AN: Maris has to make some adjustments, while Qi'ra gets some useful advice. Ahsoka and Vader have "close encounters".

Thanks to new follower: ElsaBelserion95

Chapter 24: And What Did You Learn?

Felucia, Shaak's home, 7 BBY 10 months, 23 days, 6 hours

Maris rose early the next day after returning to Felucia. Her Force sense tingled as she realized the Master was summoning her. Wanting to feel a little more relaxed, she put on a black silk dress and tiptoed out of the house so as not to wake Varda. The Zabrak Knight of the Order walked leisurely to Shaak's home and found her inside, seated on the floor doing breathing exercises. Shaak said nothing and Maris took her place on the floor opposite her master, then joined her, taking a series of deep breaths and holding them, feeling the Force start to flow through. Maris was well familiar with Shaak's method of instruction, which was often silent, and had trained herself to communicate without speaking. Soon a question emerged.

How was your visit to Dathomir?

Maris knew at this moment that any thoughts she had would be fully understood by Shaak, so any attempts to evade would be more or less impossible. She responded.

It was educational, Master.

Shaak's eyes were suddenly expressive instead of their usual opaque black. Maris, knowing it was pointless to do otherwise, met her gaze directly, her red eyes peering into the Togruta's peaceful deep blue.

And what did you learn, my child?

Maris ventured a response, not sure how it would be received.

There are more Dark Side presences than we had originally believed, Master.

At this point, Shaak decided it was time to talk. She pushed herself off the floor to a standing position and Maris soon followed. Shaak Ti, after years of Jedi training and then self-training, had a rock-hard physique with every muscle in perfect tone and balance, but it was well concealed by her normal loose-fitting silks and velvets. Maris, of course, openly flaunted her powerful body and liked to wear sleeveless garments where possible – a sensible choice on a planet such as Felucia.

Shaak then took the Master's chair, with Maris quickly occupying the opposite, smaller seat.

The Togruta simply asked, "Please explain, dear."

"OK, Master. I had met with Maul there. I wanted to explain how my meeting with Qi'ra had gone and perhaps warn him that some trouble might be coming. He seemed happy to see me. But before I had a chance to sit down and talk, a pair of TIE ships arrived. We split up, expecting trouble. Then, two agents got out of one ship while the other one remained still."

Maris went to explain everything that happened with the Inquisitors, including her killing of Second Sister, and Maul's disposal of Fourth Brother. Shaak listened quietly, her eyes having returned to their normal black. Finally, once Maris had finished, the Master asked, "How did you feel, attacking her from behind and murdering her?"

"I acted on instinct, Master Shaak … but, later, I felt a little uneasy. It was not my intention to kill her. The action just came and I did what I felt I had to do. I am certain they would have tried to kill Maul, once the one calling himself Grand Inquisitor showed up."

"So – you were at first willing to let him do the deed? Am I correct?"

"Yes, Master. That's the way I feel about it now. But, when it was happening, it felt like the Force was guiding me."

Shaak sat quietly for a few seconds, running this over in her mind, then came to an understanding.

"My child, I can see why you might believe that is what happened. You came to the aid of someone you see as a friend – in some respects. I, of course, do not see him in this way at all. He may not be what he once was, but he is still a dangerous individual. Do not be misled by his supposed desire for an alliance. You are not anywhere near ready to consider taking on Darth Vader at this time. Even with Maul as an ally. The former Anakin Skywalker is most powerful."

Maris nodded. "I had no intention of joining Maul to fight the Empire. I know that would be a huge mistake."

Shaak stood and smiled, then came over to stand in front of her apprentice. Maris then rose and Shaak put her hands on the Zabrak's shoulders, giving a small energy surge in the process, but mostly intending to reassure her.

Maris then asked, "Master, could you take down Vader at this time?"

"Perhaps," came the reply. "But it would be most unwise to attempt that. It could end up reversing so much of the progress we have made. But remember," she went on, "our journey is not merely my personal journey. We are building an organization. And it is our job to see that organization grow in strength and in numbers. It has been a bit over eleven years since we set out on this path and there are years to go in front of us. This fight is still in a very early stage. But the time will come when we confront the Empire – both Vader and Palpatine. I do not know yet when that day will arrive."

