A note of clarification for those that might be wondering about some things regarding this story … The title mentions Shaak and Maris and they are still the protagonists, but the true purpose of the tale is to provide the "back story" for what happens in Ahsoka and the Rebellion. How the action we see there was set up and what characters went through prior. This is why Ahsoka and Valles are also featured heavily in this one because they are very important overall. Shaak Ti is a complex and multi-faceted individual, and someone that I wanted to do much more with. Her role in Attack of the Clones or Revenge of the Sith is minimal, but to me the movies just skim the surface of the whole Star Wars universe. What motivated me for Shaak were the Clone Wars episodes that showed how much more there was to her, and as a Togruta, how good it would be to bring her together with Ahsoka. Even Barriss, whom readers will now realize, also appears in the sequel to Ahsoka and the Rebellion as something very different than she was prior to that era.

Chapter 14 – Ways of the Force

Iwaki, 12 BBY 3 months, 28 days, 8 hours

The next morning, Shaak and Maris rose quickly and donned the same garments they had on when they arrived on the small Mid-Rim world of Iwaki. They proceeded to Varda's home, where she was awaiting them.

"Good morning, Master Shaak and Knight Maris. I think today will be a good experience for you both. First, I would like to introduce you to someone I've known for a while."

Shaak smiled. "And this would be?"

"His name is Ava Kirrin, and he is a Siluan elder."

Maris spoke up. "A what?"

Shaak glanced at her. "Siluans are a special group of people, ones that live in the pure Light side of the Force."

Varda nodded. "Yes, dear … or at least that is their intention. Still, there is much of value to be gained from a different perspective."

"So, Varda, from my perspective, being a 'true' Siluan is something that one aspires to, but often has trouble reaching … this can be said of much regarding the Jedi."

"That's not a bad analogy, but I'd want to let both of you form your opinions after you've met some of them."

If Maris was at all confused about this subject, she gave no indication. "So where do we go to meet him?"

Varda smiled, then reached out to Maris, to touch her gently. "He lives close to me, we can walk."

Varda then glanced at Shaak, who simply nodded, as if giving some kind of assent. "Shall we?"

"Let's go," Maris replied.

After about ten minutes, the three of them came upon the home of Ava Kirrin. It was of similar size to that of Varda, all on one level, with a large main room that adjoined onto the kitchen and dining area, and four smaller rooms. As Varda approached, the door slid open and the large form of Ava Kirrin was plainly visible.

"What may I do for you, Madam Varda," the man asked in a deep voice. Ava Kirrin stood around 1.8 metres tall and carried over 100 kg on that large-boned frame. He had a jovial, good-natured way about him and Shaak's first impression was positive.

"Ava Kirrin," she said with a laugh. "I want to introduce you to two of my newer friends. This …" she turned her head to gaze at Shaak, "… is Jedi Master Shaak Ti, and this, is her apprentice, Maris Brood."

Shaak looked into his eyes, and was given a small signal of benevolence, while Maris simply stood blankly, not sure how to respond.

"It is my pleasure, Master Ti. Your reputation is well known among our group. They will be pleased to learn of your survival."

Shaak stepped forward and held out both of her hands, giving a hidden signal. Ava Kirrin quickly detected her intent, and took her hands gently but firmly as well, and soon felt the power coming from within her. It was quickly apparent to him that she was carrying a cocktail of Force energy, both light and dark.

Maris, on the other hand, registered clearly in his mind as someone carrying conflicting energies. While on the surface a confident and strong individual, there was a deep current of insecurity in her. As a Siluan, and a compassionate individual, Kirrin wanted to do what he could to help both of these women. Shaak, because of her strength, and Maris, because of her troubles. He encouraged them to come in and sit for a while, as Varda looked on.

Shaak herself quickly deduced Ava Kirrin's makeup. This man is clearly a source of strength to others of his clan. To take on such a responsibility – to live fully in the Light – is a most difficult endeavor. I have learned something of the Siluan ways, from holocron 42 in the Jedi collection. But we are not beings of pure light, nor were we expected to be. I well remember Master Yoda ingraining it in us that we will be tempted by darkness.

