Shaak and Maris: A Star Wars Story – Chapter 18

Chapter 18: I Destroyed Him

Lianna, 10 BBY 8 months, 15 days, 12 hours

Over another lunch in a newly opened restaurant on one of the lower floors of Santhé Tower, Valles and Ry were discussing the next steps.

"Get this one right, my friend, and there's a promotion in store, plus a substantial rise in pay," the Chairlady chirped happily. Valles was in a light blue and white dotted silk dress over a soft petticoat layer with protruding nets that rustled as she moved. Her hair was done up in a style that bunched it on top of her head, while Ry Kyver was also in silk, this time in soft orange. The onetime Imperial minister had started to develop a style – which her boss encouraged. Ry liked it because no one would be able to recognize her former self.

"Oh, I won't let you down, boss lady …" Ry chuckled. "Looking forward to the trip. So glad you gave me a new ship."

"Yes. So tell me about this Cantonica. The Corp-Sec boys have been drumming it hard."

"It seems perfectly set up for what our hospitality division needs as a ground-breaking project. It's a dry place and quite mild for most species. We will have to create bodies of water, but that shouldn't be too tough. I'm so glad you put me in touch with Santhé's planetary engineering division – I didn't realize they were involved in Lianna's transformation."

Valles smiled and fluttered her eyelashes. "Will you need to do something similar on Pasmin?"

"Not nearly as much. There is already plenty of water. We just need to dam up some of the streams and create lakes, then stock them for sport fishing. The locals have plenty of energy and like to work hard."

Their conversation continued along these lines, with Valles progressively pleased with her now friend. Ry had seen everything come up roses with her investments and her net worth was approaching 20 million credits. The midichlorian project had seen slow improvement, and, when Valles asked to see it, she came up with some ideas on how to improve the results.

"Have you considered expanding the scope?"

"Sure … but we do not want too many people being aware of this. In fact, are you comfortable talking about this openly?"

"For the most part … yes. The numbers of people who have any knowledge of this at all are rather small … but, I understand your concern."

"Valles … I feel good about the project overall, but I have not had much time to work on it more recently – as you might guess."

"Oh, I understand. We do not need to rush this. My plans proceed along various lines." She glanced around the room, continuing to smile. "I have another group that is dedicated to my personal security. Their job is to blend in as well as possible and they know my schedule in advance. I am protected as well as most leaders, better, in fact, than many."

Ry thought about it for a second. I shouldn't be surprised. She tends to think of everything, even though she seems popular and it's hard to imagine her having any enemies. "Valles, have you ever … you know, worried about Imperial affairs?"

Her voice lowered its tone somewhat. "It's been important to cultivate relationships with regional officialdom, but they depend on me more than I do them."

"In what way?"

"Several, actually. On the one hand, I am seen as loyal and the Company continues to provide the kind of quality that we always have, while, at the same time, I have considerable freedom to implement my own plans. I have reached out to Outer Rim Moffs and they often depend on our information as this is the wild side of the Galaxy. Even Wilhuff Tarkin has enjoyed my company and sees me as essential to furthering his own ambitions."

"Very good," Ry chuckled. "So you think this gives you a free hand in some ways."

"Yes. But I never take anything for granted. The fine art of ingratiation has always been part of my toolbox."

"It surely doesn't hurt that you are so beautiful and cultured. It's almost like they want to impress you more than you do them."

Valles threw back her head as she laughed in response. "It took me years to get to that level. Grandpa noticed my basic charm and told me it would be most valuable going forward … plus I have certain … other talents," she added with a wink, to which Ry nodded imperceptibly and gave a return wink.

As they wrapped up their lunch, they both stood facing each other, Ry about 15 cm taller than Valles. The chairlady took her friend's hands and held them for a second softly. She then surged a small amount of energy into Ry, who was quite surprised by the gesture, then kissed her softly on the cheek as she whispered to her.

"Have a lovely trip, my friend … I'll be looking forward to your return."

Hyperspace, the Northern Outer Rim, 10 BBY 8 months, 7 days

Shaak Ti was traveling alone on the Intrepid II, combing through Northern Rim systems in search of more Force-sensitive individuals. This was a continuing mission, as she was always interested in expanding the ranks of members in the Order and the best way to do that was with new talent. Fresh acolytes were impressionable and had few bad habits to break. But finding such individuals was a difficult task, one that required much travel – and thus an ample supply of coaxium, thus Maris's recent trip to Savareen was most gratifying. The Order's three spacecraft could now keep flying for at least another two or three years, but they would continue to need the "hyper" fuel.

Due to the difficulty of finding new recruits, Shaak spent much time in meditation while her ship traveled through hyperspace. Sometimes, distinct signals would come to her, and these were often quite promising. Recently, such a signal had arisen while she was in flight to Dantooine and a Rebel status meeting. This was while she was passing through quadrant O-4, a lesser traveled area of the northern Outer Rim. Once Shaak had returned from Dantooine, she combed through her ship's records and was able to pinpoint where she received this signal. It was near Thalassia in the sparsely populated Meram sector and she wanted to follow up on it.

The voyage was routine until Shaak reached her destination. When she checked the shipboard display of the records, it indicated the name of the planet was Mestare, a place not shown on most of the star charts in this section of the Galaxy. At first, it looked like any other, but as she came in for an orbit and took two passes, soon the call beckoned. Intrepid II soon touched down on the surface. The computers had scanned the planet and had found plenty of lifeforms – animal and vegetable – but no sentients just yet. Shaak debarked and took her lightsabre just as a precaution. As she walked, around the ship at first, she felt it again. This time she dropped to her knees and reached out for the Force … then it was quite plain. It almost sounded like a voice, singing to her, but as she concentrated deeper, the single voice became a chorus. Her mind cleared of thought as she let the voices draw her in.

Shaak could feel them pushing her forward, so she went back into her ship and took out a speeder bike (by this time, she had kept a pair of those in the hold). She jumped on the bike and went off in the direction that she felt the Force was pulling her, riding for almost 2 km, then stopping before the entrance to a cave. The entrance was a bit narrow so she proceeded in on foot. After walking about 40 metres or so, the cave expanded greatly and then, from somewhere, a light came on and it was illuminating the area. And then – she saw them.

It was a series of pinkish rocks, strewn in various places around the room and hanging from the ceiling. Picking up one that was near her feet, Shaak knew immediately what it was – a Kyberite ore crystal, one very similar to the ones she had seen long ago, on Ilum. As she fingered it, turning it various directions and picking up the light, she began to realize the light in this cave was being emitted from the combined power of all the crystals found within it. Most unique, these crystals are, she pondered. Shaak then found three specimens she wanted to examine further and took them with her back to her ship, and she also took some raw ore samples as well.

At first, she simply placed the finished crystals in a container that was used to hold various objects that could be viewed under greater magnification. Such an inquiry seemed to yield little useful information, so she took out her lightsabre and removed its Kyber crystal and compared the it to the Mestarian crystals. Then it became most apparent to her that the new ones were similar, but different. But how? This might be a profound discovery … I know I don't want Palpatine or his lackey, Anakin, to learn of this place. Who else might hear the song? I feel one must be in the Light to do so. I must meditate.

After two hours of meditation, Shaak realized these new crystals would be useful in lightsabres. It just so happened that she had enough spare parts aboard the Intrepid to build a new hilt, so she spent the next hour doing that. Once it was ready, she activated the crude new sabre and found it operational, so she switched it off and debarked from the ship. Outside, she lit it again and took a few swipes. As she was a very accomplished sabre wielder, Shaak quickly tamed the blade and felt the crystal "accepting" her as its new master. She found this sabre quite durable – able to penetrate solid rocks, as well as any metals or even the mysterious mineral, cortosis. Upon making this discovery, Shaak knew she had to protect this planet, which meant keeping its existence hidden from the Empire. Normally this wouldn't be so hard to do, as the Galaxy contained untold billions of star systems, most of them uninhabitable – but clearly not all, and those new worlds were being charted and cataloged by Imperial scientists.

That complete, she knew it was time to return home. She decided to do all the research on her own before informing anyone else in the Order.

The planet Scarif, Abrion Sector, SE Outer Rim, 10 BBY 7 months, 10 days, 21 hours

Ahsoka and Barriss had begun their vacation on the beautiful world of Scarif, which featured unspoiled beaches and quiet getaway accommodations. They were settling in for the third day and were walking together, hand in hand along the beach heading back to their cabana. From Ahsoka's perspective, she couldn't remember a time when she was ever this happy. From their first meeting – during the war, at what was referred to as the Second Battle of Geonosis – the two onetime Jedi had hit it off well and became fast friends. Although their circumstances at the time were quite different, mostly due to the vast difference between their respective masters (Anakin Skywalker and Luminara Unduli), they shared many good times together. Then came the betrayal and the trial of Ahsoka, followed by her decision to leave the Jedi.

From Barriss's point of view, she regretted deeply what she had done and always hoped to be able to find Ahsoka and try to make amends. The Mirialan was overjoyed when she learned that Ahsoka was still alive and had survived the dread Order 66, and it had now been six years since their first meeting after the rise of the Empire. Their reconciliation came slowly, but the momentum kept building and there was a genuine affection between the two of them.

That night, the two dined on local seafood and then retired to their cabana. They were getting ready to retire for the night and wanting to explore their relationship further, but suddenly Ahsoka detected a Force presence. She signaled to Barriss, who nodded quietly, having felt it too. Both women quickly changed into something more suitable and grabbed their lightsabres. As they peered outside, the feelings grew stronger.

"What is it?" Ahsoka asked, her voice having an edge to it.

"I'm not sure," Barriss replied, trying to remain calm.

Ahsoka felt for her friend's hand, trying to radiate warm energy into her. It seemed to work, but then a figure appeared in the distance, perhaps 20 metres away. Neither of the two had ever seen this personage before, and soon it started walking toward them. When it came within ten metres, they heard it speak, in a deep bass voice, clearly masculine in nature.

"The Apprentice lives … and so does her rival …"

"Who are you?" Barriss demanded.

"Wait!" Ahsoka urged. "Something is familiar about this guy."

Aboard the yacht First Light somewhere in hyperspace on the NE Outer Rim, 10 BBY 7 months, 8 days

Qi'ra of Corellia had just said goodbye to her longtime friend (and onetime lover) Han Solo. He had helped her pull off a daring double-cross of both Tobias Beckett and Dryden Vos of Crimson Dawn, who both ended up dead, aboard the First Light. Once Han had left, she took Vos's signet ring from him and contacted Maul, explaining (mostly) what had happened – though she left out Solo's part in the operation. The coaxium that Beckett and Solo had earlier delivered wound up in the hands of the rebel group called the Cloud Riders, now led by Enfys Nest the younger.

Maul was quite impressed with Qi'ra after learning of the news and ordered her to bring the yacht to Dathomir. Before she left, she sent a transmission to The Wheel for Maris Brood.

"Dear Madam Brood … thought you might be interested – Crimson Dawn under new management – and we're ready to give you a good deal on more hyper fuel."

As she approached Dathomir, Qi'ra thought it over in her head how she wanted to handle the upcoming meeting. But the Maximum Leader was a rather enigmatic individual, and she had little experience with him up to this point. He's going to want a progress report on Maris. I will say she has yet to get our message.

Once the yacht touched down, Maul soon summoned her over to his lair on the planet. A sparsely decorated expanse, Maul's apparent home was nonetheless well-suited to someone that appeared to be uncomplicated on the outside. But underneath lay a twisted and complex soul, wracked with anger and still seeking revenge, yet this Zabrak was smart enough to know he couldn't face Vader or Sidious alone, thus he needed help. The young Maris Brood seemed a promising possibility and he was most curious to learn the extent of both her power and her inclinations regarding the Force.

As Qi'ra entered, she bowed to the one she knew as the Maximum Leader of the Crimson Dawn syndicate. As a crime group, their history was rather short when compared with Black Sun, the Pykes, or the Hutt Clan, but with a ruthless Force user such as Maul in charge, their track record was exceptional. The Leader invited her to take a seat.

"I suppose," the Zabrak noted, "you already know why I asked you here today …" She was about to answer, when Maul raised his right hand, signaling he was not finished. "The untimely demise of Mister Vos has presented me with a choice. Are you the one to fill the void?" His eyes, appearing to be heavily bloodshot, but most likely matching the set of protruding horns in color, bored into her.

Qi'ra carefully took a deep breath, then met his gaze. "My liege, I am ready. I know how to run the operation in the foreground. We will offer our services at a fair price – given the market – and expect payment … but at the same time, offer all products as guaranteed. The Hutts have always set a good example in this manner."

Maul snorted. "The Hutts … have some competition now. Miss Qi'ra, I see you are eager to step up. The poor orphan girl from Corellia … someone that knows how to survive. Do not let me down."

She rose, and bowed again. "You can depend on me, my liege. I have already reached out to Lady Brood, per your instructions."

"Has she responded?"

"Not as of yet."

"See that she does. Make the offer more enticing if necessary. I must meet with this woman …"

Soon after, Qi'ra was dismissed and she returned to the First Light, and then lifted off, headed in the general direction of the Mid Rim.

Scarif, 10 BBY 7 months, 10 days, 19 hours

Darth Vader had been sent to scout the planet, and some two hours prior, had dropped from hyperspace, flying the TIE Advanced X1 ship that had been given to him personally by Santhé-Sienar chairlady Valles Santhé. As he took a couple of orbits, there was a disturbance in the Force that he quickly detected. He was rather certain of what it meant – the presence of Force-sensitive people or creatures were on the planet below. I was not expecting to run into this – the Inquisitors were supposed to have combed this area of the Galaxy. So far … they've turned up nothing. Interesting. He decided to probe further and pick out a landing spot.

The purpose of his trip to Scarif was basic. Unknown to almost the entire galaxy, the Empire was building a super-weapon, a giant battle station some 160 km in diameter. The project had been in the planning stages since the time of the Clone War and once the war was over and the Empire begun, construction soon commenced on the planet Geonosis – a system very close to (maybe one light year away) Tatooine. The Geonosians worked diligently to get the main framework of the station completed, but now it was time to move the project. Emperor Palpatine was greatly concerned that the project should remain secret and he and his admirals and generals thought it was not wise to trust the Geonosians with any further knowledge about it. Thus, it was necessary to find a new location.

Scarif had been suggested by the designer of the project, a brilliant scientist named Galen Erso, and the others in charge of the weapons to be installed on the station were in agreement that a planet such as this was ideal. Palpatine then asked Vader to travel there and put his personal stamp of approval on the decision. The former Jedi Knight had started reviewing the data he had and everything seemed to check out to his satisfaction, when suddenly he encountered that Force disturbance. He ran it through his mind and wondered who it could be. Just about every ex-Jedi had been accounted for after Order 66 and many others were later found elsewhere and summarily executed. But not everyone. The name he was most concerned with was his old master, Obi-Wan Kenobi. What an opportunity this might be …

Once he was on the ground, the Force was telling him that there were two signatures present. He pinpointed the location – a small cabana along the beach – then set out on foot to confront them.

The Wheel, 10 BBY 7 months, 5 days

Qi'ra, once in hyperspace, had quickly assumed day-to-day control of the Crimson Dawn organization, and she wasted no time determining whom she could – and could not – trust. The reorganization of the syndicate took place quickly and she awarded her friends with more responsibility and a greater cut of the profits – provided, of course, that these would be available to dispense.

That done, she knew her next task was to follow up on the matter of Maris Brood. The Zabrak female had gone to The Wheel to follow up on some business for the Order – mostly making financial arrangements that Shaak had asked her to see to. These included a working lunch with a pair of Muun bankers that oversaw Shaak's accounts on their home planet of Muunilinst. When that was concluded, she went to a café on the top level of the station – one that doubled as a communications center. She was checking for encrypted messages, when she saw the short one from Lady Qi'ra (as the new public head of Crimson Dawn was calling herself) that offered some generous terms on coaxium fuel.

Well, this is interesting. I wonder why they would want to give me a good deal. That guy Vos must really want me as a customer… Maris chuckled a couple of times as she thought the proposal over, then decided to reply.

"Dear Lady Qi'ra – intrigued with your proposal and open to meeting. Shall we choose a neutral location? Also, please inform Mister Vos that I hold no grudges."

Maris sent the message and chuckled. Time for something a little stronger than caf."

Scarif, 10 BBY 7 months, 10 days, 22 hours

As Barriss and Ahsoka grew tense, awaiting the confrontation with the mysterious figure, both of them immediately realized he was Force-sensitive, and his signature told them he possessed significant power. He stepped forward and then could readily recognize both of them. He wasted no time and broke the ice.

"The Apprentice lives … and so does her rival."

Ahsoka then stepped forward as well. "You seem familiar … oh, wait. Anakin?"

Vader laughed, "Anakin Skywalker was weak. I destroyed him." His tone was mocking, yet malevolent at the same time.

Barriss came to her friend's side and spoke to him. "What can we do for you … I don't believe we got your name."

"You shall know me as Lord Vader … so, Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee, you have evaded me for over nine years, but that is over. It is time for you to meet the Emperor. He will be your master now."

Ahsoka grew defiant. "Oh, is that so? What did you do to Anakin?"

Vader realized they were going to resist his attempts to coerce them, then Barriss realized it was serious and her sabre came out flashing in a bright blue. Vader calmly lit his red blade and waited for the attack. Ahsoka then drew both of her white blades, causing Vader to take a step back and assess the combined threat. He then continued to act reasonable – from his point of view – as he knew the Emperor would want both women brought in alive, presumably so they could be turned to the Dark Side. At least, that was what Vader thought.

Barriss, though, gave him little time to reflect. She took a step forward and took an angular swipe at Vader in a controlled fashion. The thrust caused Vader to quickly block, whereupon Ahsoka came at him from the side. Only quick footwork on the Dark Lord's part kept the Togruta from scoring a serious blow, as her left hand sabre singed his helmet and caused sparks to fly. As Barriss then tried to take advantage, Vader gave Ahsoka a strong Force shove and knocked her to the ground and briefly knocked the wind out of her. Then, the Mirialan came at him with alternating blows that were quick and decisive, causing him to back up again. Impressive, Vader thought to himself, Offee was always a problem but it seems she has gained new skills.

As Ahsoka started to shake off the cobwebs, Barriss screamed, "Ahsoka! Leave us, I don't want you hurt!"

Ahsoka was having none of that. "I won't leave you. I love you!"

Vader paused for a second, as if processing the news. So … they have made amends …

He then concentrated on Barriss, taking an aggressive step forward and Force pushing slightly, causing her to lose her balance.

He's strong, that's for sure … but I have to fight. Barriss saw him turn again to Ahsoka, and this time his blade did serious damage to the Togruta, cutting a deep wound in her left shoulder and causing her to lose consciousness, while Barriss fought on bravely.

Vader saw that Ahsoka was down for the count, and then moved aggressively on Barriss, pushing her back relentlessly, while causing quantities of sand to blow into her face, partially blinding her. Eventually, his strength and Force ability was too much for the Mirialan and she was hanging on by a thread as she went down in the sand.

At that moment, however, an unexpected development took place. A brief halo effect appeared and an extremely bright white light seemed to turn the night to day. Vader stepped back, momentarily blinded by the effect, as Barriss got back on her feet. The light then dimmed and the shimmering figure of what appeared to be a woman was in its place. Vader, temporarily stunned, shook his head and extended his blade. Barriss, looking to press her advantage, attempted a swipe at him, but her blade, and his, were frozen as the woman's form materialized. Barriss knew at that moment that Su had returned. Ahsoka started to awaken, and then gazed at Su in amazement.

"What …" she sputtered out. Su smiled, and turned to the young Togruta, while both Vader and Barriss found themselves unable to move at all as they watched helplessly.

"You've taken a nasty cut, my child." Su remarked gently.

Ahsoka glanced at her shoulder and was horrified to see the damage. A cut of several millimetres had been inflicted by Vader's lightsabre. Su came to Ahsoka's side and Force lifted her to her feet. She then placed her right hand over the wound, then pulled it away. To the Togruta's amazement, the wound had completely healed. She could now feel a comforting warmth in the area. Another wave of her hand and Ahsoka was again unconscious.

"You should internally heal, my child. For about two to three hours. You will rest now."

Barriss, looking on, felt deep gratitude for Su and her care of Ahsoka. Then the lady in shimmering white turned to Vader.

He then heard her addressing him.

"Anakin Skywalker. Long have I observed you. This will be a lesson for you to file away, young man. Your future will take unexpected turns. But you will remember nothing of this meeting, nor about Ms. Tano or Ms. Offee."

She came close to him, having already disabled his lightsabre. Suddenly, another wave of her left arm brought his TIE Advanced ship to them from its position 20 metres away. Su then waved a hand close to his helmet and concentrated on him for a few seconds. Vader then went limp as he essentially fainted, then fell to the sand.

Su then turned to Barriss. "My dear Lizza, this could have ended badly. I want to now get your affairs in order as you will be joining me for an indefinite period of time."

Barriss tried to speak, but found herself unable to do so. Nevertheless, she knew immediately that Su knew her every thought. What about Ahsoka, Empress Su? I love her, very much.

Su, smiling, spoke softly. "My dear Lizza, you and she are now on different paths. Miss Tano's future is very bright, I can assure you, and you've been a good friend to her, and from you she has gained a new measure of strength, something she will come to realize over the months and years to come. We, on the other hand, are leaving. This planet will soon become the center of some evil activity – all of which will eventually come to naught. But the evildoers will draw no lesson from their foolishness. I shall pay their leader a visit at some point, but for now, we shall leave things be."

Barriss, still unable to move, could only watch. Su then lifted Vader's body into the air and sent it aboard the TIE ship. She then caused the ship's engines to ignite and the vessel to lift off, taking Vader into a continuous orbit around Scarif. Ahsoka was then transported aboard Barriss's ship Bliss and Su then caused this ship to lift off, whereupon she pushed it into hyperspace with a course that would return it to Mirial.

Somewhere in hyperspace, 10 BBY 7 months, 9 days

Once these actions were complete, Su then allowed Barriss to move and speak. Naturally, the Mirialan had many questions, but soon, she and Su were aboard the Light world-ship and headed to parts unknown. Barriss, still in something of a trance-like state, had changed into a luxurious white gown and robe, each seemingly weightless as they felt like an extension of her body. The feeling was somewhat exhilarating, like a good Spice high, but far more than that. Barriss felt her mind broadening as she watched the Lady come to her, now in her normal form as a woman of all visible colors and dazzling attire to match. They both seemed to effortlessly fly down the many passages on the ship, then came to something like an observation deck which allowed them to look out over an endless vista of beautiful green and pink hills with water flowing in all directions over elegant falls and streams. Barriss was stunned by the beauty that Su could seemingly create at will, and felt a new reverence for the One she now saw as her master.

After a time, Su lovingly turned to Barriss, who had now taken the name of Lizza, and asked:

"Are you ready with the questions? I wanted to wait for you to get settled in. Your quarters are ready and I think you will be pleased. I've taken an inventory of your preferences in food, beverage, furnishings, and clothing – but you will come to find your tastes evolving."

Lizza relaxed and reached out to hug her new master, who was becoming more of a maternal figure in her life.

"Su, what will become of Ahsoka? I'm going to miss her."

"She will be attending to the settlement of your affairs on Mirial and a list of your wishes in that regard has been compiled. Your assets will be liquidated and an account in your name will be established."

Lizza nodded and smiled. "I guess I really won't need my home anymore, but I'd come to like it. Also my ship. But Ahsoka is more important to me than any of those things. I grew to love her and I was hoping we could eventually spend our lives together."

Su smiled, then gently stroked Lizza's growing black hair. "So lovely," she noted. "You should really come to appreciate all you have to offer, my child." After a pause, Su continued. "I want you to be assured that Ahsoka will be well taken care of. Her life is going to change drastically, but eventually for the better. She is a strong, resourceful sort. But be proud of what you did for her. You gave her a sense of being loved and needed and that is very important."

"But she is going to miss me, I think."

"Indeed, that cannot be helped. But good things will come her way. She will make most of that happen herself."

Lizza then brightened up. "So where are we going, Master?"

"Various places. For now, there are a number of things you will need to study – things pertaining to the universe as a whole. The various galaxies which are close to your home and about some of their civilizations."

"Hmm, it actually sounds interesting. You are going to make me so wise …" Lizza chuckled.

"And I know you will be successful, dear one. I've watched your career from the Jedi onward. You were a diligent worker and you gained deep knowledge."

"Will my powers increase? That guy Vader was giving me quite a battle. I had no idea he was Anakin. Ahsoka and Anakin were once close. It hurt to watch him trying to destroy her."

Su laughed. "He too will go through many changes. And he will eventually come to know his onetime apprentice … but it will be a role reversal in the future."

"Wow … really?"

"Oh yes. Her destiny will take her very far."

"Good to know. Thank you, Master, for everything. I am ready to start my new life … with you."

To be continued …