AN: Key moments coming this chapter …

Thanks to followers: heatherxenia, death to sasuke, VIIDSins

Chapter 15: I Believe in You

Felucia, 12 BBY, 3 months, 13 days, 5 hours

It was a beautiful morning on Felucia, where the ever-present humidity had lessened to some degree and Maris Brood and Varda Wahi each awakened in their small bedrooms in the home that Maris had constructed. Varda had become familiar with the basic routine on the planet: arise early, before dawn, which was the coolest time of day, and when much work could be done by LED light. The acolytes and Padawans living at the Bunkhouse were also usually up by this time as well and they were heading for the Assembly Hall to get in some light calisthenics before breakfast.

Maris got into her normal gear for training the acolytes and otherwise doing her daily chores and duties. This consisted of semi-waterproof tight black pants that had plenty of elastic in them to allow her full freedom of movement, a modified version of an exercise bra (also in black) that left plenty of open space for her upper body to sweat and breathe, two utility belts that carried her lightsabre and various other tools she might need, and a pair of carefully crafted boots that also allowed her feet to breathe and were partially made from the hide of one of her rancor friends that had passed away. Varda was admiring her young friend's attire and decided to ask her about it.

"My friend, I've been noting your boots. This planet is so moist that a good pair is a real necessity to get through all of the mud and various streams and marshes. Did you make them yourself?"

Maris smiled, realizing that only Shaak was aware of some of the details of the work she had put in. "Varda, yes, I did, but I've tried various materials over the years and rancor hide is the best. It's tough, but also quite flexible, and yet it allows my feet to breathe. We Zabraks don't mind getting messy and dirty if we have to and this planet will force you to be in good physical condition."

"Rancor hide? That must be interesting. Did you have to kill one?"

"Oh, no," Maris chuckled. "They are our friends here on Felucia. Many might not know it, but a rancor is a semi-sentient animal and they are capable of great loyalty. Master Shaak knew this when we first landed here and she's taught me how to reach out to them and gain their trust. My boots were partly made from the hide of one of our friends who died. His family wanted me to use some of his hide and felt I would honor his life in this way. I was deeply touched."

"That is a fascinating story," Varda noted. "I am just learning so much since I came here, I'm so glad I did it."

"We are grateful, too, to have a Jedi with such experience. The acolytes are gaining from your knowledge. Knowing about botany is very important on this planet."

"Imagine my surprise, Maris, when I first went out with you on the speeder and discovered the strong sensitivity among many of the plant species here. As much as I have known over the years, I've never been anywhere quite like it. Have you?"

Maris thought about this for a second, then remembered. "A few years ago, we went to Dagobah, where we met Master Yoda. That's where he lives now – but we're not supposed to tell anyone."

"The secret is safe with me, Maris. He is still such a great Master."

"I've only seen him once since we left Coruscant … but, I've been meaning to ask you … how do you like living here with us? I know it's hot, but the moisture is good for most peoples' skin."

Varda laughed. "That's one way of looking at it, friend … but I hope my snoring doesn't keep you awake at night. Your home has thin walls."

Maris chuckled. "I'm fine. When I lie down for the night, I'm usually exhausted. I'd never know if you snore."

They both laughed at that and then headed out into the early morning. It wasn't long before they came upon a freshly killed carcass of a small animal that had seemingly been left behind. Maris lit her sabre and started dissecting it.

"What happened here?" Varda asked, somewhat confused.

"Oh … this was a gift from my friends." She stopped for a second to reach out with the Force. "Ah, yes. Ay-cee is coming over now."

"Who?" Varda asked, even more confused.

Soon, a rumbling in the background could be heard, as an adult rancor was making its way through the underbrush and the snapping of small branches could also be heard. Varda told herself to relax, as Maris looked to her and nodded gently. The rancor emerged, a huge beast, almost four metres at the shoulder and with long arms and fingers that ended in spikes. It stopped and then pointed to the carcass and gave a low growl.