As they both got comfortable, Ava Kirrin first posed the question:

"Maris, I can feel you are already a very powerful young person, and you have the desire to grow even more so. Might you be able to explain your reasons?"

Maris thought about it, but was certain of her answer, as she glanced at Shaak.

"I serve my master. She is the best hope for the Galaxy now, with so many Jedi having been killed. I understand Mister Devin is also now dead."

Kirrin nodded. "He is, unfortunately. We mourn his loss as we do all of those who serve in the light."

"Do you know how – or why – he died?"

"I do indeed … he had the severe misfortune to have been confronted by someone under the employ of the Sith Lord Darth Vader."

As he said the name, he watched for the reaction on the young Zabrak's face. It turned a mild shade of red and started to match her eyes, which flared, along with her frontal horns. Shaak watched this exchange intently, then attempted to calm her beloved apprentice with a subtle wave of her right hand, which Kirrin took note of. Breathe, my child was her basic message, as Maris seemed to relax somewhat. Kirrin then thought better of going down this road as he did not want to upset his guest.

Shaak then spoke. "Ava Kirrin. I am acquainted with the Siluan philosophy of non-violence, even in self-defense. And though such a position would seem to be surrender, it is believed that the Force itself will rectify matters in the end. Do I represent this correctly?"

He partially nodded in seeming agreement. "It is indeed most difficult to completely surrender in such a manner … yet I have witnessed it – in the person of a seventeen-year-old girl about two years ago."

"That seems like a rare occurrence indeed. We would normally expect nearly all sentient beings to attempt to survive whatever the cost. We see this in non-sentients, from the smallest insects, up to the raging Akul of my home world."

Their discussion continued along these lines for a few minutes, when Ava Kirrin offered them a tea. Shaak could tell Maris was somewhat struggling with the idea that anyone would willingly die, especially when that one was Force-sensitive. Shaak was more willing to engage philosophically with some of the ideas presented, understanding that no course of action was prescribed for either herself or for Maris.

"Ava Kirrin … I am getting a sensation of sorts from the surroundings here. Might I have a look outside?"

"By all means, Master Shaak. I would imagine it is coming from the garden."

Shaak and Maris both went outside alone, leaving Varda and Kirrin together. As they entered the garden, Shaak was immediately struck by the sense of order it presented to her mind. It's as if this particular arrangement of plant species was almost dictated by some impulses from the Force itself. Most interesting. The Togruta master took off her sandals and walked into the center of the garden, her feet sensing the ground below. She closed her eyes and went into a light trance, so as to allow the Force to speak to her via the seeming order. I learned from my mother that one may gain a sense of a person by the way that person keeps his or her garden. Yoda always stressed that I should continue with my deeper understanding of the plant species as I gained in other abilities. I must take Knight Varda with me.

Shaak spread her arms wide and Maris had ventured outside as well, watching from a distance. Then, incredibly, it was as if the very plants themselves were reaching out to her master, as if Shaak was channeling the Force through them and back to herself. The Zabrak wanted to gain this knowledge for herself and she walked up to her master's side. Shaak then took her hands and proceeded to connect Maris to the cycle. Varda came outside as well, and was impressed to watch Shaak at work.

She's a most unique individual. I've come to know this and the Force is telling me to spend as much time as I can with her. Healing my injury was just the beginning of what the Master can give to me. Shaak gives without any thought of gaining something in return and the trust she has in the Force is most remarkable. Varda sighed, and soon, Shaak lowered her arms and released Maris's hands. They walked back toward the house, both smiling at Varda as they entered.

Shaak then addressed Ava Kirrin. "I am most impressed, sir, at your sense of organization. It is a quality I most admire in someone and it indicates an ordered mind. You are to be commended."

The man bowed to the Togruta master, realizing she had paid him a sincere compliment, and also, that someone such as Shaak Ti was not in the habit of dispensing such compliments randomly.