Shaak returned to her chair. "Maris, this might be surprising, but I am proud of how you handled yourself in this situation. It was good that you stood up to help a friend – even though that friend is someone of questionable intent and morality. You were acting in accordance with what we are trying to establish here – a New Order, where the Members will support each other, because working as a team will be how we get things done and is far superior than acting alone. In unity there is always strength, and we leave no one behind. The Empire came to take him out, and you responded in taking them out instead. I am pleased with this outcome … however … this does not mean I want to see you engage in more of these battles with the ones called Inquisitors. These are agents of the Empire and they will return, likely in greater numbers. Therefore, we must disappear. The one called Grand Inquisitor sounds like an ex-Jedi, perhaps lacking the kind of killer instinct of someone like Maul – or yourself. I do not want you to spend so much time away from us, even though some of what you have done has been most helpful. Your likeness is going to be circulated around the Galaxy as you have become a wanted person by the Empire – a Force adept that carries a lightsabre – I don't want them to find you."

Maris simply nodded. "Yes, Master, I understand. I will have to keep a lower profile. The last thing I want to see is my face plastered around places like The Wheel. Even though some think I am a bounty hunter like my friend Sugi."

"Let's see how things progress. Perhaps Varda can be of assistance here. She is very good at concealing who she really is."

Felucia, Assembly Hall, 7 BBY 10 months, 23 days, 12 hours

After some morning training sessions, Maris met Varda and they sat down to a lunch together. The Zabrak was having some leftover dried meat (from the carcass of a small game beast – somewhat resembling a rodent species) and some mixed greens with a spicy rancor-milk based dressing, while the older woman dined on mostly vegetable matter that was heavily spiced. Shaak tended to frown on too much grain consumption for her people, so things like bread and rice and the like were hard to come by on Felucia as no acreage was given over to grain cultivation.

The two ladies ate silently at first, but Varda detected that her friend's mind was a bit preoccupied. After some prodding, Maris finally spilled and told her about the confrontation on Dathomir. Varda listened carefully, reaching out with the Force and realizing that Maris was a bit troubled by the implications of what had happened. She ventured a question.

"Maris, dear, have you discussed this with the Master?"

"I have. She was actually not too upset with me, but I could tell she had reservations."

"I should think so," Varda chuckled. "This situation could do great harm to our cause. Hopefully this 'grand inquisitor' has little idea who you are or where you come from, apart from your species."

"No, I don't believe he does. He was a worthy opponent but I felt I was getting the upper hand with him, nevertheless. Maul wanted me to kill him, like I had the Second Sister."

"I see," Varda nodded gently. "I can understand how that might have made things smoother. Now this individual will likely return to Vader and report what happened."

Maris wasn't quite so sure, and started to tilt her head a little, then replied.

"What if he's ashamed with the outcome? They lost two agents in the process."

Varda thought this over for a second. "This is, of course, possible. I've done some more recent research, and the word is that Vader doesn't much care for those who fail to carry out their missions. Grand Inquisitor may conclude that he has to solve this problem on his own, by enlisting new agents or maybe just letting it go."

Maris sighed. "Master Shaak wants me to keep a lower profile. Maybe not be making so many trips as my likeness will be circulated around the Galaxy."

Varda nodded. "Well, she's surely correct. The Empire will likely put a price on your head, but the Grand Inquisitor probably doesn't know your name."

"She said you might have some ideas on how best to perhaps disguise myself. I'm going to miss some of my friends at The Wheel, but they aren't nearly as important as our overall mission. The Master may well decide to let you do more of the traveling now."

"Which I am more than willing to assist her with. Let's see how things play out. This could die down, too."

Maris sighed again, then changed topics. "By the way … have you been in contact with 'Fulcrum' recently?"

"As a matter of fact, I have. We were exchanging ideas on how to get more hyper-fuel for rebel ships, and I mentioned Lady Qi'ra."

"Why would you do that?" Maris asked, somewhat dismayed, as she thought about Maul's desire to have Qi'ra terminated.

Varda sat back, realizing her friend's concern. "I … I thought you saw her group as a good supply source and because of Shaak's financial assets we might be in a position to broker some kind of arrangement. Bail Organa, after all, has the resources of Alderaan and his wife behind him."