Maris put her hand on Varda's shoulder and sent a warm current into her, which succeeded in lowering the older woman's heart rate and blood pressure. Thanks, Varda thought quietly. Maris then addressed "Ay-cee."

"Why thank you, sir. How thoughtful of you. I was telling my friend Varda here that she would really like some of the Ching-Ja meat. Master Shaak will be pleased as well. She just loves tasty meat."

Ay-cee gave a series of short barks and growls, which Maris responded to.

"Oh, I'm happy to hear that. Tell Ay-gee I am pulling for her and will come over later to say hello."

Another short growl followed.

"You take care. Thanks again."

As Ay-cee ambled away, Varda seemed somewhat amused. "How long did it take you to learn their language?"

"Quite a while. Master Shaak helped me, but she tends to address them through the Force. This was how we convinced them we meant no harm. When I think about what some others have done to them, I grow angry. Keeping an individual like this as a sort of pet is quite cruel."

"I would have to agree, now that you mention it. So much to learn … normally a beast like your friend Ay-cee here would absolutely terrify me. Amazing that they can actually be quite tame."

"Let's get this meat back to the house. I've got a small cooler unit we can use to hold it."

Felucia, 12 BBY, 3 months, 13 days, 12 hours

A few hours later, after the morning training sessions were complete, the acolytes were taking their lunch at the Assembly Hall, while Shaak has joined Varda and Maris as the Zabrak had fired up the grill and had cleaned and dressed the game meat from the Ching-da. She'd cut it with her sabre, using an ultra-fine blade for precise cuts, another technique Shaak had demonstrated to her a while back. Varda continued to be amazed at the various things they could do.

While they were waiting, Shaak inquired to Varda.

"What were your impressions of the training sessions?"

Varda nodded her head. "The young men, Xendar and Sanjip, look quite polished. Very precise with the sabre work."

"They didn't get that way overnight. What you are seeing is the product of diligent effort. I'm proud of both those boys." Maris remarked.

Shaak remained quiet, and Varda added, "It's great to see the determination. What your order is attempting is truly gratifying for an older woman like me. It takes me back."

"And yet, they remain Padawan level 1," Shaak answered at length. "So much more to know beyond sabre work, but I am happy with their progress on the basic forms."

"Did you instruct them personally?" Varda asked, as she looked Shaak in the eye.

"I like to start them off on the right footing," the Togruta responded. "To ingrain good habits. Then I review their progress periodically. Maris handles the day to day instruction."

"She's doing so well, too, with that. Not easy to teach people, even when they want to learn." Varda sighed.

"I don't know where I'd be without her."

"Do any of your acolytes fall short and need to be let go?"

"None so far. They know this is a test of what they are made of, and no one wants to fail."

Felucia, 12 BBY, 1 month, 12 days, 20 hours

Varda had now stayed on Felucia for over two months and was becoming accustomed to the way of life on the sweaty planet. She spent much time during the day exploring the nearby forest and noting the teeming life of both flora and fauna and had even learned how to relate to the rancors to some degree. They, in turn, showed her a number of things and even allowed her to ride on their shoulders at times. It was easy to see that they could respect someone like Varda Wahi, a true devotee of nature, wherever she happened to find it.

At this point, Shaak was well pleased with Varda's contribution to the Order. In addition to botanical studies, she had taken the lead on complex subjects such as calculus and physics, and even an introduction to organic chemistry. This greatly lessened the burden on Shaak, who had done most of the higher education personally. One night, the two of them sat down together in Shaak's little home to meditate, which was followed with a stimulative herbal session.

As Varda let the stimulants enter her brain, she felt her horizons broaden and the Force was even more in her reach.

"Shaak, I feel I can make another kind of contribution here, but I would need a ship of my own."

Shaak smiled as she exhaled, then gave a tight grin. "I assume you had one prior?"

"I did, but Ahsoka and I got into a jam on Takodana – dealing with the Inquisitors – and we had to let my ship go, so I could get away on hers."

"I hope you destroyed any evidence in the computers, such as flight plans and records."