"I thank you, Madam."

Shaak raised her right hand and Kirrin took it gently, giving it a kiss. It was an expression of gratitude. The dignity she had was most striking and he found himself wanting to spend more time in her presence.

"Knight Varda," Shaak said softly as she turned to her. "We must be getting onward. Varda, if you wish, Maris and I will be heading out."

Varda nodded. "I will be ready to come with you tomorrow, Shaak. First, we will go to Yemer, then return to your world."

Ava Kirrin also wanted to convey his good wishes. "May the Force stay with you both, Master Ti and Knight Brood, I enjoyed having you both in my humble home."

Maris simply curtsied, while Shaak smiled. "Till we meet again, Ava Kirrin …"

In hyperspace en route to Yemer, 12 BBY 3 months, 27 days, 6 hours

The next day, the Intrepid II bid farewell to Iwaki, with Varda joining Shaak and Maris. This was her second trip aboard Shaak's ship and she was duly impressed as she had more time to look around it.

"Shaak, this vessel is quite advanced. I should have known you would have one like it, as you were a top student in mechanics and starship maintenance when you were coming up in the Jedi. It is gratifying that you found time for my class in botanical studies."

Shaak chuckled. "A Jedi's education should be well-rounded. We were ideally expected to be well-versed in various matters. I tended toward military pursuits but I was equally fascinated with the biological, particularly as it pertained to the Force."

Maris at this point was on the flight deck, peering out the viewport as the blur of hyperspace whizzed by. She had been quiet since the visit with Ava Kirrin and was wondering what lay ahead.

Varda and Shaak were sharing an herbal beverage in the lounge, when Varda thought it was time to ask Shaak what she'd been meaning to ask for a while.

"Shaak, I've been wondering …"

"Hmm?" came the Togruta's reply.

"Regarding Maris. I have a high opinion of her, in that she seems quite diligent, yet humble. But I could tell that Ava Kirrin could also detect much inner conflict in her. Have you thought about it?"

Shaak stared ahead for a few seconds, seemingly not paying attention. But she was. "Varda, indeed I have … yet I am not prepared to go into much detail as this is between her and myself."

"I understand, Shaak. I can tell how much you love her. As if she were your daughter."

"Yes. I made a solemn promise that day we left Coruscant, to protect her at all costs. But she has thrived under my tutelage."

"Oh, indeed so. My first meeting with her was at a very stressful time in my life. My body was suffering greatly from the various things that had taken place. Someone I greatly treasured was brutally murdered and I took it most personally. The agony – among other things – caused my health to suffer."

"Please go on …" Shaak murmured.

"Ah yes," Varda sipped some of the beverage, a warm concoction that seemed to reach deep inside her.

Shaak reached over to her and gently patted her shoulder. "I have learned about the one you refer to. The Siluan spoke of her. But you must not carry this burden, friend. The Force was in control that day. As for the Dark One that perpetrated this vile deed, she has suffered in a different way."

Varda nodded and seemed to shake off whatever sorrow she momentarily felt upon the memory. She changed topics.

"Shaak, I am impressed with your knowledge of the healing arts. The Togruta as a species are renowned in this area but you are truly exemplary. I do hope your talents extend to the mental sphere."

Shaak smiled and took a deep breath, then exhaled. "I … am working on that. The Zabrak personality is rather complex, so to speak. My dear Maris is carrying much internal baggage and I have to keep her occupied with worthwhile pursuits. She seems to thrive when training the acolytes. It gives her more confidence."

"But she is quite powerful, under the surface. I have felt it."

"Indeed …" was Shaak's only reply.

They both meditated for about a half-hour, then Maris came in to join them.

"What's going on?" she chirped good-naturedly.

"Matters to consider carefully," Shaak replied with a sly grin.

"Such as?" Maris shot her a glance, then stared across at Varda,

"Please sit with us, dear," Varda said softly, patting the seat next to her.

"We were pondering the idea of additional Dark Side presences in the Galaxy."

Maris cocked her head back and raised her upper lip and nose. "The Inquisitors? I'd love to try them out sometime …"

"Hmm, not them," Shaak answered, as her eyes narrowed. "Possibly stronger forces than them, but not Vader, nor the Emperor." She thought for a second. "Maris, you recall us talking about Barriss Offee?"

"Sure. The one that betrayed Ahsoka Tano ... Scoundrel."

Varda broke in. "It appears she has forgiven that. The two seem to be close now."

Shaak stroked her chin for few seconds. "We talked about that too, I'm not sure that's such a good idea. I really don't want Ahsoka getting hurt again … Well, anyway, I think there are other presences now to be concerned with."

Varda stopped cold. "Have you got anything solid?"

"Not yet. I've been meditating on it. You know I've been building this relay system."

Both Varda and Maris nodded tightly.

"Well, it's for more than just com-links. It also helps me track via the Force."

"How does that work, Shaak?" Varda asked, as her eyes grew bigger.

"Kind of complex, but the basis of it is that everyone I meet has a Force signature. And I have become able to catalog each of these in a sort of directory – a database, of sorts, but based on the Force. I've learned this technique from holocron 31. One that Master Yoda made several notations of his own on, alongside Master Dooku – who once was a mentor of mine."

"This is most intriguing," Varda remarked softly. She then glanced at Maris, whose face had become expressionless.

"The key point here," Shaak went on, "was the need to take mental notes in the Force. It was a highly advanced technique, but I've learned how to do it. Now, I can receive impulses through my network. And I've received some interesting readings from around Dathomir and near Lianna – which is rather close to Felucia."

"Anything more than that?"

"No. This is still more of a hunch at present. But you can bet I will be following up."

"You would suspect that Palpatine would already know how to do this as well, especially when it comes to the Dark Side."

"That is … true …" Shaak said slowly. "But if he's not looking, he's not likely to find. Too often, we think he is truly all-powerful, but I cannot believe that. He will have weaknesses ..., and when I learn what these are, I am going to find a way to exploit them."

Both Varda and Maris sat back in their seats in the lounge, each silently wondering whether Shaak had hit upon something crucially important.

Yemer, Taldot Sector, Mid-Rim, 12 BBY 3 months, 27 days, 9 hours

Soon after, the ship dropped from hyperspace, and the dark disc of Yemer was visible. At first, it seemed to be another mountainous and forested world, but as they drew in closer, there also were large savanna plains areas and then even drier areas more akin to desert.

"Any place in particular?" Shaak turned to Varda.

"Yes, we are going to meet with a particular individual. He's a Pau'an, quite old and rather wise."

"Ah … all right, then."

With Varda navigating, Shaak put the ship down on a flat, arid area, but she could see various structures. The planet reminded her of Tatooine or Jakku, but with a little more variety in the landscape – at least on this part of it.

It being somewhat hot, both Shaak and Maris shed their robes and stepped out of the ship in just their green silk dresses and sandals. Soon, a tall figure was coming toward them, and Shaak knew this was whom they'd come to see. Varda did the introductions.

"Shaak, this is Ava Gerges. A longtime Siluan elder. Ava Gerges, this is the Jedi Master and member of the High Council, Shaak Ti, and her apprentice, Knight Maris Brood."

Gerges stepped forward, and the three of them exchanged bows. He was indeed tall, at least 15 cm over the tips of Shaak's montrals.

"Pleased to meet you, ladies." His voice was at least an octave higher than might be expected, but his height was offset by a narrow build. Shaak was somewhat familiar with the Pau'an species, originally hailing from the planet Utapau, a key battle site during the Clone War.

"And you, as well," Shaak purred softly. "Knight Varda hasn't told us much, but we are happy to make your acquaintance."

Maris, as usual, was content to simply stand there and watch. Gerges invited them inside, which was much cooler than the arid outdoors. The entrance was via something that, to Shaak, resembled an earth-mound but was essentially a covering for a stairway that led to a partially underground room of some sort. The four of them sat down and their host served them a cool tea-like beverage. As Shaak sipped it, she thought it was similar to one of her own recipes.

"Ava Gerges," the Togruta said softly. "I understand you have been at this for some time. What might you want to tell me, and, what might you want me to tell you about myself?"

He smiled. "Shaak Ti, you are an interesting sort, to be sure. Very powerful, I can detect that easily, but still you search for even more … that would be where I might start."

Shaak smiled. "Fair enough. I don't suppose I need to explain to you about the current circumstance in the Galaxy and what – or more precisely, who – brought that about?"

"You do not, Master Ti. On the whole, a most harrowing experience. To wake up one morning to find that your entire world, and all of the people in it, were rapidly disappearing. And then, by dint of your own gifts, you were able to get away and start over. A remarkable tale of strength and determination. But still – you are haunted by it. How am I doing so far?"

Shaak exhaled, then looked him in the eye for a second, then relaxed. "Most impressive, sir. Yes, that is me. So now I suppose you have answered your own question. But …" she held up her right hand, "the one thing I seek, above all else, is knowledge. For it was due to a lack of knowledge that we failed as an organization, and our failure cost the Galaxy so very much."

Ava Gerges stared calmly at her. "Yes, most definitely. And I can well understand your motivation, Master. And once you gain this knowledge, which clearly you see as power, what is your ultimate aim?"

She laughed. "I am not yet ready to decide about that. All I know is I am still far from the goal."

"Again, understandable. Shaak Ti, may I say that I can admire someone like yourself, whose heart and motives are pure. You have your ways, and though they are not my ways, I am not in any position to judge them. Indeed, the Galactic Empire has swept away so much of what I held dear. I wish you success."

"Thank you, sir. Ava Gerges. Now I have a question for you."

"I hoped you would."

"Sir, how would you explain the Way of the Siluan and its relevance, or, should I say, its significance for me?"

"Madam … it is a calling, one that not everyone can answer. I know you like to say, many are called but few are chosen. It is that way with us. To give oneself to the Force, in complete confidence that it is the right course, these are very few indeed."

"I can imagine so."

"Shaak Ti, do you see yourself as a person of the Light? Or perhaps somewhat differently?"

"For the most part, yes. I learned from many as a Jedi. Master Yoda, who warned me as a child to beware of Darkness and to examine carefully my reasons for wanting or doing anything. Master Dooku, who encouraged me to build my strength and have pride in what I could accomplish. So, I had many influences, but I never saw myself as someone tempted by the Dark Side. I felt, I still feel, that I can avoid it, even as I study it now."

Ava Gerges looked at her with a solemn expression for a second, then replied.

"I understand, Master Ti. So it is with you. And I sincerely wish you success. We may all come to depend on you."

Turning to Maris, who up to this point was intently following the discussion and inwardly wondering how she felt about such matters, he asked:

"So, Maris Brood, I can see you have been thinking about all of this. Is there any question you might have for me?"

She glanced back at him, a little uneasy, but then found her voice. "Sir, may I ask, what is it actually that you do?"

For the first time, he broke into a wide smile, and laughed. Not wanting to offend Maris, he quickly grew serious. "To be completely honest, Maris, I sometimes wonder about that myself. I suppose you might say I am a kind of advisor, but mostly I get people to talk about themselves and hopefully come to a better understanding. Does that help?"

"I don't know, sir. But you seemed to know so much about Master Shaak. How was that possible, and do you know about me as well?"

"Master Shaak is easy to know, for the Force tells me much about her. She is a very open person, with nothing to hide. Do I know about you? I know that you are asking many questions about who you are and who you will become. And that you love your master. But you also know she cannot choose for you."

Maris felt herself nodding in agreement. "Yes … but I want to follow her. To help her. To train more of us to follow her and we will take back the Galaxy from the Empire. I firmly believe that."

"And it is good that you believe that. Because it will show you what to do. Maris, you are already strong with the Force. Now you must trust in it."

