Shaak upgrades her starship again and visits Shili for the first time in 8 years. Ahsoka contacts a young friend from her past. Valles learns an interesting fact about her ancestry.

Thanks to followers: Crusader King

Chapter 20: How Very Interesting

Shili, 9 BBY 11 months, 27 days

Shaak Ti was heading for Shili in hyperspace, having further augmented her ship. The changes were enough for her to rechristen it as Intrepid III and mostly included further speed adjustments to the hyperdrive and stronger shields. Her existing cloaking and Force signature blocking were also enhanced, the product of two years of research and experimentation. But now it was time to pay a visit to the Togruta Kuu'gru elders on her home planet.

As she dropped out of hyperspace, the familiar and welcoming sight of her home came into view, and this time, there were no Imperial ships in orbit. She sent a message via commlink to her contact, the Elder Taa'kuu'saa, who was most gratified to receive it: Greetings, this is Master Shaak … I am dropping in for a short visit … please make preparations to receive me.

The reply was swift: Welcome home, Master. We will be ready and await your signal.

Thabeska, Quiberon Sector, SE Outer Rim, 9 BBY 11 months, 26 days

Ahsoka Tano, having further established herself on Void Station as a trusted mechanic by day and partying enthusiast by night, wanted to get away for a bit. She set course for Thabeska, a four-hour trip from the Station, and sent word ahead to her old friends, the Fardi Family. The clan patriarch, Reza Fardi, was the head of a secretive smuggling enterprise that had ties to both Black Sun and the Crimson Dawn organizations. For the most part, they stayed away from more hazardous trades such as coaxium and spice, preferring to deliver various items such as food and supplies. Fardi even had good relations with the local Moff of the Quiberon sector, who kept him apprised of goings-on in the southeast Outer Rim.

When she arrived, her hosts had given her express directions on where to land, and her ship Essence was not one to stand out from the normal traffic on the planet. She raised her host via commlink after landing.

"Reza, it's me, Ashla … yes, it has been a long time. See you soon?"

As she shut off the link, Ahsoka chuckled to herself. It will be good to visit them again. I'm glad he hasn't forgotten me.

Thabeska was a terrestrial world, heavily forested and with a climate that mostly chilly. Its summer was short and usually a time of great merriment as the locals had many ceremonies and festivals. But the rest of the year was typically a time of hard work as Thabeskans labored industriously to prepare for the harsh winter season. For the most part they burned local wood to stay warm and ate what food they had been able to store away. Thus the opportunities were there for organizations such as the Fardis. Reza Fardi was a man – tall, fair-skinned, and shrewd, with a good organizational mind – that could see well ahead of his current circumstances and preserving his family was a top goal. He had several children, as did his brothers and sisters. This was normal in Thabeskan culture due to the high instance of infant and child mortality on the planet in centuries past.

As Ahsoka's speeder bike arrived, Reza came out of the family home to greet her personally. They first bowed to each other, and then Reza gave her a bearhug – a traditional style of greeting among friends on Thabeska. Togruta, of course, were usually more formal, but Ahsoka was not well-versed in the habits of her own people and happily accepted the warmth that was offered to her. Some nine years earlier, after she had faked her death and gone into hiding, it was Reza Fardi that gave her a place to stay and a job as a pilot and mechanic in his fleet of freighter star-craft. She had served the family well and they remembered her fondly, particularly daughter Hedala, who was the first member of the family to be Force-sensitive.

Reza showed his guest in and led her to his study, where he kept the family books and accounting. Ahsoka sank into a comfortable leather chair as Reza offered her a local ale, which she gladly accepted. As she tasted the foamy goodness of a dark brew, her host then opened the discussion.

"Well, my Togruta friend, what can I do for you?"

"It's not so much for me," she replied, sipping the brew. "It's more about your daughter. Hedala. You may recall when I told you she had a special gift."

Reza scratched his head for a second, searching for the memory, but it came to him. "Ah, yes. She has the ability to levitate objects. I asked her to show me this once and I confirmed it. But … like you said, this ability puts her in danger."

Ahsoka nodded, while continuing to smile. "Reza, I may have a solution. There is a place where she could go and have an opportunity to further her education and stay safe from the Imps and their probing Inquisitors. Years ago, I killed one of these agents who had been near your planet a few days before that. He mentioned – stupidly – that he was looking for others who were Force-sensitive and had possibly found such an individual here on Thabeska."

He stared at her for a second. "And you believe it was Hedala … my daughter?"

"Yes, I do. I don't know who else it could be. I have told you of my background, so you also know I can detect others with my ability. If someone besides Hedala was on this planet, I would have detected it. But if I can do it, the Emperor's agents can as well – I've learned they were once Jedi – including the one they call Darth Vader."

At the mention of the name, Reza leaned forward and spoke softly. "I know who you are referring to. He's not someone I ever want to meet."

He then sank back into his chair and drank his brew. Then he took out his com device and spoke into it.

"Hedala, darling … could you come to my study? … No, you're not in any trouble." He laughed softly as he switched off the device. While they waited for the young Miss Fardi to arrive, he asked Ahsoka more about her solution.

"Which planet would she go to?"

"A Core world called Alderaan."

Shili, 9 BBY 11 months, 27 days

Shaak landed her ship close to the large wooden structure that housed the entrance to the underground Togruta Temple. It looked about the same as always, a bit like a barn as the paint was peeling and the building was somewhat weathered. The Elder Taa'kuu'saa came outside to meet her as she debarked from the Intrepid. They walked together into the structure as Shaak turned back toward the ship and waved a hand at it, invoking the cloaking device on board.

After exchanging bows, they went inside and boarded the platform which took them below. Once down, the air was cool and dry and they made their way through the passageways, which were lit via small LED bulbs in a combination of blue and white light. They passed by a group of four Kuu'gru, who smiled at them silently, then they took seats on stone chairs at a stone table.

"So, Master, what have you brought for us today?"

Shaak chuckled. "A progress report. My understanding and abilities have increased … just as I explained they would."

The Elder began stroking his left lek, clearly in a pensive mood. "And, what this means … in terms of bringing others to our cause, is this proceeding?"

"Very slowly, but yes, proceed, it does. I am building an organization."

"And what of the Zabrak, Miss Maris?"

"Her powers are formidable, Elder. Most formidable. She has been a worthy apprentice … plus, I have another."

"Indeed?"

"An old Jedi – one who is becoming young again."

"How was this possible?"

Shaak smiled. "She now sees herself in a different … light. A guide for Maris she has become as well."

"Did you make contact with young Tano?"

"I am observing her. She is also a strong candidate. But it is not time for her to join us."

"And this is because …?"

"She has new challenges to overcome first. I feel she will. One who was becoming an important … attachment … has now left her."

"And you feel this is beneficial?"

"Indeed. Ahsoka Tano, daughter of Shili, needs no one to support her in such a way. The Mirialan is no longer in her life."

"Mirialan?"

"Yes. A former Jedi as well. One who had betrayed young Tano."

"I see. Was this one killed by the Empire?"

"I don't believe so. Were that to have taken place, I would have felt it … and … I could record it."

"Ah … yes … the mental notes. How powerful you have indeed become, Master Ti."

Shaak chuckled softly, then rose. Elder Taa'kuu'saa rose as well and bowed. Shaak gave him a slight curtsy, lifting her skirt a few centimetres, then a slight nod of her head.

"Elder, I want to recover more of the holocrons. I trust they are safe."

"As you wish, Master. It shall be done. How long will you be with us on Shili?"

"A few hours, that is all I can spare at this time."

"Very well."

The two then walked back to the platform together and ascended to the surface. The elder waited as he watched her exit the wooden structure and return to her ship. Once aboard, Shaak activated her com and placed a call to her father, Kaa'shaan Ti.

He was at home at the ranch, sharing a smoke with his son, Tuuk.

"Good evening, dear daughter. How wonderful to hear from you. Brother Tuuk is with me."

"Hello, Father. I wanted you to know I am safe and all goes well. I cannot visit with you this time, but please tell Mother I am thinking of her and send my love. Let me speak to Tuuk."

"Yes, Sister Shaak," her brother answered.

"Are you taking care of Mother and Father?" Shaak chuckled.

"I am, Sister. They are well. The restaurant and the ranch are doing well. The Imperials seem to greatly enjoy our food."

Shaak laughed openly. "You know something? About two years ago, I tried to pay a visit, but they were here. I overheard a transmission from two of their shuttles, which sounded a little overly celebratory. Now I think I know what it was."

Tuuk laughed. "Take care, Sister Shaak."

Thabeska, 9 BBY 11 months, 26 days

Hedala Fardi – a striking young lady with a full head of soft blonde hair, rosy cheeks, and a soft smile – had joined Ahsoka and her father Reza. She curtsied politely to Ahsoka as the Togruta rose to greet her.

"How have you been? Ahsoka laughed. "You sure have grown!"

"I'm great! It's so nice to see you again, Ashla."

Reza broke in. "Hedala, I wanted you to join us. Ashla has a proposal for you."

Hedala smiled and turned toward Ahsoka. "I'm ready to hear it."

"Well," Ahsoka began, "It's like this. Your father and I are concerned about your Force sensitivity and would like to protect you."

Hedala chuckled. "I've been doing what you told me. Never letting anyone else see my ability."

Reza laughed. "You're 13 years now, darling, and frankly, you've been rather fortunate. But there are some people in this galaxy that don't need to see you doing it. They can still detect it."

Hedala looked a bit uneasy. "Really? Are you saying I could be caught?" She turned to Ahsoka, her face a mask of alarm and concern.

Ahsoka reached out for the young woman's right hand and took it, surging some warmth into her.

"I don't want to give you false assurance. But I have an idea – which might be perfect for your future. How would you like to go to Alderaan?"

Hedala pulled her hand away. "Alderaan? Where is that?"

"It's in the Core. A beautiful place, with lots of good people. I've been there. And the Queen – whom I have met – is a very kind lady. I know her because of her husband – Senator Bail Organa."

Reza stroked his chin briefly. "I think I've heard of him. Some people I know – in the Organization – remember tangling with him and losing their ships."

Ahsoka laughed inwardly and smirked for a second. Gee, I might know a thing or two about that.

He turned to his daughter. "Darling, Ashla tells me that you could continue your education there – while working in the Queen's service. She gives younger people a chance to improve their chances in life. I think this could be a golden opportunity for you."

Hedala looked a little unsure, but thought it over. "I don't want to be caught. Would I be safer on Alderaan?"

Ahsoka smiled. "I think so. The Inquisitors don't go there and the world is on good terms with the Empire. They are wealthy and pay their taxes and all."

"OK … I can go there and see if I like it." Hedala came to her father's side. "I'll miss you – and the family."

"Yes and we will miss you, too. But I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you."

Ahsoka also added, "and of course the Emperor has always been interested in Force-sensitive people – because he is one too."

"I wasn't aware of that," Reza noted. "But I'm not surprised." He took a swig of the ale, then turned to Hedala, who came to him. They hugged briefly, then he looked at his daughter. "It's settled, then. Ashla will deliver you to her friends on Alderaan."

"Don't worry, Dad," Hedala chuckled. "I'm going to be okay. I promise to write back and let you and Mom know how I'm doing."

"Make me proud."

Hyperspace somewhere on the way to Alderaan, 9 BBY 11 months, 25 days

As the Essence headed through hyperspace, en route to Alderaan, Ahsoka received a message. She played it back, while Hedala Fardi was sleeping in the guest stateroom – the one most recently used by Barriss, when they had gone to Dantooine together.

Greetings Fulcrum. I look forward to meeting with you and the new operative. Name a time and place and I can be there. Counselor out.

Ahsoka nodded as she read it, then responded.

Counselor: I will take the meeting at The Wheel, in six rotations. Inform me upon your arrival, go to platform 33.

Several hours later, Ahsoka had also decided to get some sleep. Hedala arose and was waiting for her when she returned to the flight deck. The Togruta yawned a bit as she sunk into the pilot's chair. She checked the readings and smiled.

"Ah. Almost there. Would you like anything from the galley?"

"Sure – just a small snack or something."

"OK, I've got some dried meat, kind of spicy …"

"Sounds good," Hedala chuckled.

Ahsoka returned to the flight deck and handed Hedala a couple of dried strips. The Thabeskan took one and started to chew it.

"Not bad … but a little tough."

"Sorry. We Togruta have rather sharp teeth." Ahsoka laughed as she opened her mouth and showed a row of her incisors.

Hedala glanced and nodded back. "Wow. You aren't kidding."

They both laughed at that and soon the ship had emerged from hyperspace. The disk of Alderaan was now visible in the viewport. Hedala could make out several areas of blue and green as they slid into orbit.

"It looks wonderful …"

"Yeah," Ahsoka nodded. "I always like coming here."

A couple of hours later, they had landed and were met by staffers from the palace. Ahsoka had reached out to Bail Organa that she was coming and bringing a "very special guest" with her. As they sat together in an ante-room of the Queen's palace, the senator welcomed Hedala.

"We are pleased to meet you and hope you will enjoy living here. You come highly recommended."

Hedala smiled and curtsied to the senator. She realized that Ahsoka had essentially stuck her neck out for her and didn't want to disappoint.

Ahsoka then broke in. "Bail, Hedala here is the one I mentioned a while back. She has special abilities and needs to have protection from the Empire."

"I see. Well, this is a most interesting set of circumstances. Miss Fardi, you will be safe here, but keep a low profile when it comes to the Force. You don't want to draw undue attention."

"Yes, sir. I promise I won't be any trouble. I am eager to begin my studies here."

"And my wife will be most pleased to have you. She's always willing to help out a friend of Ahsoka's."

Queen Breha Organa heard them as she entered the room. She was an elegant monarch who still had a youthful glow despite her age of about 49 standard years. Breha was clad in an elegant blue gown that had a series of cutouts along the sides and the shoulders, and which set off her dark hair. Though there were many outer similarities between Breha and Valles Santhé – both elegant and lovely ladies with similar appearance and stature – the fire that burned inside Valles was far different.

Ahsoka knelt quickly before the Queen, and indicated for Hedala to do likewise.

"Please rise," Breha said softly. "Welcome back, my friend, Ahsoka. And whom do I have the pleasure?"

"This is young Hedala Fardi, your majesty. I have brought her here for her safety. She is Force-sensitive."

Upon that last word, Ahsoka's voice dropped considerably in volume. The Queen nodded to her, then addressed them.

"Please accompany me, ladies. Bail, you as well, dear."

The four of them walked through a few rooms and then came to a quiet alcove. Once Breha was seated, the others then took their seats and waited for her to open the discussion.

"Good afternoon, Miss Fardi. We are, of course, very delighted to have you come to stay with us and any friend of Ahsoka Tano is a friend of ours as well. Young Hedala, I may not be sensitive to the Force, but I know enough to understand the importance of someone like yourself who is. Particularly now, when such individuals are in extreme danger."

Hedala stayed silent, but then asked. "Will it be all right if I stay here? Can I be safe?"

Breha looked to Ahsoka, who took her cue. "I think that Alderaan is far better for you than Thabeska. The Empire's agents are mostly seen on the Outer and Mid Rim regions. Just make sure – like you've done all along, as I asked you – that no one here observes you using your abilities."

Hedala nodded, but then sighed. "Miss Ahsoka, when will there be a time when it will be okay?"

The Queen and her husband looked on, feeling some sympathy for the young blonde Thabeskan. Ahsoka thought about it for a bit, then answered.

"I have no idea … right now. But someday it will be okay. The Force is telling me that. It's telling me there will come a day for you, for me, and for all of the others. There are more of us than you can know at this time, but we are here, and maybe someday you will take your place with us. For now, life on Alderaan will give you a great opportunity to complete your education and perhaps gain a useful skill."

Breha smiled, then rose and turned to Hedala. "Young lady, all of that can be possible for you here. We will help you to settle in and then you can start to realize your destiny. Welcome to Alderaan, and to the House of Antilles-Organa."

The four of them later shared a meal, then it was time for Ahsoka to get back to her duties. Hedala Fardi waved goodbye to her Togruta friend and protector, then prepared to start her new life as part of the court of Queen Breha.

The Wheel, 9 BBY 11 months, 18 days

Varda Wahi, flying solo in her ship Cloudlee, had arrived at platform 33 as she was directed to do so by Fulcrum. She activated her com device and sent a signal to Ahsoka.

I have arrived, will await your direction … Counselor out.

After about five minutes, Ahsoka – dressed in her mechanic's coveralls – showed up at the platform, followed by Hera Syndulla. Varda glanced out the viewport and saw them approaching. She strode to the Cloudlee's hatch as it slid open. Ahsoka and Hera walked up it, remaining silent until they were aboard, whereupon Varda closed the hatch with a wave of her hand via the Force.

"Good to see you again, Ahsoka." Varda smiled. "I trust you are doing okay?"

Ahsoka laughed. "I've had some challenges. But I will be fine."

She turned to Hera, "I want to introduce you to a newer member of the rebellion. This is Hera Syndulla of Ryloth – the daughter of Cham Syndulla. Hera, this is Varda Wahi, a longtime Jedi Knight and teacher."

"Pleased to meet you," they both said in unison.

Varda gestured in the direction of her ship's small lounge area, which could seat four.

"Varda, we want to catch you up on what's been going on over the past couple of years."

Varda nodded. "I realize I've not kept you in the loop either. The group I'm now working with is quite secretive, but they are the best I've ever been around."

Ahsoka looked her in the eye. "That's fine. One of our agreements is for different rebel cells to have little knowledge of each other. Can you at least give me the code names you all are using?"

"I believe I can do that. I am Counselor, and we also have Voyager and Ardency."

"Thank you." Ahsoka responded. "May I pass these on to Bail Organa?"

"We will take care of that."

"Well anyway, Hera and I have been conducting coordinated raids on Imperial shipments. We're able to get in and out very quickly. She has a partner named Kanan Jarrus that was once in the Jedi too. I've been giving him some training tips on lightsabre handling, but he's got good basic skills."

Hera laughed at that last statement. "This is not something I would know about, but Kanan and I make a pretty good team."

Varda smiled but said nothing in response. Finally, she asked, "when was he in the Jedi?"

"He hasn't told me, exactly."

"I would think about ten years ago, Varda," Ahsoka broke in. "That's when the Purge took place. I only learned about it later from a friend." Left unstated by Ahsoka was the name of that friend, Barriss Offee. "Say," she added, "Have you been to Dantooine yet? We hold regular meetings there."

Varda shook her head. "No, but I think my group's leaders have."

Ahsoka then offered to treat Varda to a meal at one of the nicer places on The Wheel. "It's called the Dewdrop Inn."

Upon hearing the name, Varda laughed. "I know it."

The meal was uneventful, aside from Verenia (the hostess who had a crush on Maris) having an interesting chat with Hera about Cham Syndulla and the Ryloth resistance movement. The three dined on a roast of some unidentified beast with plenty of ale to wash it down. Varda agreed to take part in the intelligence relay network with Ahsoka (as Fulcrum) and bring in both Shaak and Maris, but leaving their actual names out of the discussion. Soon, she was on her way back to Felucia, while Ahsoka and Hera headed for Void Station.

Felucia, 9 BBY 10 months, 15 days

Shaak was back in the underground vault, reviewing in detail one of the holocrons that the Togruta elders had returned to her about six weeks earlier. It was a Jedi holocron – twelve-faced in shape – one that held some detailed information about Galactic history over the prior century, going back to 150 BBY or thereabouts. Although Yoda, Mace, and most of the Council were supposedly unaware of the reemergence of the Sith during this period – and well before – there were nevertheless important notes that had been taken. In particular, about a meeting on the planet Serenno – home of Count Dooku – in 52 BBY.

At the meeting were Jedi Masters Dooku, Qui-Gon Jinn, Jocasta Nu, and Sifo-Dyas, and joining them was a Muun named Hego Damask. The Muun expressed concern that all was not well with the Galactic Republic and that dark times lay ahead. Some twenty years later, the holocron detailed, Damask informed Sifo-Dyas about the cloners of the planet Kamino, a little-known world on the southeastern Outer Rim. He told the Jedi Master that the Kaminoans could literally grow an army of millions and hold them in reserve. After visiting Kamino, Sifo-Dyas agreed to carry out the plan – and Damask agreed to finance the whole project.

Shaak considered this information carefully. This may explain much about the true loyalties of our Kaminoan associates. Whatever happened to Hego Damask? And why did he agree to pay for the clone army – it must have been in the billions of credits. It is time for me to pay a return visit to Muunilinst.

But she was not yet satisfied. Another holocron – this one pyramidal in shape, but not expressly a Sith artifact – contained further detail. She looked up the name of Hego Damask and learned that he had passed away in 32 BBY – the same year that Sifo-Dyas used his funds to pay the Kaminoans. And there was more. In particular, a passage referring to the Santhé-Sienar Corporation and its alliance with Damask Holdings. Shaak knew that Santhé-Sienar was a key weapons maker for the Empire and that they dominated commerce and politics in the prominent Outer Rim world of Lianna – a short distance from Felucia. The holocron claimed that Kerred Santhé, the visionary leader of Santhé Corp, had pirated a starship design from a noted designer, a Bith by the name of Rugess Nomé, which he used to construct many thousands of ships and earn billions of credits in the process. Around 67 BBY, Nomé died mysteriously on the world called Bal'demnic, and shortly afterward, Kerred Santhé had married Mestela, the daughter of Narro Sienar, which cemented the Santhé and Sienar organizations together and allowed Narro to keep his high position.

As Shaak closed this mysterious holocron, she had more questions. Whatever happened to this Kerred Santhé? Does he still run the company today on Lianna? Maris told us earlier that it was run by a woman named Valles Santhé, they must be related. I know it would be most unwise to venture over there at this time without reverting to my earlier disguise, but I have to know more. The Muuns, the Liannese, the Kaminoans – it all fits together somehow, and to learn that my old friends Dooku, Qui-Gon, and Jocasta were all involved is a matter I also must follow up on.

Lianna, 9 BBY 10 months, 1 day, 10 hours

Things were running smoothly for the Santhé-Sienar organization by this time, as Valles had carefully guided the divisions that were not concerned with armaments to new heights. She was planning on another meeting with Ry Kyver, to discuss more planetary engineering – on a continental scale – of some of the worlds in the Allied Tion sector that were sparsely populated. She was also making carefully targeted and timed political donations to various candidates on Raxus, who, once they had prevailed in local elections, would be loyal to her. All of this was part of a strategy to create an "empire within the Empire" and further fill her coffers with more funds as she had deployed resources to buy up shares of leading firms on Raxus.

Her grandfather's will had been amicably settled months earlier, with the bulk of the estate passing to Valles, and a stipulation that she take care of her mother and keep her in good spirits. Ample amounts were directed to various charity efforts on Lianna and these included the health care industry, yet another area Valles was looking to wrap her tentacles around. But there was one particular item mentioned which she had mostly overlooked – the Santhé Family holocron, which was listed among the effects that Kerred had left behind. One day, she was sitting in her office atop the Tower (except for the reception area off the lifts, the entire floor was her personal space) and had some time to kill before Ry was expected, so she took the holocron out of a drawer in which she had it stashed. It was situated in her dressing area just off her main office elsewhere on the top floor. As she removed the elegant dark blue pyramid, she took a seat on a dressing bench and perused the item carefully.

How exactly does this work? She fingered the item, looking for some catch or other method of opening it, then it occurred to her that only the Force could be used. Valles knew fully well that only she was permitted to share knowledge about the Force with her late grandfather, so now she was intrigued. She placed the holocron on the bench next to her and stared at it. Closing her eyes, she reached out with the Force. Soon the top of the device levitated a few centimetres into the air, and Valles opened her eyes and stared at a holo-menu of items in front of her at eye level. First, there was – in red highlights – an item that read "Dear Valles". She selected it and an audio portion began, with text displayed in a rolling fashion in front of her that slowly faded into the background as it was read (similar to the opening crawl on the Star Wars movies). It was the voice of Kerred Santhé.

To my dearest and most cherished daughter. The time draws near for my final farewell. I've had a good life, with many accomplishments, but foremost among these is you, my dear. I know fully well that you will take the company and our family to heights never scaled before, and yes, I also know that you – only you – will someday rule this Galaxy as the rightful Empress. Only you possess the intellect, courage, and organizational ability to make it happen. But you also have something even more important – a loving heart and the ability to inspire the people to follow you. So I leave you this collection of knowledge – the product of my life's work – so that you may better understand and fulfill your role in the Galaxy. I'm certain there will be many items in here that you may have questions about – search your soul and through the Force you will find the answers. My dearest Valles, you possess energy and ability far beyond any feeble attempts I might make, but know that my Spirit will be with you, always. Go forward and reach your destiny.

As his voice trailed off and the words ended, slowly shrinking in size to disappear altogether, she sat quietly for a minute, and then started to wonder just what might be hidden within the family holocron. Checking the clock, she realized she had about fifteen minutes to spare. She returned to the main holo-menu and scanned the topics. One involving the family history was the first to catch her eye. She read page after page of text, her jaw dropping at times. Valles learned that she had a most unique lineage, in that both her father Bithaw Santhé, and her mother Mirella Sienar Santhé, were children of her grandfather – albeit with different mothers, as he was married twice and part of that was concurrent. She also learned of the unique circumstances by which the Santhé and Sienar firms came together and the unique role played by a Muun banker named Hego Damask. The Muun had provided the financial backing that her grandfather needed to accomplish the acquisition of Sienar Fleet Systems some sixty or so years ago. Valles also learned that her beloved grandmother Mestela was the daughter of Narro Sienar and that the merger was not just of firms but of families as well.

As the hour drew near, Valles closed the holocron via the Force and placed it back in the drawer. She checked her look in the mirror – as always, the Lady was resplendent in a bright yellow satin and taffeta dress and her hair was shining radiantly. She grabbed a bottle of one of her many perfumes and spritzed herself quickly, in order to have her dominant scent ready for the meeting ahead. Then she left her dressing area and strode purposely to her desk.

So I am the child of two of my grandfather's children? How does that work, exactly? Therefore, I have received a double dose of the same midichlorians. That must be what he was referring to. How very interesting.

Soon, Ry Kyver came through the door, having been shown in by Miss Lasivia and splendidly attired herself in a green silk dress that rustled as she moved. Her hair was elegantly curled and styled in a manner that showed her light brown face in a most attractive light. Valles complimented her.

"How lovely you are this morning, my dear Ry …"

"Why, thank you, Valles. You are too, as usual."

"Ry, I don't need to tell you of the importance of this meeting. The Raxians are here and we are going to make it worth their while. Generous shares of both the agricultural and hospitality ventures we have recently launched."

"Yes, milady. And we are going hear their ideas on our joint venture in the Corporate Sector."

Valles smirked for a second, clearly enjoying herself. "Cantonica will come up. I take it you have baited the hook."

"Indeed, milady … indeed." Ry said in a low voice, clearly impressed with herself.

"And then, we are going to meet with the Lothal contingent, a local politician from there named Arihnda Pryce. She will be our point person on the Defender project."

"Valles," Ry noted, "I remember you saying that project would begin on Lianna, am I correct?"

"Indeed, Ry, but that is merely the pilot effort. They are still working out the designs for these craft. Once we have the prototype ready, we can scope out the effort it will take to begin larger scale manufacture. The Lothalians have pledged their full cooperation."

"And I suppose, your friend, Wilhuff Tarkin, will be most pleased?"

"I should hope so …" Valles laughed and shook her hair a little, letting some of her fragrance out.

Ry sniffed the air and found this one particularly attention-getting. She whispered to Valles as the guests began to file in.
"You simply must tell me more about this wonderful scent …"

"Another time, dear," Valles whispered in return.

She then rose and sauntered over to the Raxian visitors, a group of men who were well-dressed and prosperous. Each of them bowed to her and kissed her hand as she offered it.

"This way, gentlemen." Valles led them into the boardroom, with its sweeping view of Lianna City below. She then seated herself in the slightly-raised queen's chair at the head of the table, an elaborate setup with a small keypad that controlled various aspects of the room, including the lighting, the drapes, and various holo displays. Ry then took a seat just behind and to the Chairlady's right. Valles introduced her to the group.

"Everyone, I'd like to recognize my newly appointed Executive Vice President, Miss Sen Kaydo. Sen, in case you didn't realize it, has been a driving force in helping us realize our plans for the region. The further integration of the lovely world of Raxus into all Tion Sector affairs for Santhé Corp as directed from Lianna, and point person on the hospitality division and our efforts on Cantonica."

The Raxians all congratulated Ry and then the meeting commenced. Valles proceeded to lay out her terms – a generous distribution of profits, with much being funneled back onto Raxus, with operational control of all business affairs being turned over to Santhé Corp. Raxus would now become a more concentrated foodstuffs producer, using the methods Ry had introduced during her time as Imperial Minister of Agriculture – though this part of her resumé was left unstated. The guests seemed quite pleased with the setup as they stood to pocket billions of credits from the deal and much of Tion Sector business would revert to Raxus, while trillions of credits would flow to Santhé Corp – some 50% to Valles directly. The Lady handled much of Liannese affairs from her own private accounts and had another whole staff that she ran outside of Santhé-Sienar for these pursuits. Of course, this also meant that a large general fund existed for Valles to pursue "other activities." Ry herself saw her net worth vault ever higher and she now had close to a half-billion credits in her name.

Before the meeting ended, the Raxians informed Valles about a new venture – a buy-out of all syndicate interests on the watery planet of Vaynai, just south of the Corp Sec and a lucrative gambling resort with much risqué nightlife at the various hotels and casinos on the large archipelago of beautiful islands and lovely beaches. Valles was a bit skeptical, but the Raxians informed her they would take all the risk up front provided she put up half the purchase price.

When it was over, the group congratulated each other and Valles had herself another coup, one that she would use to build her power base even stronger, but without attracting too much undue attention. She planned to invite Admiral Tarkin to share the details with him later.

Lianna, 9 BBY 10 months, 1 day, 13 hours

After another meeting with Administrator Pryce of Lothal and her advisors, Valles had spelled out her expectations for the Defender facility to be constructed on Lothal for manufacture of the new class of starfighters for the Empire. Large tracts of land would be required, but Valles was fully willing to use Santhé-Sienar funds to generously recompense the local residents and property owners. Seemingly unknown to her at the current time, Pryce was planning to plow ahead with the deal and attempt to pocket the compensation funds for herself. Ry again monitored the meeting, but remained silent. Valles usually preferred Ry to give her feedback after most of these types of meetings. "Another pair of eyes and ears" was her usual maxim.

Once Pryce and her cohorts had departed, Valles asked Ry for her impressions.

"Valles, love, I'm not sure I have the same level of confidence in Administrator Pryce that you seem to."

"Oh?" The Lady interjected, turning her head at a slight angle as she gazed across to Ry. "Please explain."

"Well, I've only been to Lothal once or twice … but they strike me as the type of people that think they can put one over on 'big city' folk like yourself. Also, I've heard it whispered that that rock is a hotbed of rebel sentiment."

Valles smirked again and gave a soft scoff. "I don't suppose you put your trust in idle rumors, dear Ry."

Ry smiled and shook her head slightly. "Not so much … but if you insist on moving ahead with the Defender plant, you're going to piss off quite a few people. That might add fuel to the flame, so to speak."

Valles turned to Ry and gently patted her on her upper left arm. "Indeed it might."

Ry was a bit confused. "I'm listening."

"I share your reservations about Pryce … but there are multiple ways to filet a fish – am I correct?"

"Oh, I get it … you will have her eating out of your hand once things go sour and she's got more on her plate than she bargained for."

Valles simply nodded, as a smile broke out on her face.

Ry laughed. "I learn something from you every day, love. It's been simply wonderful working with you."

Valles exhaled with a soft sigh, then switched topics.

"Ry … how are things coming along with the … midichlorian project?"

"Slowly. But I imagine you expected that?"

Valles nodded, but then added, "I've learned something recently about my family history that to most people will seem rather odd, but it may also be quite useful."

"Hmm, want to talk about it, Valles?"

"Only this – I found out I am the child of two of my grandfather's children, so his midichlorians were essentially doubled."

Ry shook her head for a second. "That's quite unique … I'm not sure how that might work."

"I would like to give you a sample of my hair to test with, if you think it might be useful."

"Yes, I'd like that."

Valles smiled and then pulled a few strands and handed them to Ry, but then grabbed her other hand, and looked her dead in the eye.

"I shouldn't have to tell you that not one molecule of my DNA should ever leave your possession."

"No problem at all, boss. I will guard it with my life."

As Ry Kyver left the chairlady's office, she had much to think about.

Valles has really been open to me concerning so much of her personal life. It's good to be trusted but now I want to be sure I don't take too much advantage of the situation. Despite her outer sweetness, I have a feeling she could turn vicious quite rapidly and yet still not show it. Valles is the type to deliver a killing blow and not leave a trace. Still, it's hard not to admire someone so coldly efficient. But now … she clearly expects me to make her even more powerful. Does she want to take down the Emperor? What about Vader … I feel like she might just use him as part of her plan. Do I 'love' Valles? It's hard not to – she's kind to me and I enjoy her company greatly, plus she's made me fabulously wealthy. I fit in well in Liannese society now, and being seen with her in public has clearly upped my clout, as few want to run afoul of the queen. So I am part of her web – whether I like it or not.

Lianna, 9 BBY 10 months, 1 day, 21 hours

Valles was having a private dinner that same evening with Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, an Imperial Navy officer who was also weaving a political web for himself. Tarkin had a gentlemanly nature about him that was a cover for his ruthless internal personality. He saw Valles as someone that would enable him to acquire enough power to reach his goal of becoming a Grand Moff and an Outer Rim Governor. The backing of powerful and wealthy systems and sectors such as Lianna and the Allied Tion worlds was a key objective. But Valles had a way of working her "magic" that reduced most into so much psychological putty. Grandfather Kerred once told her that the Force "has ways of persuading the lesser minds."

The two were dining on some sumptuous seafood delicacies recently imported from the watery world of Vaynai.

"Are you enjoying these, Admiral Wilhuff?" Valles purred, as her fragrance permeated the air.

"Quite exquisite, milady … from where did you get them?"

Valles leaned back in her chair and fluttered her eyelashes, while breaking into a seductive half-smirk.

"It just so happens … they were complementary, offered to me as a token of their esteem … from the rulers of Vaynai."

"Vaynai? I'm unfamiliar with it …"

"It's near the Corp Sec … a little, out-of-the-way place."

As she spoke to Tarkin, Valles silently began to weave the Force into the discussion. Unbeknownst to him, the movements of her fingers, combined with the hidden power of her fragrance (Valles was something of a chemist herself, and long ago learned how to create perfumes that did much more than simply please the olfactory senses) allow her to use the power of suggestion.

"Wilhuff … I was thinking of your … current situation. I would be quite amenable in backing your ambitions for a regional governorship, and … I quite understand that a show of … good faith … is what may be needed to come out ahead of … other like-minded aspirants."

As she again purred in a soft tone like a kitten, Tarkin was enchanted by the Lady, but in the back of his mind, he knew she wanted something in return, but he also knew better than to ask her directly.

"Valles, I am quite flattered. Do you truly see me in such an office?"

"Oh, yes … so many of the others of your ranks are quite droll, wouldn't you say?"

He chuckled. "Yes. I likely would." He glanced at her, noting a certain twinkle in her eyes. "I'm glad we got together this evening. Being with you is such a lovely treat."

Valles laughed, while slyly reaching along the table with her right hand, such that her fingertips delicately caressed the top of his left palm, and then she intoned softly, while boring into his eyes with hers:

You will grant me full control over the eastern and northeastern Outer Rim, Wilhuff …

Without hardly realized it, he repeated in drone-like fashion:

I will give you full control over the eastern and northeastern Outer Rim, Valles.

After that little exchange, they relaxed into some light banter about various topics, then they left together, headed for a stage production at a leading theatre in the heart of Lianna City's show district. Valles smiled broadly, knowing it had been a most productive day.

To be continued …