious flesh wound on the Togruta's left arm.

"What in the Force happened? Don't tell me those sleemos got lucky …!"

Ahsoka tried to laugh it off. "Hey, it doesn't hurt that much. Only when I …"

Barriss shook her head vigorously. "Ahsoka, hey. It's me."

Ahsoka looked at her friend blankly. "Do you perhaps have some ointment, or something?"

Barriss stared at the wound, which had turned Ahsoka's normal orange skin tone into an unsightly shade of blue. "I might just have something. Give me a few minutes."

Ahsoka sat waiting, and sipping her whiskey slowly. Meanwhile, from her white world-ship, Empress Su had brought up the meeting of the two ex-Jedi on a monitor and was keenly observing.

Barriss went into a small room off her master bedroom suite and was digging around in a drawer for some items. Having located what she needed, she then opened a small vault and took out a tiny vial – it was the last of her supply of bota, perhaps just 2 cc remained. She took a small pinch of it and mixed it in with a creamy substance and warmed the concoction in her palm, then put the mixture on a small spoon, putting it aside as she put away the bota and the tools. She closed the door and returned to Ahsoka.

"I think this will help," she told the Togruta, then took the full amount of the salve from the spoon and proceeded to rub it gently over the wound. Immediately, Ahsoka noticed the pain receding.

"Wow, that's strong stuff. What is it?"

"Just a little thing I have. I've done some research into plants and herbs."

Ahsoka watched in total amazement as her wound quickly healed and her skin returned to its normal color.

"Barriss – you're quite a doctor! I was thinking I'd have to spend a couple of days in bacta."

Barriss chuckled and shook her head. "Nope. You're as good as new."

"But … but … where did you learn about this kind of thing?"

"Back in my Jedi student days, I had some instruction into botany from Knight Varda Wahi. She got me interested in the subject, so I pursued it further on my own. I seriously considered becoming a Jedi healer, but then the War turned me sour on the idea – I won't go into it further."

Ahsoka laughed, feeling much better. "Well, I'd say you're doing great …! Say, now that you mention Varda Wahi …"

"Yes?" Barriss perked up and smiled, lovingly, at her friend.

"I also once studied with her, but the subject was really not my thing. Kind of boring, actually. Well, anyway, you'll never guess … she was also on Takodana with me."

"Do tell …" Barriss chuckled.

"Okay, I'd feel better if you would promise not to tell anyone in the Alliance about this. Can you do that for me?"

"Of course …" Barriss smiled, then touched Ahsoka's upper arm, above where the wound had been.

"Well, I had come to Takodana after meeting with Bail and the rebels on Dantooine. This was a couple weeks after the meeting that you and I had attended together."

"Ah … Okay."

"So I went to that planet perhaps hoping to meet a new contact, which turned out to be a waste of time, but then I heard some sounds in the woods and investigated. It was a lightsabre battle between Varda and what appeared to be one of the Inquisitors."

"Oh, sleem …"

"Yeah … he was a big one, too. And he had the same double blade sabre as the one I ran into about five years ago. Varda seemed to be in trouble. I knew I had to help her. She wasn't moving too well. I jumped into the action but he disappeared for a bit. Varda had created a kind of fog, trying to escape. I thought we might be okay, but then he returned. I drew my sabres and held him off, but the guy was strong and I didn't have a lot of room to maneuver there in the woods."

"What happened next?" Barriss looked into Ahsoka's eyes, radiating concern.

"The Inquisitor and I had fought to a draw, but that nasty double blade nicked my arm. I didn't feel much at first because I was fighting on pure Force instinct. We made it to my ship, and she was hobbled, so I used the Force to assist her. The two of us together gave him a big Force shove that enabled us to board and I got to the flight deck for lift off. But soon the sleemo got to his ship and was pursuing us. We had planned on mag-locking with Varda's ship and were able to get us both aloft, but then he had lifted off too, and started firing on me. I couldn't maintain the lock and have shields up, so we decided to destroy Varda's ship so the Imps couldn't find it later and learn where she'd been."

Barriss nodded slowly, taking it all in.

"She wouldn't tell me, either," Ahsoka chuckled. "But we made the jump and left that baggage behind."

"Where did you go from there?"

"This other planet that she's staying on. It took almost 12 hours with my ship, so we got to know each other.

Barriss stared at Ahsoka, simply shaking her head.

"Anyway, my wound didn't heal quickly, and Varda had nothing for it. We ended up taking another trip together, to a place called Yemer. She suggested I could set up some monitor and relay stations on that planet, and there might be another possible group there to help the Rebels."

"Oh yeah," Barriss muttered. "I think I know that place …"

"Well, she took me to this sort of shrine there, for a group called the Siluans. Have you heard of them?"

"Maybe …" Barriss scratched her head for a second. "Aren't they that sort of no-violence Jedi sect? I've only read about them."