"That is true …" Maris said, softly, the wheels turning in her head. "But … Maul and Qi'ra have had a falling out. I'm pretty sure she was the one that dropped his name to the Empire and that was why the Inquisitors knew to find him on Dathomir."

"Oh … yes. Of course." Varda sighed in return. "I hadn't considered that. Connecting Qi'ra, even indirectly, with the rebellion could lead to trouble. I'll let Fulcrum know this avenue is closed. Perhaps other possibilities will arise."

Maris nodded, then finished her lunch. "Got to get back to work. Duels today in two hours, and I will be officiating."

"Have a good time …" Varda smiled, as Maris pushed away from the table and headed out. Probably it's for me to sound out the Master on these developments, but I need to catch her at a good time.

In hyperspace traveling to Coruscant, 7 BBY 7 months, 20 days

Darth Vader was heading to Coruscant and a meeting with the Emperor, who wanted a status report on the Death Star progress now that the project had been moved from Geonosis to Scarif. He wasn't looking forward to it, though, for the most part, things were on schedule. After a quiet dinner together on Lianna, Valles had sent some Santhé-Sienar consultants to Scarif to oversee the construction, at the request of newly-promoted Moff Wilhuff Tarkin. Vader was wary of divulging anything to the Emperor about his Liannese friend, partly for her protection and partly because he wanted to get credit for any progress himself.

On the way, however, his TIEx1 ship again passed near the planet Denova after leaving Lianna, and a strange thing happened. A holo image of a female in a shimmering white and silver gown and flowing white hair appeared before him and seized his attention.

"Lord Skywalker – all is not lost – your true destiny awaits. The Crown Princess will assist you in achieving it."

He could scarcely believe his eyes. But then another image appeared next to the lady in white – it was a Togruta, one of polished beauty, wearing magnificent robes and her lekku detailed with silver and turquoise markings. The second image spoke.

"Anakin – I won't leave you – not this time."

Soon both images disappeared, and Vader started to believe he'd been hallucinating. The Togruta clearly resembled his old Padawan Ahsoka Tano, but how she might look as an older woman, and, he had to admit, more beautiful than ever. Part of him very much wanted to see her again, but his recent trip to Denova and the recovery of one of her sabres – the ones he had presented to her during the last days of the Clone War – had seemed to say she had passed away. But now? Perhaps he'd misread the situation. He scoffed inwardly, but the image stayed in his head, continuing even as he later dropped from hyperspace and proceeded to land on Coruscant near the Emperor's palace. Before going to see his master, Vader had to chase these images away or there would be some uncomfortable questions.

Dantooine, 7 BBY 6 months, 28 days

Ahsoka Tano was on her way to Dantooine in the Essence, and a conference among Rebel leadership. She had not been to the planet in over a year and was curious about the progress of the rebellion thus far, and had received a message from Saw Gerrera, one that detailed some Imperial movements, and an opportunity to strike a blow. It had been over three years since Barriss Offee disappeared and Ahsoka had come to grips with it. She had spent much time alone, on barren worlds, practicing her Force skills, and acrobatics with her twin sabres. But Ahsoka was really not alone. In addition to her Twi'lek friend Hera Syndulla, she had her contacts in the Rebellion and the feeling she was part of something bigger – something that had a meaningful mission.

She took a short rest in her quarters on board the ship, then returned to the flight deck and checked the time. About one hour to go, maybe do some reading. But then, a most unexpected thing took place. Ahsoka had to rub her eyes for a second or two to make sure she wasn't seeing things, yet, there it was. It appeared at first to be a hologram image, but more and more, Ahsoka began to realize it was much more than that.

Standing before her – or appearing to – was the figure of a tall female with white hair going all the way to her feet. The figure was apparently clothed in a multi-colored gown of material that glittered and slightly reflected back. Who are you? Ahsoka thought, silently, then the figure simply said, "A friend … and I have a message for you, one of hope. You are not alone, Ahsoka Tano. Soon, things will begin to change. Remain strong. You have the best possible future before you, one that will bring you great joy."

Ahsoka stood, speechless. This wasn't a hologram. The figure looked like an actual person, albeit one larger than life, standing over two full metres tall and towering over her.