Maris nodded again, feeling no further words were necessary. She had always been a person of few words, but tried hard to find the right ones. Sometimes, she felt her twin hearts did not always beat as one, but this was more of an illusion.

"Thank you, sir. Ava Gerges. I will trust in the Force, it has never let me down."

He nodded and smiled to her, then reached a hand toward her. Maris instinctively took it and felt a kind energy coming to her, telling her to honor the Light within her and to be unafraid.

Varda and Shaak then stood. Ava Gerges and Maris did as well, and, seemingly, nothing more needed to be said. They walked back out into the sunshine and looked around. To Maris, the planet Yemer seemed a little less barren, because now she had a friend here.

The three of them boarded the Intrepid II for the journey back to Felucia. Once aboard, Shaak excused herself and retired to her quarters to sleep and meditate. Varda felt Maris might want to talk, but it was clear she did not, so once the ship was in hyperspace she too decided to meditate and thought long about her two now close friends. The events of the past two days had helped to bond them.

In hyperspace en route to Felucia, 12 BBY 3 months, 25 days

With about one hour left before the ship dropped from hyperspace, Shaak emerged from her quarters and saw Maris was on the flight deck, seemingly absent-mindedly looking out the viewport as the stars were rushing by.

"What are you feeling, my child?"

"Master … how mysterious it all is. The Galaxy, and all within it. My life. Who am I, Master?"

Shaak chuckled. "Maris, my dear – whomever you want to be – but that is the hardest of questions."

They stared out the viewport together, having donned their robes again. Maris felt good in the rich velvet and paused a second just to feel it. A good piece of clothing is so basic yet so special. The seemingly smaller things in life can be the most important and, the most rewarding. She turned to Shaak, who placed a loving hand on her shoulder.

"Master, that Pau'an made me think. He wished us well. Do you suppose he thinks we may succeed?"

"It is not easy to read someone like that, but, yes, I do suppose such. We will succeed, my child. The Force tells me so."

Soon, Varda had arisen and also came to join them. Shaak then waved an arm and suddenly, an elegant garment came into her hands. She turned and presented it to Varda, who smiled, and allowed Shaak to put it on her. It was a luxurious robe of velvet, lined in silk, and of a rich forest green in color.

Varda stopped to admire the robe and felt it cuddling her with the kindness that Master Shaak seemed to embody. "It's wonderful, Shaak. Thank you, ever so much. I shall wear it proudly, and think of you."

"I thought it would be suitable for you, my friend. I imagine nights on Iwaki can grow cold and the wind can carry a ferocity all its own."

Varda came closer to Shaak and the Togruta embraced her warmly. As they separated, Shaak spoke.

"My acolytes will be most fortunate to have you as a teacher. There is much to being a part of my new Order that goes well beyond the martial skills needed to defend it. I insist on a well-rounded course of knowledge before someone can earn the title of Knight of the Order."

"It sounds exciting, Shaak. Are you truly rebuilding the Jedi, but in your own conception of what they should be?"

"Well … I suppose I am, but I am waiting to hear your own impressions about that, once you've taken residence with us."

"Where would I be staying?"

"On the ship at first, in your guest quarters. I have my own small home and we have built the assembly hall and a bunkhouse for the acolytes, but Maris is constructing her own home and perhaps you might assist her."

Maris stepped forward and curtsied to Varda. "Knight Varda, I would be honored to have you as my guest."

Even though, as a Zabrak, Maris valued her privacy, she valued honor and duty even more, and saw Varda as a possible new part of the Order and wanted to do all she could to help the woman feel welcome.

Varda returned the curtsy, not wanting Maris to feel of lower rank. "It is I who should be honored, Maris. As Shaak's right hand, you are a very valuable person. I see that making the Order successful is a crucial task if we are to someday defeat Palpatine."

Shaak looked on with a benevolent smile. Soon the ship was dropping from hyperspace and the green and blue disk of Felucia was visible again.

"Home, sweet, home." Shaak said softly. "Be it ever so humble …"

Lianna, Santhé Cuisine labs, 11 BBY 10 months, 15 days

Four months later on Lianna, Ry Kyver (as Sen Kaydo) had been spending much time in the laboratory spaces that she was provided by Valles Santhé. While working on various formulae for Santhé Cuisine, she had also started to revisit another, more secret, process, one that had seemingly little to do with agriculture. Unknown at this point to Valles and everyone else at Santhé labs, Ry was working on an altogether different project, one that would determine whether cellular levels of the "midichlorians" could be enhanced or modified. She was aware that Valles would be likely to detect what was going on – even though the lady had plenty else on her plate – and therefore, she had to have some kind of explanation.

The experiments seemed simple enough, a series of petri dishes with basic cultures that she kept in a small incubator. All of these components could be explained away as a series of tests to see which type of organic foods could be developed that would meet the discerning palates of Lianna City's affluent citizenry. But Valles would not be so easily fooled. That gal didn't get where she is by overlooking anything, and her soft and pleasant exterior covers a diamond-hard ambition and drive.

It had never been Ry's intention to share this work with anyone, but it had originally commenced during her tenure as Imperial Agriculture Minister. It had started as a project to fulfill the desire of Emperor Palpatine to somehow achieve immortality. The Emperor had become aware that the continued use of the Dark Side was gradually destroying his body and he would have to somehow regenerate cells, but this would likely preclude enhanced Force ability – unless somehow the midichlorian levels could also be restored. This project was also known to Darth Vader, who saw Kyver as a rival to his own position with the Emperor. Vader was seemingly gleeful that Ry's earlier efforts in this area had been unsuccessful thus far, but Ry, like any good scientist well understood, knew that breakthroughs were the result of diligent and sustained effort.

But what was the real reason why she had failed? Did she need more money or perhaps a different "set of eyes" on the process? No question in my mind whatsoever that Valles is Force-sensitive, and each time I am with her it becomes clearer, and I also think that she has come to similar conclusions about me. Maybe the best course is to confide in her. But still … who can read her true intentions? I wonder seriously how she might deal with Vader.

At that moment, Ry's com device sounded, reminding her it was time for a status meeting with Valles herself. She sighed and then hoped it would be a one-to-one encounter. Valles often called in various department heads in the growing food-stuffs division of the Santhé Corporation. Ry had started to learn of the byzantine organization strategy of the overall firm – the millions of people who were employed by it on Lianna and some other nearby satellite worlds in the nearby sectors – and the realization that Santhé-Sienar was a distinct entity from Santhé Corp, which was now spreading its tentacles into areas far removed from defense and armaments. Valles wants to run everything and who would doubt that she will succeed?

As Ry took the lift up from the 75th level of the Santhé Tower, she ran over the possibilities in her mind, but before she could really pull it all together, she was on the 215th floor and the door had slid open to reveal the two receptionists that screened everyone from reaching the inner sanctum of the queen. The people at the desk were becoming familiar with her and they cheerfully waved her on.

"Good morning, Miss Kaydo! Valles is waiting for you …"

Ry pushed on, giving them a salutary wave and a half-smile.

Miss Lasivia inside was more circumspect as Ry stopped at her desk.

"How is her attitude, today, Lasivia?" She asked, out of mild curiosity, though she knew even Lasivia couldn't read Valles unless her boss wanted to be readable.

Lasivia simply nodded and chuckled. "How are you, Sen …" she deadpanned.

Ry chuckled in return as the door to the office slid open,

Valles was as shimmery as ever – this time in a turquoise two-piece suit that matched the Liannese sky outside – and she smiled at her sweetly. Knowing that Valles likely graded others on how pulled-together their look was, Ry had worn red, but not too short, to complement her adopted hair color.

"Come sit," Valles beckoned. "I've been looking forward to our meeting today."

As it was still relatively early in the morning, Ry couldn't help but ask. "If you don't mind my inquiry, what time do you like to start your workday, Valles?"