"Yeah …! And Varda mentioned that. And then, this strange individual showed up, said her name was Sen Kaydo. But I later learned it was Ry Kyver."

"Who?"

"She'd just quit her job as the Imperial Minister of Agriculture. But there was something funny about her … I could tell she'd been Force-sensitive but for some reason, wasn't strong anymore."

"Wait. If she was an Imperial minister, she's probably been working for the Emperor. Right?"

"So, yeah, I definitely wouldn't trust her. But somehow, I didn't get that dark-side feeling from her. Certainly not like that Inquisitor guy."

Barriss chuckled again. "Sounds like you've had quite a time. I really wish I'd been there to help you and Varda. We'd have finished off that Imperial slug."

Ahsoka looked at Barriss for a second. "You know … I kind of believe you. There's something different about you. Barriss … you told me a while back that you have new powers. Anything you'd like to add?"

The Mirialan laughed softly. "Ahsoka. I have evolved with the Force. Maybe I could show you some of what I've learned. If you're going to be involved with the Rebellion, you're going to need help. An old lady like Varda probably shouldn't be taking on these Inquisitors. I'd hate to see anything bad happen to her …"

"Me either. You know, I'm a little tired, might I lie down?"

"Absolutely. In fact, I'd like to join you in a little bit. You go on ahead, my friend. The master suite is that way." Barriss said with a wink as she pointed down the hallway.

As Ahsoka left the room, Barriss soon felt a tingling in her head. As she headed back to her main living area, Su had suddenly appeared and had relaxed on one of the sectional couches. The Empress was in one of her typical white ensembles, and covered with various jewelry pieces in selected silvery metals. When Barriss entered the room, Su had stretched out her full two-metre-plus frame on an entire side of the couch.

"Good evening, milady. I am honored to have you in my home."

Su smiled and looked Barriss up and down – practically undressing her with her eyes. "I see you have a guest. I won't be long, then."

"What may I do for you, Su?

"First, explain why you shared some of the bota with your friend."

"I was concerned over Ahsoka's injury. I figured just a little was all I needed." Barriss stared at Su, hoping this answer was satisfactory.

"I see. But you surely recall my telling you that it was for your use only."

"I did, my lady, but I thought perhaps you would be fine with it. Ahsoka and I are growing closer."

"Very well, my child. I don't have any issue with your generosity, but this bota was intended only for you."

"So, it might not work on her, is that right?"

"It might … or it might not. It also might work all too well." Su sat up straight, then stood and stepped over to Barriss's side, towering above her. "I shall see you in one rotation of your home planet. That is all – for now."

With that, Su disappeared, slowly fading away with a sudden flair of multiple colors before fully leaving. Barriss also stood and entered her dressing room from the alternate side. After changing into an elegant night ensemble, she entered her master suite, seeing Ahsoka already lying on her bed, seemingly fast asleep. Barriss crawled in next to her, then kissed the Togruta good night as she snuggled closer to her.

Mirial, 13 BBY 9 months, 4 days

The next morning, Ahsoka awoke first and noticed she was sharing the bed with Barriss. At first, she was a little surprised but thought it over. It's quite interesting, I think she really cares about me. And I'm starting to feel the same about her. Even though she's a little mysterious, I feel the good in her and I have certainly forgiven her for her betrayal. I hope we can continue our strong friendship. I certainly enjoyed being close to her. Ahsoka caressed her friend's dark hair and leaned over to kiss her cheek … upon which, Barriss awoke and smiled at Ahsoka.

"So glad you stayed with me last night, Soka. I feel we are becoming close – and I like that. I want you to trust me, and somehow I think you almost do."

"Yes, Barriss, I feel that way now."

"So do you have plans?"

"Unfortunately, yes. I'm off to do more work for the rebellion … would you like to come along?"

"Not this time. I have plans for tonight. But we will surely stay in touch. I feel like you might be the sister I never had. The Jedi stole so much from us when we were young – things they could never repay, even if they were still around."

"Don't I know it …" Ahsoka sighed.

The two got up and had a light breakfast together, still in their nightclothes. But soon, Ahsoka had to dress and be on her way, while Barriss watched her leave with mixed feelings. See you again soon, my dear Ahsoka.

Later that night, Su arrived at Barriss's apartment, this time clothed in more dramatic robes and shimmering multi-colored gowns. Barriss, expecting her arrival, had donned a lovely purple and blue themed outfit of similar sweep and boldness to what she wore when Ahsoka dropped in.

Su strode into the main room, then stood, looking Barriss over for a second. She then placed her hands on both of Barriss's shoulders, as the Mirialan relaxed and smiled back at her.

"Are you ready, my child?"

"How long am I going to be gone?"

"An indeterminate amount of time from your standpoint. Is there something you have to do?"

The empress looked sternly into Barriss's eyes, but was slightly smiling, as her own eyes were no longer opaque and as Barriss returned the gaze, she seemed to see many things. Images, dark and light, Imperial ships, Rebel ships, huge explosions, lightsabre duels … these all flashed before her eyes as she seemed to see the future.

"Yes, my queen," she answered, using a royal appellation for the first time to address Su. "I am concerned over my friend Ahsoka. I need to be with her."

"Fear not, my child. I promise nothing bad will happen to her. In fact, at some point, she will gain a new master, one more powerful than any she has ever known. Her journey is just beginning."

"New master? Might I learn whom it would be?"

Su laughed. "You shall not know this before she does. Her destiny may lie along a different path from your own."

"I hope I can still see her, milady. I think I love her very much," Barriss said hopefully.

"You will see her, rest assured. This is not your goodbye, merely another learning experience for you."

With that, Su embraced Barriss for a second, then raised her long arms above both of their heads. Suddenly they were swept away and then they were on something resembling the bridge of a starship, only there were no crew members or even droids. Just a row of controls, a large monitor, and above, a wide, expansive viewport. Barriss gazed through it and could plainly see her home planet below.

"Where are we going, my queen?"

"Watch and enjoy the view, dear one."

As Barriss seated herself, the view outside began to change rapidly. She snuggled next to Su and felt the reassuring warmth from her. Su placed a tender arm around her as they watched together. This time, however, Su kept a running commentary as the ship performed amazing feats. It quickly zoomed out to a point where the entire Galaxy could be seen in one complete panorama as they stood at the viewport and gazed out. Su then waved an arm and the display had become a map, with detailed labels pointing out the various regions and many key sectors and worlds, including the supposed "unknown regions" which, clearly, were not at all unknown to Su.

"It's beautiful, my queen," Barriss said, almost breathlessly. "But now I'm wondering. What would Emperor Palpatine have to say about all of this? Do you worry about the Empire learning more about you?"

Su simply smiled and pulled Barriss close to her with one of her powerful arms. "My dear … much you will learn in the years to come, and such questions, you will realize … are simply meaningless. I'm sure you recall our first meeting."

"Yes …" Barriss said dreamily, as she relaxed in Su's powerful, yet gentle, embrace. "The Empress of Everything. But, Su … I'm curious. If I may be so bold, may I ask if you have a plan for our galaxy? Do you wish the Empire to continue?"

"My child, that is something you will come to learn in greater detail. For now, let's just say that I understand that circumstances can change – sometimes quickly. The currents of history are always in motion. On this voyage, we will see how some of these things have played out – and are still doing so. You will come to understand that, even though your home galaxy is quite large and, in many ways, magnificent in its beauty and scope, it is hardly unique. Indeed, there are galaxies many times larger than this one … but I can tell you one important fact – not one of them can be ruled, at least not for very long. Of course, many have tried, but I have seen them rise and seen them fall. Your pathetic little Empire here will be no exception."

Barriss remained silent as Su lectured her. Inside, she felt great peace come over her as she realized that she was likely in the safest possible place and that no one – and nothing – could hope to exceed her queen's power. She gazed lovingly into Su's eyes, which were once again open and beckoning. Soon, another series of vistas could be seen as scenes of incredible cosmic beauty – nebulae, supernovae, and "black holes", seeming sucking all matter into them – were displayed.

She left Su's embrace and came up to the viewport again and peered out. The vista had changed and they were again in motion, as galaxy after galaxy could be seen. The speed they had reached was unimaginable, but one thing was certain in her mind – she was now truly a person of the Universe. And she was clearly with the only one that could take her on such a journey.

"Su … what did you mean by empress of everything? You said no one can truly rule."

"Most perceptive, my dear one. I am not that sort of empress … you will come to discover what that phrase means as we pass through time and space together."

Felucia, 13 BBY 3 months, 0 days

By this time, Shaak and Maris had started to recruit more Force-sensitive people from various regions of the Galaxy, but all of these were from Mid-Rim and Outer Rim sectors to the east of the Core. Some of them were quite promising, but most were neophytes with the Force. Sanjip Vignab, a 17-year-old human from the humid, rainy world of Jabiim, was one of the first group. His home planet was a place of great turmoil and had played a key role during the Clone War as it became a target for the Separatists, due to its ample quantities of needed metal ores. Now it had become useful to the Empire, and though most of those living there pretended to support the Empire, there were many hidden areas of rebel support.

Young Sanjip had always known there was something different about him, but he preferred to keep this to himself. Occasionally he would be practicing his skills in remote rural areas of the planet near his home. It was on one of those occasions, a few weeks prior, when Maris, passing over the countryside in her ship, the shuttle Forager, detected some Force activity via the special devices Shaak had installed on the ship. Maris had made careful notes, both mental and written, about what she had detected. When she returned to Felucia, she and Shaak discussed the phenomena.

Shaak later returned with the Intrepid, which she carefully cloaked, and soon zoomed in on the young man. Shaak set the ship down and debarked, then stood waiting on a hill for him to appear. When he first glimpsed the mysterious figure of a Togruta in the distance, he did a double take. It was relatively warm, and had started to rain lightly, and Sanjip wanted to be sure of what he thought he saw. The last thing he wanted was anyone reporting him to the Empire. He set out in Shaak's direction and came upon her. She was wearing a light poncho and her montrals thrust up clearly beneath its hood, while she also wore a light blue gown underneath.

When he reached her, he hailed the figure. "Hello, there! I don't think I've seen you around these parts before. May I be of some assistance?"

Shaak laughed, and pulled back her poncho a little, so he might see her face. "That's most kind of you, young man. As a matter of fact, you may indeed. You see, I have detected your ability …" Seeing a momentary look of concern on his face, Shaak sent a calming wave of Force energy in his direction. "Not to worry, I won't betray you to the Imperials. But you of course know that the Emperor sends people all over the Galaxy to find individuals like yourself."

"Yes, madam, I do," he noted respectfully, then added: "And I can tell that you are very strong with the Force. How are you able to evade his spies?"

"Ah …" Shaak laughed again. "A pertinent question indeed. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Shaak."

The young man bowed to her, and replied. "My name is Sanjip. Sanjip Vignab. My father works in the mines near here. We have a hard life but we survive."

Shaak nodded, then remarked, "I don't suppose you favor doing that work yourself, by any chance?"

"Not at all. Nothing against my dad. Even he agrees that I deserve a better life."

"What if I were to offer you such a life … might this interest you?"

"It might. What did you have in mind?"

"A chance to do something meaningful. To work with a group of people that are among the pioneers that want to stand against the Empire. Other individuals like yourself, who have similar talents and know the ways of the Force. I will help you to realize your destiny."

Sanjip looked at her carefully, and her dark eyes seemed most serious. Shaak's poncho had opened to a degree, and he soon spotted the lightsabre at her waist. "Say, Madam Shaak, is that …"

Shaak chuckled, then drew her sabre and switched it on. The familiar hum emanated from it, as its deep blue colored blade shone brightly. Raindrops sizzled briefly as they fell on it. Shaak took a couple of swipes, then offered the sabre hilt to the young man.

"Would you like to know how it feels?"

He eagerly took it, but then immediately noticed that wielding such a weapon was no easy task for a novice. The blade seemed to be fighting him as he tried to swipe with it.

Shaak laughed again, and called the sabre back to her hands, whereupon she switched it off.

"You will come to know how to control it, young Sanjip. So, what do you say … will you come with me?"

"Where, exactly, are we going?"

"A planet just a couple of hours away. You probably know of it. Are you familiar with Lianna?"

"Oh, yes. It's beautiful there, but I've never actually been. Is that where we are going?"

"No, but not far from it."

After another few minutes, Shaak and Sanjip went to his family's house, where she informed them of their son's decision to join her. They were a bit skeptical at first, but something about the Togruta's manner made them realize she was a very serious individual. A little Force-powered persuasion, and they soon readily agreed, once they realized that their son was set on joining the mysterious woman. His mother had always known of Sanjip's ability and she felt confident in Shaak. He said his goodbyes, and promised to send them word of his progress from time to time, but Shaak cautioned that they must be very vigilant about the Empire. Sanjip's parents explained that Jabiim was not fully under direct Imperial control but had proclaimed its loyalty. The local Moff ran the place with a loose hand and was more interested in the steady income he gained under the table from the mining operations on the planet, along with a steady supply of young beauties procured by the Falleen pirates working under the Black Sun organization.

Shaak and Sanjip were soon leaving and the young man was agog at first seeing Shaak's ship, especially once he came aboard. Shaak wasted no time and quickly had them in hyperspace and on the way to Felucia. Two hours later, they had arrived and set down in the area where The Order was starting to construct its new facilities. Eight other young acolytes had joined in the past few months, bringing the total to twelve – counting Shaak and Maris. They were constructing what would be the first version of the Assembly Hall and the bunkhouse where the acolytes would sleep and keep their personal belongings in lockers.

As Shaak introduced the others to Sanjip and he soon joined them, she and Maris stood on a small hill overlooking the progress.

"Master, this is really starting to come together. I like this new one you found, he could be another Xendar."

"Yes, I see that as well. Maris, as always, I want to commend you for the job you are doing in organizing all of this. You have a good managerial mind."

The Zabrak laughed loudly. "Oh, I don't know about that …"

Shaak laughed as well. "I'm serious," then added, "Now … the New Order of the Galaxy has begun. May this be a day long remembered in the years to come."

To be continued …