"Excuse me, madam, do you have a name?"

"My name at this point is immaterial, but I will leave you with this: the one you recall as Anakin will someday return to you."

"Anakin? How? You know about him?"

"You will see in the years to come. Ahsoka Tano, long have I watched you. Your life is only beginning now."

At that, the figure disappeared. But, on the floor of the Essence, Ahsoka saw a tiny white pyramidal object, seemingly left behind. She bent over to pick it up. It was maybe one centimetre on a side, a perfect tetrahedron. She examined it carefully, but then the alarm went off and the ship was about to drop from hyperspace and it was time to bring Essence in for a landing. Ahsoka placed the object on a small ledge near one of her ship's control panels and left it there, seemingly to return to ponder it later.

After about 15 minutes, Ahsoka had brought the ship down to the surface of Dantooine. As she walked away from it, wearing her basic battle gear, sabres at the ready, she turned and Force-sealed it until her return.

About three hours later, Ahsoka returned from the meeting and went back aboard the Essence. After being debriefed on the status of the rebellion – at least the areas she was permitted to know about – she had agreed to return to her current home on Void Station and continue to relay information. Hera had also joined the network as "Spectre" and the Tano-Syndulla pair had become two of the best operatives in the rebellion. As she headed to her cabin to get some light rest, her com went off and she saw the message was coming from "Counselor" … Ahsoka punched in the encryption resolution codes and then read the message:

"Fulcrum: negative on the coax shipment possibility from our contacts at the Wheel – Ardency will relay further instructions in the next 2 days – Counselor out"

Ahsoka pondered this. This is a setback; we need that fuel. Nest told us she couldn't get more and Falcon was off the grid at this time ..., hopefully Ardency can come through or we will have to scrub some planned missions.

As the Togruta prepared to lie down, she saw something waiting on her pillow. It was the strange little white pyramidal object. "How did you get in here?" She murmured aloud. Ahsoka picked up the object and fingered it. It didn't seem to have any particular significance, but she knew there was far more to it. Things aren't always what they seem … She reached out with the Force and the object levitated off the pillow and rose to her eye level about one metre away. It then opened and out popped a small plastic container, not even a half cc in size. Ahsoka held up her right hand and the little bag flew into it. As she began to inspect it, the voice she had heard earlier from the 2-metre woman with the long white hair spoke to her again. "This is for you, Ahsoka Tano, only you. Use it wisely and the Force will be with you."

That was all it said, and Ahsoka noticed the pyramid that held the little bag was still open but nothing else was inside it. She realized it was only a vessel for the gift she now held between her thumb and forefinger. As she examined it closer, it was clear that a substance of some kind was inside the plastic, one that resembled a kind of powder or perhaps finely ground leaves of some type, and the substance was green and violet in color. How odd, she thought, but then she felt an urge come over her, clearly from the Force itself. Use it wisely … but how? I wonder …

With that, she felt the tiny bag open, then the pyramid container was filled with the contents as the bag then disappeared. Ahsoka raised it in front of her eyes and sniffed it. An immediate rush of euphoria came over her as the smallest amount of the substance had entered her nose was being inhaled by her lungs. At first, she was a touch alarmed, but soon a feeling of relaxation came over her. The pyramid closed and went over to rest on her nightstand. Ahsoka then felt a bit drowsy, so she lay down and quickly went to sleep.

About six hours later, Ahsoka awakened, feeling refreshed and alert. Something was different, but she couldn't quite determine what it was. Then an apparition came to her as she sat on the bed. It was a view into what appeared to be a type of conference room somewhere. At the table seated on either side of her were two figures, one an older Togruta female whose lekku were long and detailed in black and white stripes. The Togruta had on a robe of rich black velvet and there were large white circles on her face surrounding each eye. Shaak Ti? Ahsoka wondered. Also at the table was a large figure, also in black, with a shiny helmet, clearly a large male, whose breathing cycle was mechanical. She watched intently as the conversation ensued.

"Master Tano. I am pleased to see you again. Are you well?" the man in black asked, seemingly with sincerity.

She nodded. "And yourself? Anakin … I understand the Emperor was not pleased with you."

He let one breath cycle pass before responding. "Not at all. I have been demoted."