"Absolutely. I did. Still it was hard to watch that happen. Having a ship was important."

"So, what type of assistance would you propose to give me?"

"Perhaps working with your relay system and with Ahsoka, particularly as you want to put some distance from her yourself."

Shaak sighed. "Perhaps I should tell you more about why I do. It has to do with the circumstance of her trial."

"Shaak, it's quite all right. I wasn't there for that event, so I wouldn't have the insight necessary to truly understand her feelings. I know she won't be likely to talk about it much."

"Togruta can be very private people, Varda, even amongst ourselves. We often feel that no one else can understand. I suppose we really aren't all that evolved."

"Oh, don't be so hard on yourself, Shaak. I have the utmost respect for you, especially now that I know you. I see Togruta as people who are very much in touch with their natural selves. Someday I hope to visit Shili and see for myself."

Shaak drew a deep breath, and sighed. "Well, anyway, I have no objection to you getting a ship. How would you rate yourself as a mechanic?"

"Fair enough, I guess. I'm sure I could learn much from you and Maris, however. That girl is so impressive. There seems to be nothing she won't try to learn. And she's as tough as they come."

Shaak laughed. "She's coming along fine. I'm quite fond of her as you can easily tell. Anyway, I would like you and her to talk about these ship things together. She will have some ideas. I'm willing to stake you to 300,000 credits."

Varda swallowed hard. "Really?"

"Yes, but Maris will help you make the deal. I suggest a used freighter or basic shuttle. Class 2 hyperdrive if possible. We can outfit it to what you will need once you bring it back here."

"Thank you so much, Shaak. Rarely has anyone put her trust in me the way you do."

Shaak chuckled, then rose and came close to Varda and grasped both of her hands. "I believe in you."

The Wheel, 12 BBY, 1 month, 10 days, 10 hours

The next evening, Maris and Varda lifted off Felucia in the Forager, the converted former Imperial shuttle that Maris had been given by Shaak some four years earlier.

"This is a nice ship, Maris. I like how you've given it your own personal touches."

"Ah thanks. It wasn't much at first, but I've upgraded the hyperdrive to run on the more concentrated co-ax. Master Shaak had to train me in how to do this work. It's kind of tricky."

"So where are we going?" Varda asked, truly interested. She had a feeling Maris was going to show her a side of the Galaxy that was rather new to her.

"To a giant space station, not too far from here on the Perlimian Trade Route. We can get there in two hours."

"I think I know where you're talking about. I've heard a few stories about The Wheel."

Maris laughed. "Yeah … and most of them are probably true. The place caters to almost everyone. I'm going to look up an old friend, a fellow Zabrak. She can probably point us in the right direction."

With that, Maris punched in the coordinates for the jump. When, after an interval, they emerged, The Wheel, in all its complexity, was fully visible. Varda's jaw dropped when she saw it.

"It's … huge …" she said slowly.

"Yep. Up to forty levels, holding almost every service and form of entertainment you can imagine. It's really an amazing place, and I'm told it's existed for almost 500 years."

"That's amazing – but it looks rather new."

"They're always spiffing things up …" Maris chuckled.

Soon they were given a landing platform and had touched down on level 19, as the signs conspicuously advertised. While still aboard, Maris contacted her old friend Sugi Emari, a part-time bounty hunter who had become more of a broker in the Imperial era, putting buyers and sellers together based on mutual need.

"Hey!" Maris said loudly, as Sugi answered her com. "I'm baaaack. Thinking we could do business. Got a friend that needs a ship, nothing fancy, but in good working condition … uh huh … great, well, you do that … OK, we'll meet you at the Players Club – level 5. Bye, now."

She turned to Varda. "I'm going to change." A few minutes later, the Zabrak emerged in an elegant black dress that had lacy sections and she had also applied some makeup and lip color to her normally pale face.

"Very nice …" Varda said in an encouraging tone. "There is a lady inside you, Maris."

"Aw," she responded, seemingly blushing. "I appreciate that. It's just, that in a place like where we're going, I want to look … more established. The Galaxy always seems to respect those kinds of people."

"You have a point," Varda smiled, and then donned the new robe that Shaak had given her.

As they left the ship, they made their way to a tube entrance. When a car arrived, Maris punched in the location and they were soon on the fifth level. Upon emerging onto the platform, a loud din was present as a group of inebriated pirates shuffled past them, along with a group of droids of various makes and models.

"You sure see all kinds here," Varda noted with a chuckle. "I can see why it's popular."

As she turned around, she almost ran smack into an elegant female Rodian, one with a purple skin tone and a lovely reddish dress. Maris recognized her.

"Madam Faizon! Fancy meeting you here …"

The Rodian stopped for a second, then recognized the Zabrak. "Hello, Maris. How lovely you are tonight."

"Thank you, Shelley. This is my friend, Varda."

The two women greeted each other politely. "Where are you ladies headed?" asked the Rodian.

"The Players Club," Maris laughed. "Got some business. Might you join us? We're going to have some ale and maybe bet on a pod race or two."

"Sure …" Ms. Faizon smiled.

"Table for four." Maris informed the maître d. As he led them to a richly appointed booth, Maris turned to Varda.

"This place has clearly stepped it up. A higher class of losers are probably in attendance these days." She laughed softly.

The Rodian took a seat across from Varda, who was seated next to Maris.

Maris's com sounded. She glanced at a text from Sugi, and replied to it.

"My guest will be here soon." She glanced at Shelly. "I buy first round?"

"Sure …" Shelly laughed. "What a gracious hostess you've become … your accounts are flush these days?"

"No comment …" Maris chuckled, and then activated the menu pad, ordering an ale. Shelley did the same, and Varda preferred herbal tea.

As the drinks arrived, brought by a serving droid, Sugi also had arrived. The former bounty hunter had a very different look, all in rich silks of blue and purple shades. Maris rose to greet her and the two Zabraks hugged quickly. Sugi took the seat next to Shelley after the two exchanged pleasantries.

"Sugi … this is my friend Varda."

The older Zabrak nodded her head in Varda's direction. "Pleased to meet you."

Sugi then pulled the menu pad over and ordered an aged whisky from the Corp-Sec world of Fether.

"Oh, look at this," the Rodian exclaimed, airily. "The last of the big spenders."

Sugi smiled, as her reddish eyes twinkled. "Nice to see you, Shelley. Don't sweat it, kid, I'll buy the next round," she chuckled, as she looked across to Maris.

Shelley then offered, "wanna play a hand? House deck."

"Sure," Sugi smiled. "Once my drink gets here, we can talk business. The lady needs a ship."

At that, Shelley's eyes visibly grew in size. Rodians are so easy to read, Maris chuckled to herself.

Varda remained silent, clearly out of her element, but she could feel soothing vibes coming from Maris, so she stayed relaxed, willing to watch and learn.

A deck of Sabacc cards arrived, along with Sugi's drink. As the older Zabrak took them, she turned to the serving droid, handing over a 25-credit chip. "See that Euphemia gets this, and say hi from her cousin Sugi." The droid beeped in assent and rolled away.

"How about a simple draw?" Sugi asked, holding the deck in her hands.

"Sure," Maris responded. "I'll go first."

Sugi spread the deck on the table in front of her, face down. Maris took a card, glanced at it, then held it close. Shelley reached over and did the same. She glanced at Varda. "Are you in, madam?"

Varda smiled and shook her head. "Just watching," she mumbled.

Sugi nodded, then took her card and gathered the rest of the deck, placing it in the center of the table. Each player then placed a ten-credit chip in the center of the table. Sugi then opened for 100 credits. Shelley and Maris quickly called. Maris then raised another 100. Sugi then matched it, and both Zabraks looked to Shelley.

"Getting a bit rich," the Rodian mumbled, while forking over the century chip.

"Cards down!" Sugi signaled, showing a red "endurance" card.

Shelley sighed, shaking her head. She produced a five-of-staves.

Maris was triumphant. She laid down the Ace of Sabres and proceeded to gather up the pot.

Sugi laughed. "You got lucky, kid. Good thing I'm in a good mood. Buy me a steak and we're good."

Maris snorted. "I thought it was your turn." Eyeing her fellow Zabrak across the table, Sugi met her eyes and they both had a mock stare-down, which ended after about five seconds, then Sugi burst out laughing. She then drained her whisky and proceeded to order another. Varda looked on in fascination at their antics, while Shelley quaffed her ale.

The four of them ordered food and another round of drinks came, Sugi apparently not feeling the effects of the whisky. Maris leaned over to Varda and whispered. "That stuff is 1000 per bottle." Varda nodded, somewhat in amazement. Her years since leaving the Jedi required much frugality.

As Sugi tucked into her prime rib steak, she then looked to Varda. "So, what type of ship are you interested in?" Shelley paid close attention to this exchange as Varda answered.

"Oh, nothing too fancy. A class-2 hyperdrive, with some space, used, but not beat up."

"I see … how much do you want to spend?"

Maris answered for her. "We're ok up to two-fifty."

Sugi then glanced at Shelley, who offered, "I know of some deals you might get on Tirsa."

Maris looked over to her.

"I can arrange something. Let me check …"

The Rodian took out her com device and entered some info. After a few seconds, she had some results. She showed the pictures and specs to Varda. "Is this kind of what you're looking for, madam?"

As Varda was checking out the details, Sugi glared at Maris, who smirked. "Don't worry, pal. We'll give you a percentage."

"Your boss is paying for this, right?" Sugi chuckled. "She seems reasonable." Sugi thought about her earlier experiences with Shaak.

Varda spoke up. "These two both look good, but I don't see a price."

Shelley then leaned over to Sugi and whispered into the Zabrak's ear. Sugi nodded and smiled.

"Half a million credits."

Maris was incredulous. "For a used ship? Are you barmy …"

Shelley then held up a hand. "Hey, don't shoot the messenger …"

At this point, Varda was unsure of how this was going to go, but she spoke up.

"Have you got something for a little less? We have a limited budget."

Shelley again whispered in Sugi's ear, who responded. "Sure. Let's see what they have on Issagra. Lower quality but more selection."

The haggling went on. Another round of drinks was brought. Things finally came down to another Sabacc card draw, which Varda participated in. When she drew the "endurance" card, the ship was hers for the agreed-upon quarter million, with Shelley and Sugi splitting 25,000 between them in "finders fees."

Maris groaned, but smiled good-naturedly. "OK, what about delivery?"

"You'll need to go there, that's not a problem, is it?" Shelley deadpanned.

"We'll do it." Maris responded, slapping the table. "I can advance 100 now and the rest once we've gone to Issagra."

"Not so fast," Shelley said in a softer tone. "You'll need me to come with."

Maris groaned again. "Always complications. Fortunately, I know my way around there. We need to leave ASAP."

The Rodian nodded. "I'll go in my ship."

After the deal was struck, Varda and Maris returned to the Forager. Varda was a touch bewildered by all that went down in the Players Club, but was grateful to have Maris with her during the encounter. She smoothed her new robe as she took the right seat on the flight deck while the Zabrak was getting the ship ready by running some routine checks.

"I sure could use an astromech …" she said in a low tone, more to herself than Varda. "But they're too expensive for us right now. That ship for you is going to be our priority for the next year."

Varda reached over to her and put a soothing hand on Maris's shoulder. "Thank you so much for everything you've done, friend. I am most grateful to you and Shaak, and will help you any way I can."

Maris seemed to snort, as she replied. "It would help a ton if you could do the maintenance on the new ship. I'm going to be occupied."

"Not a problem," Varda chuckled. "But, Maris, do you trust that Rodian?"

"Not really …" she replied. "But she seems okay … a little show of Force ability might be needed here, we'll just see."

"You said you knew Issagra … how well?"

"Well enough. I can tell you this much. The Corp-Sec worlds are often filled with sexist people. The sort that call you 'little lady'… I love showing them up. But I just want to get this done and get back to Felucia."

Felucia, 11 BBY, 9 months, 15 days, 15 hours

The transaction on Issagra went well enough and Varda took control of her new starship, which she named Cloudlee in honor of the deceased 17-year-old girl who had been a Siluan in training. When they had returned to Felucia, she told Maris the entire story and about the years she spent on a remote planet with her called Hokto – and about the death of the young lady named Eo Cloudlee. As Maris listened to her, Varda could see flashes of anger cross her face, and detected a quickening in the rate of one of the Zabrak's twin hearts. She has so much inside her that she wants to push down. Varda felt herself growing more and more fond of her companion and her various abilities and the fact that Shaak entrusted so much to her.

One afternoon, on a somewhat cooler day than they were accustomed to on Felucia, Shaak was sitting with both Maris and Varda outside her home. All had their velvet robes on and the Master seemed pleased as she took stock in the progress they were making – especially with the integration of Varda's knowledge and wisdom with her own, and the effect this was having on the acolytes. They discussed the growing strength of the Order and the need to keep reaching out for prospective members. Varda had already undertaken voyages around the Galaxy and come back with a few new recruits, which Shaak was greatly pleased by.

Then, the Master wanted to understand what had happened some two years prior, regarding the death of young Eo, and the way that her apprentice had responded to learning of it, when Varda later informed her.

Shaak was sipping a warm herbal beverage, one that enhanced Force sensitivity. She was sitting on the ground opposite both Maris and Varda, when she brought up the subject.

"So … the young lady was brutally murdered, you say … how, exactly, and who was the perpetrator?"

"Shaak, this is a painful memory for me, but I understand your wanting to know. The Siluan elder, Ava Kirrin, informed me of the details as I was not present when it happened. He told me the Darkside Force user named Ry Kyver executed my young friend with a Force choke that broke her neck."

Maris was visibly upset as she learned this detail first hand. She burst out in anger. "One of those sleemo Inquisitors, I'll bet. Why, I ought …"

Shaak's eyes narrowed slightly, but then she noticed Varda grasping Maris's left hand, which soothed the Zabrak.

Varda then spoke up. "No, Maris, I don't think so. Ry Kyver was once a Jedi like they were, but the level of power she had attained was well ahead of theirs."

Shaak's eyes widened at this. "How far ahead, exactly?"

"I'm not sure, but I could certainly detect it. But, this time, a strange thing happened. Miss Kyver found herself severed from the Force after she had killed young Eo. A most interesting turn of events."

Shaak stroked her chin on learning of this, and she started running this over in her mind. After about 15 seconds, she spoke at last.

"Varda, you have informed me about the Siluan Way and their desire to live fully in the Light. But you also have mentioned that most fail to achieve this, even some of the elders. Could this girl have done what many others could not – and – what are the implications here for us, as we continue to work on how to solve the matter of Darth Sidious?"

"Ah, Shaak, I think I get what you are saying. Even an intense Dark Side individual can be defeated when encountering the energy emitted from someone so fully in the Light – as if the one cancels the other – am I right?"

"Essentially, yes. I must meditate further on this and consult the holocrons."

Maris was becoming progressively relaxed, as she let go the anger over Eo's death. She then interrupted (as was often her way) and asked, "where is this Kyver woman now? Did she survive?"

Shaak stared into Varda, waiting for the answer.

"Yes, she did, but she was broken in spirit, as well as with the Force. She fled the scene and only later, returned to me after I had taken residence on Iwaki. Ry has since tried to become more like the Jedi she once was and renounce her Dark Side ways."

"You have observed this?" Shaak asked, as if somewhat skeptical.

"I have. Indeed, I felt her sincerity, and agreed to take her on. Shaak, you had started to heal me in more ways than one when you treated my hip joint. Perhaps you reawakened the Jedi spirit in me. I saw someone who had been a sister of ours, that had lost her way and succumbed to material desire and the need for power."

Shaak seemed unconvinced but said nothing openly. She simply asked, "where is Knight Kyver now?"

Varda realized she didn't know the answer and hesitated to reply, seemingly confirming Shaak's conclusion. The Togruta then took a different course.

"You may be unaware of this, but do you recall my mention of Dark Side energy emanating from the Lianna system?"

"I do, Shaak, and also you mentioned Dathomir."

"Well, it just so happens, I paid that system a visit. I landed at a port somewhere in that vast but beautiful city of theirs and posed as a merchant of herbal medicine. That afforded me an opportunity to meet a few folks there – all humans – who were greatly interested in healthy living. While there, I could detect some distinct Force energy, but it was mixed. I made a mental note of all of this and want to know more of this world. Lianna seems to dominate commerce in this region of the Galaxy."

Varda thought it over. "Are you saying she might be in Lianna City? I've never been there but it sounds interesting. Was always wary because it's an important part of the Empire."

Shaak laughed. "You wouldn't know it to walk around town. No one seems to care much about politics there. But they do hold one particular person in some level of reverence, and it certainly isn't our old friend Palpatine. Her name and likeness are everywhere. She's held up as a standard of beauty and good taste – someone called Valles Santhé."

"Never heard of her."

Maris, who had been listening intently, added her own input. "I have. It seems she's rather rich and she controls the biggest arms maker in the Galaxy. They gossip about her in the Corporate Sector, and, on places like The Wheel or Void Station she's known too. They all respect her mind, even the criminal syndicates."

"Very interesting." Shaak noted. "Most interesting."

"But what about Ry Kyver?" asked Varda. "Do you think it was her you detected when you were there?"

"I really don't know. She's not someone I ever met and I don't recall her from the Jedi … so I wouldn't know her Force signature."

"Shaak, I think we need to keep an eye open for her. Now that you've told me about Lianna, I might just pay a visit there myself. She won't escape my detection – if she's really there."

Maris and Shaak both nodded to her.

"I think that's a good idea," the Togruta said slowly. "We cannot afford another Dark Side presence with any serious power. It would potentially be a great complication."

Void Station, 11 BBY, 7 months, 10 days

Ahsoka Tano had taken up residence on the elegant structure known as Void Station. She had been posing as a mechanic (named Ashli Tanner) that worked on the starships of wealthy people that were staying there. Using her keen hearing, Ahsoka paid particular attention to the various gossip she heard being discussed and she thus liked to hang out in clubs and bars on the station. Along the way, she became an excellent Sabacc player and was respected by those with whom she joined in various games for modest stakes. She made enough money to afford to stay in a well-appointed suite in one of the luxury hotels on the station and her income was also supplemented by gifts from her close friend Barriss Offee.

The Togruta rebel also used the station as a relay point for her dealings as "Fulcrum," the secret rebel operative that helped to coordinate movements of various rebel ships and forces. The rebels liked to pick inviting targets at various places in the Galaxy and gain valuable assets such as weaponry and the starship fuel known as coaxium. At this point, the leaders of the rebellion were opposed to any direct confrontations with Imperial forces as they knew they couldn't afford what might be catastrophic losses of personnel and materiel.

A few months earlier, both Ahsoka and Barriss had first met the young Twi'lek pilot named Hera Syndulla, and had decided to let her join the rebellion. Soon after that, Hera obtained a used freighter that she named Ghost, which Barriss agreed to purchase for her from a merchant on Mirial. Hera and Ahsoka worked together to outfit the freighter with offensive capabilities and beefed-up shielding. They would also modify the hyperdrive to improve the ship to a Class 1 designation.

On this night, Hera had contacted Ahsoka via the Fulcrum signal feed, and received a reply giving her coordinates and a landing platform. The Ghost soon arrived, and there was Ahsoka, clad in a greasy jumpsuit after having done some maintenance on her own ship Essence. Her lekku were slightly smudged on one side, but Hera was happy to see her as they embraced.