She laughed softly. "Usually before the sun comes up. Dawn up here at this level is always inspirational for me, knowing that I can greet it." Her right arm gave a sweeping gesture as it pointed out the window with an eastern exposure. "Never let the sun surprise you still in bed, my grandpa would say."

"He means so much to you, doesn't he?" In yet another way, Ry found herself feeling jealous of Valles for having a strong sense of family, and, knowing what she already did about the Santhé clan, she knew it was quite formidable.

"Indeed," the Lady said wistfully. "But I fear my time with him grows short …" She then snapped out of a rare sentimental mood and got down to business. "Ry, what do you have for me today?"

Ry wasted no time. She took out a memory stick and plugged it into Valles's data port on the coffee table in the lounge portion of her office. The system quickly scanned it for hostile software, then presented a file directory as the holo image appeared in front of both of them.

"Valles, I'd been considering a way for you to get maximum production from your basic crops, while allowing the other areas to move to specialization."

Valles simply nodded, waiting for more detail to appear on the holo-screen.

"I've come up with a way to make that happen, one that will significantly increase fertilizer production by creating ammonia in greater quantities. You'd indicated a desire to take some of the Tionese worlds into Santhé Corp's orbit as food producers on a large scale. This may be a way for that to happen …"

This got Lady Santhé's attention. "Yes … I am intrigued."

"Well, here's how it works. We take a quantity of iron, which is quite abundant in the asteroid belts in the sector, and use it as a catalyst to fuse nitrogen and hydrogen together."

"Hmm. I assume you would do this in orbital space, to gain the needed heat from stellar radiation?"

"Exactly, madam … and once we can do this, the next step is to infuse the ammonia into the soil, making it rich."

"And we can do this on a grand scale. I have just the place to conduct this experiment. Ry, you are a genius …"

"Where, exactly, would you want me to do it?"

Valles smiled, then laughed, with just a trace of fiendishness, as her eyes seemed to twinkle. Ry was struck by the Lady's willingness to expose some of her personality.

"The planet Pasmin. They have the perfect setup. Ample land and water that can be made arable and plenty of enterprising humans who will leap at the chance to make money. The move to large-scale agriculture will also provide plenty of feed and allow them to increase their goat herds."

"Their goat herds?" Ry seemed a bit surprised by this.

"Yes. The Pasmini are quite adept at making the most wonderful garments. I have several coats and other pieces that feel wonderful. I should gift you a couple so you might experience them …"

"I think I follow you. But when might I start on this?"

"Let's set a time horizon of about three months. I need to consider some other aspects of this. But if you can make this happen, I will be most grateful – and appreciative."

Valles then rose and crossed the floor over to her refreshments counter. "Some caf, Ry? I'm a bit parched."

"Sure."

Ry came over and took a cup from Valles.

"Now, Miss Kyver, how about the organic foodstuff production? Where does that stand?"

"Well, I had to sample some of the fine eating establishments here in the City, and I've come to understand what Liannese people like."

"Oh, don't be too sure of yourself. One thing about the City is that people are very moved by trends. Local celebrities have much to do with that. Athletes and entertainers and the like … a touch of glamor always attracts. And food is very much a part of that."

Ry laughed. "That actually can work well for us … we might even play a role in creating influence about certain foods, if they are perceived as being healthier."

"Exactly. And this is where the organic movement comes from – and where Santhé Cuisine will be, ready to press the advantage. Aren't you pleased you made that investment?"

"Indeed I am, Valles …" And I think I will be able to move my little experiments along even faster. Pasmin might be the perfect place to conduct these. Once I can make progress, then I will let Valles know about it.

"But," Ry continued. "We are moving quickly to create various vegetable farms that can produce ingredients for the salads people here seem to love so much. No pesticides, no genetic modification. It's costlier, but we can of course pass much of that along."

The two women, growing more in sync with each other, continued along these lines. Valles reflected on it, while engaging in light banter.

Ah, Miss Kyver, what a valuable addition you are to my growing empire. Yet I have the feeling that you have even bigger plans, ones that have nothing to do with agriculture. We shall come to these in due time.

To be continued …