"So I heard … well, you cannot be surprised. Losing the Death Star had to drive him crazy."

"Ahsoka. What are your plans for me?"

"Anakin. Master Shaak will be joining us to review that with you. For now, I just want to reach out to you. As you know, I had told you I wouldn't leave you hanging – ever again. I have always blamed myself for what happened to you."

The vision soon disappeared, leaving Ahsoka with far more questions than answers. But she soon spoke aloud. "Anakin?

What? And Master Shaak … did you survive, after all? Oh, I am so confused." She knew she was having one of those Force-induced visions she'd heard about but couldn't recall ever experiencing. What happened to Anakin … something terrible, I fear …

Ahsoka knew she had best get on with her plans. She went to the Essence's flight deck and started prepping the ship for the trip back to Void Station, one that would take a good twelve hours. Soon she was on her way, and decided more sleep was needed. She didn't awaken until the ship's alarm sounded, indicating she was at her destination.

Falleen, SE Mid Rim, 7 BBY 4 months, 15 days

"Lady" Qi'ra, now fully in charge of Crimson Dawn, returned to Falleen for another meeting with "Prince" Xizor of the Black Sun organization. As her ship touched, Qi'ra headed for the palace, once again dressed in elegant garb – bright red robes, signifying her new role as the full "maximum leader" of Crimson Dawn. Behind her were her three immediate subordinates, also wearing dark uniforms with red insignia. They were greeted by Black Sun functionaries, who led them to the lift that took them to Xizor's inner sanctum.

The prince, suitably impressed by Qi'ra's finery and elegance, stepped forward to greet her once they entered his lair. She extended her right hand, which he bowed before her and deftly kissed. Smiling, she turned to her underlings.

"Leave us."

"Yes, milady," they replied in unison.

Xizor rose, then extended his left arm, gesturing toward a seating area. They walked slowly over, the Falleen clearly admiring the "new" Qi'ra, who also sported a golden tiara studded with ruby-like jewels. He pointed to a luxurious soft leather couch, and carefully assisted her as she took a seat, smiling gently. He then sat opposite her, close enough for their discussion to be intimate. He then reached for a bottle of sparkling wine, a violet-tinged liquid that came from the far-away Hapes Cluster Sector, and poured a flute for each of them.

"A most fine vintage, my lady." He showed her the label.

Taking a sip, Qi'ra marveled. "However did you come by this? I've heard it is most difficult to import anything from Hapes. The people there have little use for the Galaxy at large."

Xizor chuckled. "And they very much like giving off that impression. But I was most fortunate, recently, in gaining an audience with none other than Prince Vaston himself."

"Oh, I have heard stories about him … he is most dashing," she said with a sigh. "Only the finest ladies may accompany him. They say he directly controls ten mineral-laden worlds."

"It's all true," Xizor nodded.

"But what might he have wanted with Black Sun?"

"Well …" he laughed. "It seems there are some things he would prefer we carry out in his place. He's willing to pay quite well."

Qi'ra then laughed herself. "What, exactly? A man of his distinction is not likely concerned with the spice trade."

"I should say not … but he was asking some most pointed questions. In particular, about our arrangement with the Empire."

"And what did you tell him?" Qi'ra perked up, her inner senses grasping what could be a golden opportunity.

"That we – meaning you, in fact – have the best … relationship with some of the Moffs."

She chuckled. "I'm … not so sure about that …"

"Oh, my dear Qi'ra … I am." Xizor sipped some of the wine. "And … I think he will enjoy meeting with you, and … one other person of import. Someone I've come to know myself over the past few years."

Qi'ra perked up. "Pray tell, whom might you be referring to?"

"None other than the lovely Valles Santhé herself."

"No …! I have long wanted to meet her. I am one of her greatest admirers. That woman can probably do anything she sets her mind to."

"Indeed. And maybe something else you didn't know. Vaston … is quite mad about her. It seems she is the woman he cannot conquer, though he tries very hard."

"So where do we come in?"

"It seems, Lady Valles has now gained some powerful friends in the Imperial leadership. This is now our opportunity. We can set up a supply arrangement to the Empire with a very rare mineral that Vaston controls and they need for a new top-secret project they are working on."

"Aha …" Qi'ra muttered, her left hand fingering her chin. "So we become the broker between Vaston and the Empire, helping Valles at the same time, thereby making him look good in her eyes, while at the same time gaining Imperial contacts. This could be quite lucrative."

"And we get paid both ways – from Vaston – and the Imperials."

"But Xi … why exactly does the Empire need us? Can't they go there and take it themselves, or at least get Vaston to sell it to them with no middle man?"

"You might think that," the Falleen nodded, "but it seems there is something preventing them from doing it. Contacts have told me that none other than the Emperor himself has a 'special understanding' with Queen Vestalia of Hapes."

"Oh, I see … Vaston's mother, no less."

"And the word is she is not only the richest person in the Galaxy, she has other extreme powers. But apparently, Palpatine and Vestalia have some kind of arrangement."

Qi'ra chuckled, then let out a soft whistle. "I guess there are opportunities abounding, wouldn't you say, your Highness?"

"Indeed, my lady. And you and I together can make it happen. The first thing we need to do is have you become acquainted with Valles Santhé. She is the key that can unlock many doors in this galaxy. But, be forewarned. She is very intelligent, so we have to have something she wants."

"And what do you suppose that is?"

"Simple. She just wants more. More power, even more money, but most of all, I think, more love from the people."

"And I can help her … there?"

"I think so, Qi'ra. Engineering the takeover of Crimson Dawn showed you have the cunning, clever mind that someone like Valles can respect. When she learns of how you took down a dangerous individual such as Maul, she will see you as a player. Qi'ra, we in Black Sun have been wanting to oust him for some time – about twelve years, as a matter of fact – and you actually did it."

"So what happens next?"

"We get you on Valles's calendar of events."

Qi'ra then laughed. "I suppose I had better raise my fashion game too, if I am to make the right impression on someone like her."

"I know you will see to that. Let's drink …!"

After a few minutes, the bottle of Hapian wine had been drained and Xizor found another. A plate of smoked fish arrived and the two had a relaxing time together as they plotted their next moves.

Malachor, NE Outer Rim, 7 BBY 3 months, 25 days

It had taken some time for Maul to extricate himself entirely from Crimson Dawn activities, but, using the TIEv1 ship the Inquisitors left behind on Dathomir, he carefully returned to his various offices – mostly on Mid-rim worlds – to dispose of all records that might give a clue as to his level of involvement.

As he silently cursed the betrayal of his ambitious young assistant Qi'ra, Maul looked back on what had been nearly a 13-year run in the Galactic underworld. This had even included a few months as the leader of Mandalore, a spell that concluded when a squad of cloned Republic troopers, led by the former Jedi Ahsoka Tano, had succeeded in neutralizing him and taking him prisoner, presumably for transport back to Coruscant and supposed Republic "justice." However, during the trip, the directive known as Order 66 was issued, and the clones turned against Tano. Needing a diversion, Ahsoka freed Maul on board the Republic cruiser and he went off to attack the clones with abandon as they attempted to terminate him as part of the order. Maul, ever the cunning sort, was able to reach the one shuttle carried aboard the cruiser and make his escape, while leaving Tano to deal with the remaining clones on her own.

At times, he wondered what might have happened to the admittedly valiant young Togruta warrior – someone who had lost confidence in the Jedi and who had seemed ripe for recruitment to his cause of revenge against the Sith, who now consisted of Vader and Sidious. As Maul now considered his options, he again thought about Tano, despite her repeated vows to never assist him. Of course, the best choice is Maris – she has the natural Dark Side within her and she kills with no remorse. But she spoke of her master … who exactly might that be? Anyone strong enough to be Brood's master has to be a serious force … I need to know. Perhaps the three of us …

As his ship coursed through hyperspace, the onetime Zabrak Sith lord was heading to a quiet place on the Northeast Outer Rim, a mostly barren planet that had no known human settlements and was populated mostly by small animals and limited vegetation. The atmosphere was typically cloudy, shrouding the planet in a near perpetual mist that kept the system's star from providing much light. Malachor had a lot of history behind it, and in more recent times was mostly a forgotten world, but Maul knew about it from the time his earlier master Darth Sidious had taken him there some thirty years earlier. Sidious told him: remember that your anger is a tool – it is not your master. If we act without thinking, we will never rise. The dark Zabrak then went into a meditative state, only emerging as the ship's alarm sounded, telling him it had dropped from hyperspace.

Emerging from the ship, Maul started looking around the barren planet-scape. Things were somewhat different there than his last visit, but he surely had changed quite a bit. He'd matured, yes, but something more. Now the patience he'd once lacked had grown and he knew the value of the carefully constructed plan. Sidious proved it, as the Galaxy was now his as Emperor … but who now stood at his side? None other than the one who had been a mere child some twenty-five years ago on the desert planet of Tatooine – Anakin Skywalker. Maul again craved revenge and most of all, the one that he was sure could help him attain it – Maris Brood. From within the TIEv1, he sent a signal across the Galaxy hoping that it would reach her, perhaps at The Wheel or wherever she might be. He waited, for what seemed like an eternity, but no answer came. Maul decided he would make a home for himself on the planet, while waiting for his Zabrak friend to return his entreaty. He checked the fuel level on the ship – it seemed adequate for the time being. Now was the time for patience, the only card he had to play at this point.

Felucia, Shaak's home, 7 BBY 1 months, 5 days, 22 hours

Shaak was meeting in her home with Varda and Maris. They were celebrating the 25th acolyte to have joined The Order, and the Master could see the organization becoming something formidable, yet not nearly powerful enough for anyone outside of Felucia to know of it beyond her clandestine contacts in the Rebellion. Varda and Ahsoka – as "counselor" and "fulcrum" – were in steady contact, a relationship that proved fruitful as The Order gained some valuable equipment, while the Rebels found new sources of fuel and funds, the latter being obtained via a secret bank account that was funded from Shaak's activities on Muunilinst.

They had succeeded in completing the structure of the block house on Felucia, and the huge underground bunker beneath it, an area that was being equipped with banks of computers and screens. This network was connected to an array of satellites surrounding the planet, which gave them the capability of monitoring any and all approaches of spacecraft of all sizes. All such encounters were being stored in the databases for review by the Master and she had instructed Varda and Maris on how to access this data.

One of the things Shaak had decided to stress was for each prospective Member of the Order – a title that would only come once Knighthood had been conferred – to find his or her areas of expertise and make contributions to the group accordingly. Some of the more technically-oriented acolytes of The Order had become familiar with the setup as well and they would provide periodic summaries of all they had learned. The Assembly Hall and bunkhouse had also been overhauled, with the later now able to sleep up to 60 people comfortably.

After an evening meal prepared by the Master – using her mother's popular BBQ recipes from Shili – the after-dinner drink of herbal tea and a short round of buu'raa smoking ensued. Shaak led it off.

"Both of you … I'd like a frank assessment of where we stand regarding the rebellion and where it's going."

Varda responded first, as Maris was about to open her mouth, but, seeing this, the Zabrak fell silent.

"Shaak, I have to say I don't see much in the way of direction in the rebellion. My exchanges with Fulcrum tell me that the operations are essentially those of the hit-and-run variety and we are little more than a fly in the ointment for the Empire."

Shaak remained silent, her eyes typically opaque. Varda continued.

"What I'm feeling … sensing … here is that the movement needs a real leader, someone with Force sensitivity. Senators Mothma and Organa are good people and their hearts are in the right place, but they lack the vision."

Maris then spoke up. "Master Shaak, if I may …"

Shaak turned to her. "Go ahead, my child."

"I agree with Varda, sure. But more than that, the only chance we have is to take out the Emperor … somehow. Do you agree, Master?"

"In the end, yes. And the way to do that will be to make him start doubting himself, second-guessing …"

"Can we do that, though?" Varda asked softly.

Shaak chuckled, then remained silent. Seeing that both Varda and Maris were waiting for her thoughts, she began.

"Yes, my friend. That is the strategy and I have an idea on how to do this, one which I have not discussed with you before."

They remained silent, clearly curious.

"A number of years ago, Jocasta and I installed a listening system in the Jedi Temple. Other members of the Council were desirous of recording our meetings for later reference. The system is very difficult to detect as it operates at the 'nano' level and is essentially microscopic."

Varda replied, "this is most interesting, Shaak. Who else besides you and Jocasta know of this?"

"No one. