A Clone Wars featured character makes an appearance, new adventures with the syndicates, and an unexpected arrival.

Thanks to followers: WolverineRay

Chapter 16: The Galaxy Will Be Yours

Void Station, 11 BBY, 7 months, 10 days

As Lux Bonteri turned around to face the person who had called his name, he could scarcely believe his eyes.

"Ahsoka?"

Ahsoka Tano put a finger to her lips. "In here, my name is Ashli Tanner. But I can't remember the last time I saw you, maybe nine years ago? Does that sound right?"

He laughed. "Yeah … I think so. How have you been? What have you been doing?"

The Togruta rolled her eyes and also laughed. "A little of this, a little of that. Trying to keep a job – and keep out of trouble. You?"

Bonteri looked over the now mature Togruta woman standing before him and realized that she had been through quite a bit since they last saw each other on Onderon during the Clone War. In the process, she had become even more attractive. Her lekku had grown some 30 cm over what now had been over 8 years. Her face had become more set and had a serious look to it. Gone were the playful expressions and general light-hearted look she had once had. In their place was a quite attractive individual of about 25 years of age.

"Ahsoka, er, Ashli … well, I've been trying to fit in with the Empire now. It doesn't make much sense to be in open opposition as they will find you sooner or later. For a time, I continued to represent Onderon in the Senate, but I quit that post about three years back. I've become a corporate representative for various interests. It seems my diplomatic abilities have kept me employable."

"Well, that's good to know." Ahsoka smiled in a sly way. "So … Lux, where are you staying? On the station?"

"Yes … for at least another night. Got business elsewhere on the Outer Rim after that. But …" he looked around, "I see someone's looking for you …"

Ahsoka whirled around, just a little concerned, but it was Hera, who had come over to check up on her. She stepped over toward the Twi'lek.

"Hey …! Hera, I'm catching up with an old friend. How about we get together in the morning? Tell Kanan I was glad to meet him."

Hera patted the Togruta on her upper left arm. "That's fine. See you then."

Ahsoka waved good bye then turned back to Lux, who was finishing his drink. She put a hand on his shoulder from behind. He turned around to smile, then gave her a look that said do we have unfinished business? She met that smile, and then, with a curious look on her face, asked:

"Lux … do you recall when we were betrothed … to be married?"

"Well … I also recall we were trying to fool the Mandalorians."

"And it didn't really work …" she laughed again.

"Not really …" they both laughed, but then looked at each other in silence, while the general noise in the cantina continued unabated. Ahsoka broke the silence first.

"So … you want to go someplace quiet?" Her eyes opened wide for a split-second, then contracted, as a sly grin appeared on her face.

Lux felt temptation staring him in the face and he didn't flinch. Their time together on the snowy planet Carlac came to mind. He'd kissed her then and it felt good. He'd told himself that it was merely pro forma, to establish a ruse for the sake of the Death Watch members and to protect her identity as a Jedi from being exposed. But how do I really feel? No doubt, she is more attractive than ever as an adult.

"Let's do it … I'm staying nearby."

She nodded, and the two of them left the bar after Lux settled his tab. They boarded a transport car, which took them about ten seconds to get to his hotel. Ahsoka recognized it immediately. It was a franchise property belonging to a major Galactic lodging firm called Extor, that was based on the Southern Outer Rim world of Eriadu. They had a reputation for offering good value at moderate rates. A hundred Imperial credits would get you a night in a two-room suite at their Void Station property. They entered the room, whereupon Lux shed his jacket and the two embraced. The moment was more awkward than passionate and they both laughed uneasily. He realized how little he really knew about her, and about the Togruta as a people.

"Ahsoka … what kind of … you know … do you favor?"

She tilted her head at a 45-degree angle and stared back. "The usual, I should think. But then …"

A short silence ensued. Lux released her and moved to the couch. She quickly followed and sat next to him, close enough to invite further physical contact. What are we doing? Ahsoka thought for a second, but then decided to abandon any inhibitions and reach out passionately. One thing would lead to another, so it seemed, but in the end, she pulled back and carefully considered what was about to happen. Yes, I've been intimate with Barriss, but it's different. We're two close friends that admire each other and there are no expectations.

For his part, Lux realized this was probably the best result for all concerned. He was developing a relationship with another woman he'd recently met on Lianna, named Tarama Inbré. She was a tall, dark-haired lady, employed by Santhé-Sienar Corporation in a middle management position. They'd had dinner together a couple of times and her young daughter (from an earlier marriage) had taken a liking to him – perhaps hoping she'd get a new father figure in her life.

Tarama's career with the company was looking promising, especially as she had favorably impressed Chairlady Santhé with her scientific acumen and had been assigned to work on a project with Sen Kaydo.

Ahsoka and Lux traded glances, and remained silent for a time. Finally, she broke the tension.

"Lux, I hope you understand. I'm not ready for whatever was about to happen. It's really not you … it's me."

"Ahsoka, I know. But it was great seeing you after all these years and … well, you know what I mean."

She smiled at that. "I do … Goodbye, Lux."

He looked at her wistfully, still wondering what it might have been like. They shared a kiss, then the Togruta exited his room and headed to the transport car system on the station. As he watched her walk away, he had mixed feelings. I guess I'll never know … but anyway, good luck to you, Ahsoka Tano.

As Ahsoka returned to her hotel (on a different level than Lux's) she had a different desire. She pulled out her com and tried to reach her friend.

"Barriss? I'm really missing you right about now … please get back to me…"

Felucia, 11 BBY, 6 months, 3 days, 8 hours

Shaak and Maris were both finishing their breakfast in the Assembly Hall, when the Master brought up a topic she'd been wanting to address.

"Maris, dear, we are going to need more coaxium, now that we have three ships."

The Zabrak nodded. "Yes, Master, we're starting to run low. Do you want me to contact Crimson Dawn? They seem to have the best pipeline. I've been asking around."

Shaak put her right hand up to her chin and pondered it. "Where might you do this deal?"

"That can probably be arranged. How much are we going to spend?"

"Up to 200 thousand credits, I should think. That ought to be able to get us a good supply to last for at least two or three years."

"Master, I've made a few modifications to the Forager. It now has some beefed-up offensive capability, and the shields are now twice as strong as before."

Shaak smiled and rose. She and Maris walked out of the Hall together and stood in the sunshine of a typical hot Felucian morning. She reached across to put both palms on her apprentice's shoulders.

"My dear. I don't perhaps say it often enough, but I'm quite proud of everything you have done so far here. You learn everything quite quickly and seem to be more than able to initiate plans on your own."

Maris simply replied, "thank you, Master."

"Soon, my dear, the time will arrive for you to take a step forward in Force ability. I feel you will be able to handle it."

"I'm looking forward to it, Master Shaak. What sort of ability might you be referring to?"

"No details at present, my dear … perhaps you might ponder what the natural steps should be for you. But I will tell you this much – a Jedi Knight would not normally undertake this course. As you know, though, we are no longer Jedi."

Maris smiled. "You can depend on me, Master. I won't let you down."

"I know that, Maris. Now … summon Xendar and Sanjip. They will accompany you on this mission. I also want regular status reports from you and them. They should start to take on more responsibility as Padawans."

The Zabrak nodded sharply. "Indeed they will, Master Shaak."

"Safe travels, dear. I look forward to hearing from you."

In hyperspace, 11 BBY, 6 months, 3 days, 10 hours

The Forager was on its way to The Wheel, which Maris felt would be the best place to put out feelers for the offer she was willing to make. Coaxium trafficking was strictly controlled by the Empire at this time, but the local Moffs and other authorities tended to look the other way as the syndicates ran the trade.

Xendar and Sanjip were wearing light gray jumpsuits, an informal uniform for Order acolytes when they traveled, while Maris had changed into a short black leather dress and knee-high shiny black boots. Her hair was meticulously braided and she allowed the many plaits to descend down her back, making for a polished overall appearance. Her red horns were accented and clearly visible as they stuck up through the braid bases on her head.

"Shall we carry our sabres, Master Maris?" Xendar asked.

"Yes … but keep them concealed. Our weapons are strictly prohibited under Imperial regulations, but they won't do us any good sitting in a drawer on the ship."

Maris demonstrated as she carefully inserted her new smaller hilt into a specially designed pocket on her right boot. The Padawans followed suit as they concealed their hilts in pockets on their jumpsuits.

"OK, men. Your purpose here is to provide backup for me and to be aware of everything around us. For the most part, remain silent unless I need to ask you questions. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Master Maris," they both answered in unison.

Sanjip took the helm of the ship as they came out of hyperspace and were assigned a landing platform on The Wheel. He expertly slid the Forager onto the platform under Maris's watchful and appreciative eye. Soon they were riding the transport system aboard the station and they arrived at a quiet barroom.

The Wheel, 11 BBY, 6 months, 3 days, 13 hours

Maris, Sanjip, and Xendar were shown to a quiet booth in the back of the room. There were clouds of spice smoke here and there, but otherwise the place was quiet. As the three of them passed through, they could see small groupings of individuals of various species, mostly huddled in discussions.

After they had taken their seats, Maris asked for whisky, while her subordinates drank only cold water. Soon after, they were joined by a young lady of no more than 21 years of age. She was pretty, with dark hair and a slim build, wearing a light brown leather jacket over dark leggings. From her neck dangled a pendant with a shape of two semi-circles, an emblem of some kind.

"Good afternoon, Miss Brood. I am your contact from Crimson Dawn. My name is Qi'ra."

"Pleased to meet you, Qi'ra," Maris replied pleasantly. "These are my assistants, Mr. Silkaw and Mr. Vignab."

"Gentlemen …" Qi'ra lowered her head politely. She turned to Maris. "I understand, milady, that you are in the market."

"Correct. We would like ten canisters."

"I see, Miss Brood. A fairly substantial order. But we know your boss is a good customer and we would like to be fair with you."

"I appreciate that, Qi'ra," Maris took a swig of the whisky. "Where might this go down?"

Qi'ra, always on the alert for anyone that might be eavesdropping, wrote a few characters of Galactic Basic on a small slip of paper and placed it on the table, face down. She then slid it across to Maris, who carefully picked it up and glanced at it. She looked across to Qi'ra and stared at her with her red eyes gleaming. Maris held her gaze steady as she reached out with the Force, making Qi'ra a touch uneasy. Finally, she spoke.

"Very well, then," she paused to have another sip of whisky. "Please make the arrangements."

"I've been asked to accompany you on the voyage, Miss Brood. I hope that will be acceptable."

Maris frowned a little, then finished the whisky in one gulp. "I can allow it. It's about a seven-hour trip, however."

"Oh, I won't be on your ship, but we should arrive together. I have a small shuttle."

Savareen, 11 BBY, 6 months, 2 days, 1 hour

The Forager soon left The Wheel, and was on its way to Savareen, a planet on the Southeastern Outer Rim and a site that Crimson Dawn used to conduct its refining operations. The raw material usually came from the Pyke Syndicate and they had specially designed cargo ships that kept the co-ax tightly sealed. Much of the mining was done in the Kessel System on the Eastern Outer Rim, not far from Hutt Space.

Qi'ra had already landed her shuttle – which had a class 0.5 hyperdrive so it beat Maris to the planet – when the Forager touched down. As the three Order members debarked, they looked around. What they saw was a planet-scape somewhat tropical in nature. A large sea could be glimpsed in the distance, while around them was mostly sand, with a few grassy patches.

"What do you think, Master Maris?" Xendar asked, somewhat urgently.

The Zabrak sniffed the air, then reached out with the Force, as Shaak always instructed her to do in any new situation.

"Everything seems in order – so far."

Qi'ra then strode over to meet them. "Welcome to Savareen, friends. Everything is set. My boss will be arriving within the hour. Can you arrange payment?"

Maris snorted, as she gazed into Qi'ra's unyielding eyes. "We're ready. Our bankers will credit your account upon delivery."

"This way, if you please …"

"Just a second," Maris then turned and engaged the shields on the Forager before they left, then also turned on cloaking.

They followed Qi'ra and boarded a land speeder, which took them about a kilometre away, where a strange-looking ship had landed. It appeared to be something like a ten-story hotel or apartment block, but instead it was a private yacht, one that belonged to the titular head of the Crimson Dawn organization – Mr. Dryden Vos.

Qi'ra led them into the lower deck of the ship and they boarded a lift that took them to the uppermost deck. Everything seemed to be proceeding smoothly, then Vos came out to greet them. He was relatively tall and nearly human, with light cropped hair.

"Welcome aboard, Madam, to the First Light. My name is Dryden Vos."

"Pleased to meet you, sir," Maris deadpanned. "Do you have our order?"

"Indeed, Madam Brood."

He snapped his fingers and an assistant stepped forward, carry two cases, each of which contained five cannisters.

"Would the Lady like to inspect the merchandise?"

Maris nodded, then turned to Xendar and Sanjip. She took out a cannister and passed it to Sanjip, then another to Xendar. They opened them and looked it over, then took out a purity test instrument to sample a minute amount. After a few seconds, Sanjip reported back.

"They check out, Master. 99.9% pure."

Maris smiled. "Good to see you are a man we can trust, yes?"

Vos nodded in return, then chuckled. "Now if you can arrange payment …"

Maris pulled out her com device, then punched in some codes and reached Shaak's banker contact. This individual was located on the far Northern Outer Rim world of Muunilinst, but that fact was known only to Shaak. Maris then spoke into the device.

"Yes. Two hundred thousand. To the account of …"

She turned to Vos. "Where shall we direct the funds?"

He pulled up his com device, ready to handle his end of the transaction. "Xray 44 Tango Bravo 96"

Maris repeated the code into hers, and the transaction was processed. Vos nodded in ascent. It seemed all was ready.

But then something entirely unexpected took place. Suddenly, a group of men rushed forward with blasters drawn, surrounding Maris and her two fellow Order members. They quickly confiscated the cases of coaxium. Maris frowned, then bided her time, waiting to see what else might happen.

"Take them away …" Vos ordered. Maris then noticed Qi'ra standing aside, smiling, as the apparent robbery went down.

Maris carefully assessed the situation in her head. Seven of them, three of us. No time to draw sabres …

As Vos's men started to push on Xendar and Sanjip, one of them attempted to slap cuffs on Maris. That was when something equally unexpected took place. There was a sudden flash and then all the lights in the room went dim as the backup generators had kicked in. Maris stepped back, then rocked one assailant with a forearm across the temples. The man dropped like a sack of potatoes. Before the others could properly aim, her blue bladed lightsabre was lit and slashing away, repelling blaster shots back at their origins. Xendar and Sanjip each drew theirs as well, and were doing the same. Quickly, Vos's people had been neutralized. Maris reached out with the Force and sealed the exit, preventing others from coming to their aid.

Qi'ra took the opportunity to duck out of sight, as Maris turned to Vos, then made a gripping gesture with one hand. Vos felt his neck being squeezed as Maris approached closer.

"This was a major mistake, Mister Vos," she announced in a deadpan voice. "Now what should I do with you?"

Gasping for air, Vos dropped to his knees as he lost balance. She loosened the Force choke slightly, so he could answer.

"Who are you?" He asked, somewhat incredulously.

"That matters not," she replied. "What matters now is whether you want to remain alive. First, you will refund our money, or I will see to it that this ship of yours will cease to function and you will be stranded here on Savareen. Then we will expect another ten cannisters to be provided to us, free of charge, as well."

Vos gulped. Even though his organization usually made at least a 50% profit on any sale, this strange Zabrak woman was now asking them to fork over the equivalent of a quarter-million Imperial credits. Maris reinforced the choke as a quick reminder. He spread his arms wide.

"Okay … you've got yourself a deal. Qi'ra … please call for another ten cannisters for Lady Brood."

Qi'ra, with her com device activated, stepped forward so that Maris could hear her place the order. She was eyeing the Zabrak carefully and had deduced what had happened. Maris has some kind of power – which I don't understand, but I had best respect it. And those lightsabres? Where did they get them?

Maris turned her attention to Qi'ra for a split-second, then addressed Dryden Vos.

"Sir, I don't know what you were hoping to accomplish by double-crossing me, but I'm getting the impression that you are not the one fully in charge of this organization, else you would not have committed such a colossal blunder. Consider yourself fortunate that I am usually a reasonable individual, only interested in conducting business."

Vos, recognizing the gravity of the moment, tried to move on as diplomatically as he could.

"Madam, I am in charge, rest assured. I take full responsibility for this unfortunate circumstance. Hopefully we can put it behind us and have a fruitful relationship. Your credit is certainly good with us and the bankers on Muunilinst gave you top scores. We want to be your supplier."

Qi'ra then broke in. "It's all arranged, Lady Maris. Those cannisters are on their way up."

Maris chuckled at the irony of it all. I've never been addressed as "Lady" anything.

Once they had arrived, Maris instructed Xendar and Sanjip to test each one, a process that took a few minutes. Qi'ra and Vos glanced at each other uneasily as Maris watched them like a hawk. Once her apprentices had given the "OK" sign, she gave the following assent.

"I believe we are done here, Mister Vos."

"Very well, sorry for the misunderstanding."

She snorted and laughed. "Ah, one more thing. Your able assistant, Ms. Qi'ra, will accompany us to our ship. She has been most helpful and if I were you, I would recognize her diligence."

"As you wish, Lady Brood."

Maris, Xendar, and Sanjip all left the First Light, accompanied by Qi'ra, as requested. Qi'ra herself was a little intimidated by Maris's rough exterior and no-nonsense attitude, but told herself she nonetheless admired the Zabrak. Reaching out to her might not be the worst move I could make.

When the speeder arrived at the Forager's location further down the beach, Maris uncloaked it. They got out and walked over to it as a group as the shields came down. Qi'ra turned to Maris before she ascended the gangway.

"Dear Lady Maris, if there is anything I can assist you with in the future, I hope you will not hesitate to contact me. Chairman Vos regrets what took place."

Maris laughed. "I will do that, Qi'ra. We'll be going, then. Good day."

As they boarded, Xendar took the cases of coaxium cannisters and secured them in the ship's safe room. He then joined Maris and Sanjip on the flight deck as she was showing the Jabiim native the various steps of pre-launch checkout.

"Until we get an astromech of our own, we have to run these ourselves. I want you to become familiar with all the steps. There will come a day when both of you may need to do this procedure without me."

After they had lifted off, Maris contacted Shaak prior to the hyperspace jump. The vicinity of Savareen was seemingly peaceful.

"Master, we have secured the fuel. There were a couple of complications, which we can discuss upon my return."

"Very well, dear. Just so long as you are all good."

Elsewhere on Savareen, after Qi'ra and Vos had discussed what took place, she was alone later, in Vos's study aboard the yacht. Unbeknownst to her boss, she had deduced the method of contacting the actual leader of Crimson Dawn via hologram. While Vos was occupied elsewhere, she initiated the contact.

"Good evening, Maximum Leader. I thought you might be interested to know of our transaction with someone called Maris Brood earlier today. It did not go well. Chairman Vos tried to intimidate our guests and they responded with lightsabres and a strange power."

After a minute, the Leader responded.

"What … type of power?"

"I'm not certain, my Lord, but she seemed to have the ability to choke someone just by making a gesture from across a room. Her use of the sabre was most effective. She deflected blaster shots back onto the shooters and two of our people were terminated."

"Maris … Brood…" He repeated slowly. "I don't know … of anyone by that name. I want you to learn all you can about this person."

"Yes, my Lord. One more thing, she is a Zabrak like yourself."

Felucia, 11 BBY, 5 months, 11 days

About three weeks later, Shaak, Maris, and Varda were overseeing a construction site together. There was significant activity in a cleared area, about the size of four football fields joined together. Maris had contracted with Droid Gotra to obtain some excavation units a few months earlier.

Shaak was explaining things to Varda, while Maris was consulting, but mostly looking on, ready to answer questions.

"What we're doing here is building the first of a group of installations from which we will conduct planetary engineering."

Varda looked up with interest. "Sounds complex. I don't recall the Jedi ever getting into that level of activity when I was there."

Shaak chuckled openly, and patted Varda on one shoulder. "No, I suppose you wouldn't. It was an area that Mace and I started up before I became a Master. Jocasta had pointed me to a particular holocron – one which I was fortunate enough to secure when we left Coruscant – that dealt with many of the principles. At the time, we were interested in establishing another location for the Temple, as being solely on Coruscant was putting us at a strategic disadvantage. This was prior to the start of the War."

"I see," Varda replied, thoughtfully. "What are your aims here?"

"There are a number of them, which I plan to pursue in stages. The first deals with the atmosphere – the outer reaches of it, some 600 to 700 kilometres up – I want to create a layer that will resist penetration from outsiders."

Varda shook her head gently. "Shaak, I must admit … You don't think small. This would be a great accomplishment if you are able to engineer it."

"Not only that, but the other purpose is to make the planet appear invisible, which of course it isn't, but approaching ships will have their course slightly altered so they would not come into contact with us."

"But how about Imperial Star Destroyers? Presumably they would have greater capabilities…"

"You might think that, but when I was a General in the GAR, we spent plenty of time on Kuat, seeing to the design details of the Venator class of star destroyers. The basic Imperial design simply expands on it."

"How have you come to know that?" Varda asked, growing steadily more interested.

"Through my travels around the Galaxy these past years. Concealing my identity is not nearly as difficult as it might seem. I have created a number of aliases that allow me to be a visiting scholar, historian, tactician, or this and that. It doesn't hurt that Togruta are mostly considered 'good Imperial subjects' and I'm always quick to spout the party line when needed. It also doesn't hurt that they think the Jedi are all gone and they have trouble distinguishing between Togruta."

Varda looked fondly at Shaak, as she marveled at her friend's intellect. "How clever you are. I'm starting to see how we might have a chance after all. So, what is all the digging for?"

"We have to create a hardened block house and underground bunker to build our first control and monitoring center. This is a complex job but my people have the overall blueprint specifications."

"So, what's your target date for getting it operational?"

"Another three months out, at least. Droid Gotra will be back with some new construction units, which we take delivery of on one of the moons. And I've already placed the satellites in synchronous orbit. We will be able to direct them from the ground." Shaak paused for a few seconds. "But my longer-range plans might take over seven to eight years."

"What are you wanting to do?"

"Eventually alter the axis of the planet, to make it more hospitable, but that is a far-off goal. For now, we are acclimated to life here and it's our home."

Varda took a deep breath and exhaled. "I must admit, I thought it was too hot at first, but I've grown used to it. Living with you and Maris has been wonderful, and this air and moisture is good for my bones and joints."

Shaak laughed. "Yes … I can see how that might be. Maybe someday, I will persuade Master Yoda to relocate here."

"That would be a trick …" Varda returned the laugh.

Later that night, the three of them were having a session with the Togruta hallucinogenic plant called "buu'raa", something Shaak occasionally liked to partake in as it aided in her Force sensitivity. As she exhaled a cloud of smoke, she turned to Maris.

"So, dear, regarding your recent acquisition of the co-ax, you mentioned some complications. Perhaps you might elaborate on these."

Maris proceeded to detail the incident on Savareen and the encounter with Dryden Vos.

Shaak listened carefully, then noted. "So, you used choke on him? Did you feel it was necessary?"

Maris felt a touch uneasy as her master's eyes bored into her. "I got his attention."

"I am certain of that." Shaak chuckled lightly. "But you realize this is a Dark Side power … an aggressive use of the Force."

"Master Shaak … I … I didn't think about it at the time. I was acting to protect myself and the Padawans."

Shaak glanced over to Varda, who was watching the exchange with interest, but otherwise not wanting to interfere.

She resumed. "Maris. I don't want to be unnecessarily harsh, but I think you are a bit too inexperienced at this point to be practicing such tactics on non-Force sensitive individuals – even those involved in criminal activity. I realize at this time we may have little choice with whom we might have to conduct business with."

Maris was about to say something, but Shaak cut her off.

"We won't discuss this further, but I want you to meditate on this later tonight or perhaps tomorrow. In the end, we are dealing with an opponent that possesses great Dark Side power and who is extremely sophisticated. We must be most careful when we use the Force in any manner, but particularly with the Dark Side. We have no idea who might be observing us."

"Yes, Master, I understand." Maris lowered her head in deference.

Lianna, 11 BBY, 2 months, 20 days, 11 hours

Valles Santhé was away from her office, "doing lunch" in a private dining room with Sen Kaydo (a.k.a Ry Kyver), at a trendy new restaurant a few kilometres from the Santhé Tower. As the Chairlady crunched her salad – made from organic-grown vegetables from Santhé Cuisine – she was getting a progress report from her trusted research consultant.

"Valles, as we discussed, the ammonia infusion of some test fields on Pasmin has worked as I planned. Our fusion of nitrogen and hydrogen in the atmosphere is getting the job done. Already four separate stations have been constructed," noted Ry.

"Very good," remarked the lovely Ms. Santhé, looking most adorable in her sleeveless black satin dress with its big blue and white dots. "Now, tell me about the cultivation plans. I want to get a million hectares going in the next few months. Much of this can be farmed with ag droids."

"We will get there," Ry assured her, dressed equally appealing in a yellow frock with green dots. "I wanted to see how the process would take with the native soils there on Pasmin. Turns out we don't have to do too much in the way of pre-treatment, just a general application for irrigation purposes. This planet was an excellent choice, Valles. I'm thinking, once things get under way on the scale you want, we could also sell it as a great place for recreation and water sports. We'll dam up some of the rivers to create lakes while providing the steady irrigation needed."

"Uh huh, I like that too. We're going to be able to grow massive quantities, but also start making this planet much more than a breadbasket. Again, you are taking the lead."

"My pleasure, madam." Ry happily replied. Working for Valles was already becoming quite fulfilling and she was enthralled by the elegant young woman's charm and seeming kindness. This is becoming the best year of my life. Now I can see it all coming together.

"Ry … I've been thinking it over. Your performance has been nothing short of superlative. I'm going to double your salary to two million credits. I feel certain this is only the beginning," she said mirthfully, while giving a shake of her waist-length black hair that caused her elegant fragrance to permeate the air, while her dress rustled seductively.

Ry inhaled it and felt it etching its way into her consciousness, but it was invigorating in a way. Two million? My goodness! I never thought I was in it for the money, but hey … and living on Lianna is expensive so it will be nice. I love this woman! But, of course, she's like this when she gets what she wants. I can only imagine how much she's going to make off this new project.

At this time, Ry felt it only proper to clue Valles in on her other project, the one she was working on in private. She'd gone ahead and set up a small laboratory on Pasmin to conduct her midichlorian experiments, happy to do so away from any possible prying eyes on Lianna. She'd been reluctant to say too much, partly out of concern over what Valles might think – though the lady was charming to a fault, it might be wise not to push her luck – and also wanting to ensure that the experiments would start to yield some success. But now, for perhaps the first time, she'd had something of a breakthrough, as the first signs that it was possible to mutate increased midichlorian counts in cells might truly be possible. It was time to lay her cards on the table.

"Valles. There's something I've been meaning – I've been wanting – to explore with you. How shall I put this? I can readily discern that you are indeed Force-sensitive." She carefully scanned her friend to gauge the reaction, but Valles seemed unmoved. After a few seconds that seemed like hours, while Ry thought she might just have taken a wrong step – considering the precarious position in which Force-adepts were placed during the era of Palpatine – but then Valles smiled at her while oozing more perfume outward.

"And just how did you discern that?" Before Ry could answer, Valles continued. "It's because you – yourself – are equally sensitive, am I correct? Of course, I am. So, was there something you wanted to share with me?" The Lady's eyes seemed to twinkle again, and the effect caught Ry a bit off guard. She seems to have her own set of powers, most interesting.

Valles continued, after taking a sip from her light wine. "I think it most fortunate that you have such ability. It can serve to bind us in a way."

Ry took a deep breath and decided to open up. "What I've done, Valles, is to synthesize midichlorian production at the cellular level in plants. I'm sure you can deduce the significance of this. Only on a very small scale, but it's the breakthrough I've been after for years – and I feel it was only possible due to your providing me such great working conditions. My mind is at ease, free to create and feel appreciated. But also, this planet Pasmin is such a beautiful place and perfect for many things."

Valles chuckled. "Well, Lady Ry, this is indeed quite remarkable. Can you explain why you embarked on such research to begin with?"

Ry chuckled. "I'm not sure if you are going to believe this … but … when I was the Imperial Minister of Agriculture, my abilities came to the attention of the Emperor himself."

"So, it was he that asked you to do it …" Valles said softly. "Tell me something, friend. Do you still serve in his employ?"

Ry shook her head emphatically. "I serve in yours, Valles. And this is why I'm telling you about the project …"

Ry went on to describe how the Dark Side of the Force can wear a body down, so that some process of regeneration becomes necessary. With Palpatine, it was plain to see. The man was just over 70 years old, but looked more haggard and worn than Valles's grandfather Kerred, who was now 125 years of age. Valles considered her own Force ability and often wondered where it came from. She devoured many books and texts that speculated on this subject but knew the best place to get this knowledge would have been in the old Jedi Temple. But sadly, that place had been replaced with Palpatine's palace, a study in brutalist architecture, quite the opposite of the elegant structures being designed for Valles's own reign as Queen of Lianna someday.

"Ry, I am gratified that you think I could be worthy of such knowledge. But I have also heard of a certain plant species that enhances Force ability – though likely not permanently. Are you familiar with it? I should think you might be, given your encyclopedic knowledge of botany."

"Valles – it is precisely because I have come to hold you in high regard that I am offering it to you. And yes, I know of the plant you speak, it was called the bota, but I have never been able to gain even a sample of it so I came to believe it was just a legend from old Jedi."

Valles checked her com. "Oh, my goodness. Look at the time. I'd love to continue this discussion, my dear, but I have a company to run."

"Of course. Pardon my droning on about such esoteric ideas."

"Oh … I don't consider them to be a waste of time at all. In fact, I'm going to give you an enhanced budget to pursue this line of inquiry – provided you keep me informed of all progress you make."

The two women stood together for a second. "Of course, Valles. I wouldn't have it any other way."

Ry opened her arms and Valles allowed her to give her a bearhug. They smiled at each other and walked out together, with Valles tenderly holding Ry's hand for a few seconds.

Lianna, 11 BBY, 0 months, 9 days, 12 hours

Valles was having lunch at her desk, preparing for a board meeting later that afternoon. She was going to present her ideas for a general reorganization of Santhé-Sienar, as the non-defense segments of the firm were growing in importance. But then she received an emergency call over her com device.

"Lady Santhé!"

"Yes?"

"Come to Memorial right away. Your grandfather's asking for you!"

For a second, Valles felt a sense of panic, which she quickly covered.

"I'm on my way …"

As Valles pulled on a coat – it was wintertime on Lianna, in the City – and headed for her special docking port at the top of the Tower, thoughts were racing through her mind. Oh my … grandpa, I hope this is not what I'm thinking it is. Please stay, we have so much more to talk about.

Soon her elegant limousine arrived at the hospital. She got out and was met by staff, who hustled her inside, where she took the lift to the 50th level. She strode briskly down the halls and came to her grandfather Kerred's private suite. The old man – now over 125 years of age – was looking withered and quite pale. Valles spotted her mother Mirella already there. Her mom got up quickly and rushed to her daughter's side.

"What's going on?" Valles asked, hoping against hope.

"He's leaving us …" was all the older woman had to say, the tears forming in her eyes.

Valles hugged her mom and gave her a quick kiss, then came to her grandfather's bedside. The elder Santhé took his granddaughter's hand and squeezed it weakly. Valles's heart sank upon the realization that he was rapidly fading.

"Leave us," Kerred spoke to his daughter-in-law. "I need this time with Valles."

Once they were alone, Kerred grasped both of Valles's hands as she sat on the edge of his bed. There was a quick Force exchange, then he spoke to her quietly.

"My dear Valles, all of my hopes and dreams now rest with you. I leave this world knowing you will take the Santhé name to even greater heights and nothing can stop you, because the Force is with you, my beauty."

Valles touched one of her lower eyelids and noticed the tears were coming.

"Grandpa … you can't leave. We have so much to talk about … still."

"Be strong, my dear. Someday the Galaxy will be yours. The Force tells me this. Remember all I have taught you. Protect the Santhé name, your legacy, Valles. You are a most special individual. And you know all you need to know from me. The company is stronger than ever under your visionary leadership. How great a child you were, spending all your time with me, learning so much and so fast. To say I am proud of you hardly does you justice. Although I leave my physical form behind, my spirit will remain … and it will always be in your service, my darling."

"I won't let you down, Grandpa. By the Force. I swear."

The tears were now descending down Valles's cheeks as she wept openly. Her grandfather grasped her hands one last time, then his body seemed to disappear.

Mirella returned and rushed to her daughter's side, then looked and noticed that her father-in-law's body had completely disappeared, leaving only his silk pajamas on the bed. Valles turned to her mom, who asked. "What happened?"

"He is One with the Force, Mother. Grandpa was a great man in so many ways. We owe everything to him. I shared his last moment and he passed the torch to me. I am incredibly sad, but now I must go forward. Please make the arrangements for the service. It will be well-attended. I want everyone who knew him to be able to pay their respects."

To be continued …