Shaak and Maris – A Star Wars Story: Chapter 11 – Master of the Order
The Order takes shape, while Barriss and Valles keep pushing the envelope. Ahsoka gains love and contentment.
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Chapter 11 – Master of the Order
Lianna, the Santhé Tower, 13 BBY, 4 months, 5 days
Valles Santhé, clad in a bright red dress that clung to her upper body, with a flared skirt and panels that caught the light and reflected it back to the onlooker, was stewing over some agricultural production numbers at her desk when her intercom sounded.
"Miss Santhé, someone to see you from the Imperial Ministry of Agriculture. A Mister Nathan Xeres."
Valles scowled. "I don't recall having an appointment with anyone named Xeres."
"Shall I make him wait, madam?"
Valles mulled it over. She was getting along fine with Imperial bureaucrats, what was one more?
"Show him in," she groaned.
In walked a reasonably short man (175 cm), with dark hair and a slim build. When he saw Valles, something jolted his consciousness. This is the head of Santhé-Sienar? She's not much older than a teenager. But something else about her caught his attention and it was the pervasive fragrance that she wore.
Valles didn't bother to get up. She spoke in a tone that radiated bored indifference. Where is that Kyver woman? They sent me a junior man.
"Good morning, Mister Xeres," Valles said, with a tone of respect that she did not feel. "Welcome to Lianna. What may we do for you?"
Nathan looked her over, finding her rather attractive in her dress, with her voluminous black hair, and growing steadily more intoxicated by the aroma of her perfume that echoed some Liannese flowering plant.
"Lady Santhé. I have … been assigned by the Ministry to … handle your requests."
"What happened to Minister Kyver? I seem to remember making an appointment for a return visit by her … Nine months ago!" Valles slapped her desk for emphasis.
"Madam, she has been away on assignment … we didn't have any news from her."
Valles stood up and addressed him directly, with something of a glare. "Were you briefed on what the minister and I talked about during her earlier visit?"
Nathan was quietly relieved that he'd done his homework beforehand. "Ah, yes, Lady Santhé. You were interested in how the IAP might be tailored to your environment here on Lianna for some specialized crop applications. I just so happen –"
She cut him off. "At this time …" She stopped. "What is your title, Mister Xeres?"
"Deputy Minister, madam."
Her mood shifted when she realized the man before her might be of some use. "Ah, very well. Pardon my rudeness. It's been a trying morning. Let me restate my requirements."
With that, Valles led him over to a corner of her expansive office, while Nathan was admiring the view and could see the city stretched out before him in seemingly all directions. She caught him looking, then tossed her luxurious black locks in such a way that a fresh dose of her perfume assaulted his nostrils. He turned to smile at her and she did the same in return, the hook deftly baited. She waved a hand and a monitor arose from the center of a small conference table and quickly came to life. Soon a presentation title page came on the screen, which read "Lianna Commodities General Projections – grains and softs."
Valles waved her hand again and the presentation landed on a line graph that showed several trend lines, each in a different color.
"You will note, Mister Xeres, that we are doing well with maize and gluten, but we need to step it up to meet our new projections."
As Nathan observed the screens, Valles seductively let her skirt brush him as she passed behind him and took her seat. His mind had some unanswered questions. Doesn't her company make weapons and associated systems for defense? Quite interesting that she is concerned with grain production targets. She sure sweetened up in a hurry, though. Also left unstated was Nathan's realization that Valles exhibited some Force ability.
"I see that, Madam. Minister Kyver left some notes behind. It seems you were looking to get yield per hectare up for those selected grains."
She nodded, and spoke in a lower tone. "Across the board."
The meeting between the two of them went on more or less this way for another twenty minutes, and Nathan showed himself out. He had failed to make much of an impression on Lady Valles Santhé, but not for lack of trying. Valles, for her part, came to the realization that Nathan Xeres had little more idea of now former Minister Ry Kyver's whereabouts than anyone else back on Coruscant. After he had left Valles mulled it over. Clearly, she went into hiding, but why? Kyver was the only one from the ministry that had any bold ideas, otherwise I have no use for the lot of them.
Valles scowled again, returning to the current production figures. She opened the intercom.
"Lasivia? Can you see about extending another invitation to Lord Vader? We have matters to discuss."
"Yes, Miss Santhé …"
Felucia, 12 BBY, 10 months, 14 days, 8 hours
After months spent working, the acolytes of The Order had finally completed the first Assembly Hall on Felucia. It had been roughly six years since Shaak and Maris first landed on the sweaty jungle planet and decided it to make it their home. Progress came slowly at first and for the most part, Shaak was satisfied to concentrate on improving her apprentice's basic skill set. She found that Maris had picked up a number of bad habits, due to her previous master and his lack of concern for her development. But she was a willing adherent and it wasn't long before Shaak could see the Zabrak's desire to work and show her devotion to her work. Over the years, the two had grown close and Maris became almost like a daughter to her Togruta master. Shaak was still somewhat formal, due to her own training and development, which emphasized the need to avoid forming close attachments with her fellow Jedi.
Over time, Shaak came to see that part of the Jedi Code to be, in her mind, unnecessarily restrictive and that it might prevent team cohesion. It was a new era after the Purge and if there was to be a truly new Order, it was time to reassess where the old ways may have failed to serve the best interests of the Jedi as a whole. For this reason, Shaak had decided to drop the name "Jedi" from her teachings and embark on a new set of philosophies, but these would still embrace much of the old ways and the need to beware of falling prey to the Dark Side of the Force.
Things moved into high gear about 18 months earlier when the Order recruited its first acolyte, Xendar Silkaw of Asrat. After that, more candidates were discovered and then brought to Felucia, so that the Order contained a dozen people, which included Shaak and Maris. At first, the acolytes were pitching tents and sleeping on the ground, but Shaak knew this would not be a workable solution for much longer. A facility to house everyone – and allow for expansion – was also needed, and it should have personal space for each to put their meager belongings, which mostly included clothing and toiletries. Acolytes would not have personal lightsabres until they had earned Padawan status.
So, due to this, the "bunkhouse" was constructed, with sleeping arrangements in drop-down beds along the walls that would eventually accommodate up to 60 people. Full bathroom facilities were also built to allow for the acolytes to shower and avoid the further digging of latrines, which Shaak felt were altering the ecology of the area. These were set up with something akin to septic tanks that could gradually evaporate most waste material. In addition to the Hall and the bunkhouse, the acolytes worked to clear a large multi-purpose space out of the jungle that would be for lightsabre training and dueling, along with other basic exercises. The hot and humid weather of Felucia was ideal for building the stamina needed to succeed in the Order and no acolyte was expected to carry much in the way of body fat.
After this was done, Shaak opened the new Assembly Hall with a short address. Everyone took a seat in the main chamber, which was built to hold up to 100 people, thus it seemed a bit cavernous. Still, this was a momentous occasion and everyone could feel the importance of it. The Master appeared for the first time in a velvet robe, no longer in traditional Jedi brown, but a deep black, which lent her an air of sophistication. The gathering was small enough to not require a microphone or amplification, so Shaak spoke with a firm, yet restrained tone.
"Good morning, everyone. I want to take this occasion – to first look back on all we've accomplished here since our arrival six years ago. That was a time of fear and outright terror. I will always remember the morning of what became known as the first Empire Day – when I awoke to learn of the treachery of Sheev Palpatine and the deaths of so many of our friends. My good friend Master Nu saved my life as well that morning with her timely warning, and it was also when my dear Maris came into my life later that day. The three of us worked on doing what we could to save as much of the Temple knowledge as possible and keep it secure away from Coruscant. We were successful in doing that and are still constructing a secure underground vault to contain it.
"At this time, I want to recognize our friend and colleague, Maris Brood, as the first Knight of the Order. She has tirelessly worked for the past six years to better herself and gain the kind of skill and knowledge that this position requires."
Maris, as if on cue, rose and came up to stand next to Shaak. She then dropped to her knees, leaned forward and touched the Assembly Hall floor with both palms. Shaak, smiling, drew her lightsabre and set it to its lowest power setting, then gently touched each of Maris's shoulders in turn.
"Rise, Knight Brood. You are the first Member of the Order of Galactic Knights!"
Maris rose then kissed Shaak's right hand as it was offered. "Thank you, Master." She then returned to her seat.
Shaak continued. "Also, at this time, it is my pleasure to announce that the first two Padawans of the Order have been chosen. Come forward, Acolytes Silkaw and Vignab."
Xendar and Sanjib also dropped to their knees before Shaak, who proceeded to dub the both of them. She then further announced, "You both will now learn to construct your own lightsabres. Knight Maris will be instructing you. My congratulations to you. I am most gratified to see the progress you both have made since joining the Order. Rise, my Padawans."
As they returned to their seats, Shaak then concluded her remarks.
"In summary, this marks our first meeting of the Order in our new facility. I want each of us to be proud and diligent custodians of our community and all of its property here on Felucia. I have grand plans for our Order and its home and these will be rolled out in the months and years to come. That is all."