"Hey friend, sure is great to see you … and I've got some fabulous news," the Twi'lek announced.

Ahsoka smiled as they released each other. "Yeah? Talk to me, Hera."

A dark-haired man, of average height and build, about 22 years of age, with a goatee, stepped up next to Hera.

"First, there's someone I'd like you to meet. Ahsoka Tano, this is Kanan Jarrus."

"My pleasure," she responded.

Kanan shook hands with her and there was an uneasy silence, which Hera broke.

"Ahsoka, he's my first mate on the Ghost now, and his background may be similar to yours."

The Togruta's eyes widened. "How's that?"

"I was a Jedi Padawan, Ahsoka. And yes, I've heard of you. You were well known in the Temple."

Ahsoka's lekku turned a shade bluer, which was how she blushed.

"Me? I was just a reckless Padawan myself. I learned from Anakin Skywalker."

"Oh, he had a reputation," Kanan muttered. "But he was also ridiculously brave."

"Anyway," Ahsoka smiled and looked at Hera. "Let's go get something to drink and we can catch up. First I gotta get out of these clothes ..."

About a half hour later, the three of them were drinking ale in a cantina near Ahsoka's hotel residence. The Togruta had cleaned up and was wearing a sparkly green dress, but somehow, didn't attract too much attention.

"So … Hera, what was this news you had for me?"

The Twi'lek smiled and leaned back in her chair, while the ex-Jedi remained silent.

"Well, the two of us met in the Gorse System, on the Eastern Inner Rim."

"Hmm," Ahsoka thought. "Isn't that …"

"It's not too far from Onderon, if that's what you're thinking."

"Ah. Go on …"

"Yes, well, it's a world where they mined baradium ore from a moon in the system. Kanan drove a freighter and tended bar for a friend down on the planet. That's when I met him."

Ahsoka took another look and had a flash of recognition as the young man's Force signature became apparent.

"Wait a minute … I do remember you. We once trained in sabre combat together, you're Caleb Dume."

Kanan laughed. "What can I say? You got me. Yes, Ahsoka, that was my name, but when the Empire took over, the clones turned on us and my master allowed herself to be killed in order to save me. I've been hiding – one way or another – from the Empire ever since. That's the main reason I changed my name."

Ahsoka smiled. "Looks like all of us survivors have had it hard. I'm so glad you made it out. Who was your master?"

"You might remember her … Depa Billaba."

"Yes, of course. She was on the High Council. Sorry to hear she didn't make it."

Kanan and Ahsoka swapped some Jedi stories for a few minutes, then Ahsoka thought this might not be very wise. She looked around, but no one seemed to pay them much attention. The room was lively as many were watching far away sporting events on holo-screens at the various tables, and clouds of spice smoke were quite thick in some places. Kanan had become quite sensitive due to the training he'd received from Billaba and his ordeal since leaving her. We must have so much in common, Ahsoka and I. Now I truly wonder how many Jedi are still alive. The Empire was hunting us but I haven't heard much recently.

"Hera, so what else happened on Gorse? Anything I need to know about?"

"Mostly this. We've just come from there and we helped to defeat one of the most hated Imperials around – a cyborg named Vidian."

"Yeah …" Kanan laughed. "He pretended he was some type of nobility – called himself Count."

"But I guess you had to get out of there, just the same …" Ahsoka noted. "Are you ready to help us against the Empire?"

"I am. That's why I've joined Hera. It's going to be a tough fight but I want to do it. To pay them back for all the evil they've done."

"Good to have you aboard."

While they continued to enjoy themselves, Ahsoka then noticed someone across the room, someone that seemed somehow familiar. She told Hera and Kanan she would catch up with them later that night on the Ghost, then came closer to the man she saw. He was a handsome brown-haired individual that had gone to the bar. As she got closer, she recognized him immediately, then approached him from behind.

"Hello, Lux …"

Startled, he spun around to confront her.

"Ahsoka?"

To be continued …