With that, Shaak turned and walked out of the Assembly Hall and went to her ship. Maris then directed Xendar and Sanjip to follow her. The others went to the new bunkhouse and their newly assigned bunks and lockers.
About two hours later, Shaak summoned Maris to her small home. As the Zabrak entered, she asked, "what is your request, Master?"
Maris was having a wonderful day so far, and both of her hearts pumped with the pride she felt over reaching the rank of Knight of the Order. It required much training and studying, covering subjects as diverse as Galactic History, basic and intermediate levels in physics and chemistry, plus initial training in biology, with a concentration on botany. She had to pass examinations and write essays on her understanding for her knowledge as well. Her body was now in peak physical condition and Shaak had further plans for the next level of training, which they would begin to cover in the days ahead.
"Good afternoon, my able apprentice. Today is a day you have so richly earned and it is yours to savor. My only current request is for you to return to Nechako and make contact with both Knight Varda and former Agri-Corps member Devin."
Maris nodded. "What do you wish me to convey to them, Master Shaak?"
"For Varda, please extend an invitation to return to Felucia and ask if she would be willing to offer instruction in biology, with an emphasis on plant species. I also would propose something along the lines of a fellowship regarding the unique variety of species we have on Felucia and – their relationship to the Force."
"Ah, yes, Master. We had talked about that before. I would guess she knows much in this area. How about Mister Devin?"
"Simply offer him an invitation to visit Felucia and meet some of the acolytes in the Order. If he is serious, also offer a chance to relocate here, with his family."
Maris felt she had to say something at this point, and interrupted Shaak's train of thought.
"Master … I asked him once before, and he turned me down. I think he's concerned about the welfare of his children."
Shaak stared into her apprentice's eyes, then resumed.
"As I was stating … this is merely an offer, but I wish to see him have a chance to at least give serious consideration. I am now building the capability to make our planet opaque to Imperial detection and he and his family would be quite safe should he decide to join us."
"Should I tell him that we stand against the Empire but we are doing it quietly?"
"I would expect him to already understand that. What I'm more concerned with at present is that he should decide if he wants to recover the desire to rekindle the Force inside him … what he lost and how it may be regained. I want to see if the hunger is lying dormant."
"I suppose so, Master. I know I would yearn to breathe that air again if I had lost it. It's not as though he's too old."
Shaak chuckled at that. "Yes. Maris, that is all. Enjoy the rest of your day. You leave tomorrow."
Maris bowed, then left Shaak's home. Shaak then took off her robe, under which she had on minimal garments covering her private areas, then donned an elegant silk gown in bright blue that she had fashioned from Felucian native plant and animal species, then used other local plants to achieve the dyed color. Shaak was always a devotee of beautiful garments and this was a trait she inherited from her mother, who, on Shili, was something of a local celebrity and considered quite fashionable by Togruta women of all ages.
Feeling the soft and sensuous caress of the gown, Shaak sat on the floor in her bedroom and proceeded to meditate, reaching out with the Force in various directions. Her relaxation level was at its peak and new insights came to her on this occasion.
Ah, so here we are. The progress of our acolytes is most gratifying, and we must continue to build forward. I want as little idle time as possible for them because their training is a multi-faceted process. Having young people is most desired, due to their idealism and energy … each day, I can feel it, and I channel this energy through the Force. My awareness grows sharper with each passing day. I can now experiment with the technique I have gained from holocron S-13.
I can again feel the rising power of Knight Barriss Offee, coming from the northeastern region of the Outer Rim – most likely her home planet of Mirial – and I can also detect the presence of Padawan Ahsoka Tano, who has clearly progressed over the past few years such that she is very much a Knight in her own right. Are these two becoming united? And … there is also another presence … I will need to go to this area of the Galaxy and gain greater insight.
Furthermore, I now can detect the presence of our old friend Anakin in the area, in his new unmistakable guise as a junior Sith Lord. Much anger and pain I feel in him, and he has become an instrument of Sidious's evil designs. In a way, most regrettable … I had reservations about him beginning Jedi training, but not because of his advanced age. It was plain for me to see that he already carried fear and anger in large quantities before the War … it was his attachment to Padawan Tano that served to channel this energy in constructive directions. He came to care very much for her and, had we been able to better understand it, we would have never allowed those two to be separated.
Had I been the Master of the Order, I would first never have allowed the Republic to conduct any trial of Jedi Order members whatsoever. A more hands-on approach and I would have deduced that Knight Offee was the culprit. I see this now most clearly. But Offee and Tano as allies? I must come to understand this better … something has changed.
Aboard Su's Light ship, somewhere outside Group 17: 12 BBY, 8 months, 5 days (time approximate)
After over a year away, Empress Su returned to Galaxy Group 17 (by her method of identification) and soon her "Light" world-ship was within a short distance (5 light years) of Barriss's home world of Mirial. Before she left, Su asked her some questions.
"My dear girl, I am not opposed to your desire to return to your home. We have had a long journey and covered several areas of understanding, and perhaps you need to step away and try to reconcile this. But, before you leave me, we should review some things."
"Such as?" Barriss was becoming ever more comfortable with Su and enjoyed what were steadily becoming frank and open discussions between them. It was as if the great one was fully content to allow such exchanges.
"For one thing, your desire to have a new identity. Might you explain that once more?"
"Ah, yes. Su … you have shown me so much and I have gained knowledge that I could never have gained any other way. I feel I am in many ways a new person. So a new name might be more appropriate."
Su laughed softly. "I see. Of course, I would not be opposed to this either. However, I would caution you to take extreme care in sharing what you have learned with others here who may not be so … enlightened. Knowledge can present dangers that are not always foreseeable. What might you wish to call yourself now?"
"Lizza. It seems perfect for me. I've meditated on it and I like its simplicity, also its sense of mystery."
Again, the empress laughed. "And this would be your name outside of Group 17 … do I have that correct?"
"You do. But I will still go by Barriss to my friends and Vacle to those whom I wish to conceal my identity from." She paused for a second. "Two more things. Can I get a new supply of bota … and … I would very much like to bring my friend, Ahsoka Tano, into what I'm doing with you. I care so much for her now."
Su stared into Barriss's eyes for a split-second, and the Mirialan felt a sharp sense of discomfort. There was an uneasy silence, while the empress's garments changed several shades of color, then returned to her normal neutral white. She broke the silence with a soft chuckle and a smile, then said:
"I would prefer you not bring your friend into this. She will have a different path to follow ahead of her and this is her private destiny. It is best for her at this time that she be totally unaware of it."
Barriss seemed a bit disappointed, as Su read her thoughts, then continued. "I am aware of your relationship with her and am also aware that you felt rueful over what happened to her because of your actions some years prior. That is to the good. Always best to gain perspective and realize the damage you might have done."
"I care about her, Su. I hurt her and I want to make it up to her. She's a really good person."
Su smiled and placed a warm hand on Barriss's shoulder. "That is well, then. Your friend will have many trials still ahead of her and I am certain she will pass them. But no, it is not the time to bring her along with us. I chose you – and only you – for a distinct reason."
"Which was?"
"Ah, Miss Lizza. That is for you to learn."
Barriss half frowned and half smiled, as Su looked on serenely. "I understand, my empress. And I will learn it."
"Yes, you will. As for the bota, what is the purpose you wish it for?"
"It helps me so much with the Force."
Su laughed, much louder this time. "Well, my dear girl, be careful what you wish for. There are still some further lessons ahead of you. Perhaps it is best for you to get them in Group 17. I will permit a small quantity, but again, no sharing."
"That's fine. I know you will catch me if I disobey. I promise I won't."
"Very well, Miss Lizza. We shall reconvene in about two of your years. Take good care of yourself, and your friends."
Barriss then found herself back in her apartment, with a slight headache. She looked around to find a small, white pyramid-shaped object. Upon closer inspection, she saw that it opened to reveal one cc of the bota. She sighed and closed it up, then carried back to her safe in the small room and locked it away.
Mirial, 12 BBY, 8 months, 1 day, 18 hours
After settling back into her life on Mirial, Barriss couldn't resist sampling just a pinch of the new bota that Su had given her. This time, however, it seemed to be a much stronger and more intense shot of Force awareness that was mildly intoxicating. She decided to light the pinch in a water pipe so that she might taste it as if it were a shot of spice. As she inhaled the smoke, a strong wave overcame her and she soon lost consciousness.
Seemingly a few minutes later, Barriss awoke and had an incredible feeling come over her. Suddenly, she felt she could see and do almost anything – as if the future had opened its secrets to her. Being somewhat materially oriented, she opened her office computer and started checking her accounts. Miraculously, they had swelled in size and now the Mirialan found herself a multi-millionaire and one of the richest people on Mirial. I love you, bota! Su … you are simply the best.
Barriss quickly placed a call with her com device.
"Hello. Mister Somminick? … Yes. It's me. Barriss Offee. … Do you recall that home we talked about last year? I'd like to buy it. … That's right, with a few alterations. … Oh, I'm doing very well, thank you. Shall we meet in two days? … You take care."
She then placed another call. "This is Miss Vacle. Please deliver a case of that whisky to my apartment. Plus, two bottles of blue Vaynaian bubbly … yes … hahaha. I feel like celebrating."
After ending that call, she saw another one coming in. "Ahsoka! Oh, you just made me the happiest gal in the Galaxy. Of course, I want to see you, love. We're going to celebrate. I'm a very rich girl now …"
A few hours later and Barriss checked the time. 1800. Perfect. The liquor had arrived and she had put it away, then she went on her terrace and fired up her barbeque grill, knowing how much the Togruta loved tasty meat. The steaks were ready, having been marinated with a unique blend of seasoning imported from Shili. Her salad maker was ready in the kitchen and everything was almost ready.
Barriss dashed into her bedroom and changed into a lavish green gown that complemented her natural olive complexion and threw on several necklaces and bracelets made from pure gold and platinum. As she returned to her main room, her bell rang and she waved her hand to open the door and saw Ahsoka standing there with a big smile on her face and her adorable bright blue eyes shining.
The Togruta swiftly entered and soon the couple were hugging each other and exchanging kisses.
"I missed you … so much," Ahsoka gasped, "wherever did you go?"
Barriss laughed. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you … come, I have something for you. Something you're going to love."
Ahsoka smiled. "Let me see!"
"Follow me." Barriss led her into the bedroom and then to her walk-in closet. On a hanger was a gorgeous blue gown that matched the Togruta's lekku perfectly, it was made of the finest Mirialan silk and shined with a metallic luster.
"Try it on!" Barriss urged.
"I can't wait!" Ahsoka squealed happily. She grabbed the gown and quickly changed out of her casual attire and slipped it on. It seemed to just caress her whole body as it slid down to her shoulders. Ahsoka pulled her rear lek up and out of the gown, then stood, admiring herself in the mirror.
"It's wonderful, Barriss … thank you ever so much."
"And so are you, dear Soka. It's so good to be with you again."
The two shared a quick kiss, then Barriss led her guest onto the terrace, where the Vaynaian bubbly was poured. Ahsoka clinks glasses with her hostess and they looked out from the 15th level toward the ocean, watching the Mirialan sun sink into the sea for a romantic sunset. The steaks were now sizzling on the grill and Ahsoka's stomach growled.
"I'm so hungry … and it smells so good!" she exclaimed, while looking lovingly at Barriss. "You know, while you were away, I kept myself busy."
"Oh?" Barriss smirked playfully. "Do tell …!"
"More crap with the Inquisitors … but it's funny …"
"What's funny?"
"I seemed to sense them better than before, almost like … my powers were increased."
Barriss chuckled softly. It was the bota, my dear. "I know what you mean. Mine have too, recently." She turned toward the grill. "Dinner's ready!"
"Great! I'll help …"
"Thank you, dear."
A bit later, the two ladies had finished stuffing themselves with salad and delicious spicy steak bites, washing it down with more Almanian ale. As Barriss cleared the dinner table using the Force to send all the dishes into the kitchen and the dishwasher, she offered Ahsoka another bottle of ale and the two of them went into the main room and cuddled together on the sectional sofa, admiring each other's gowns.
"When I saw this one, Soka, I just knew it had your name written all over it. How gorgeous you are, my love."
Ahsoka purred softly while Barriss gently stroked her lekku. "Ahhhh ..." She relaxed and looked at her friend. "Barriss … how did you hit it so big? Not that I'm complaining, but it's remarkable."
"I've been a bit lucky … but mostly good planning. I've gotten good at the investment game. Say … I'm buying a new home – in the city, on Vinktoff Square. I'm going to have everything bespoke. You're invited to the opening, in about four months or so …"
Ahsoka laughed. "I'd love to make it. But you know … I am serious about the rebellion."
Barriss chuckled. "Oh, of course. But try to slot me into your … tight schedule."
They continued to chat, with Barriss evading any further questions about the rebellion, other than to say she was "considering" it. After both had starting yawning, Ahsoka suggested they go to bed, so into Barriss's master suite they returned to. Barriss had one more gift for her lover – an elegant sleepwear set in soft blue satin that Ahsoka fingered happily.
"You're just too good to me, dear."
As the lights went out, the two snuggled together, then fell asleep.
To be continued …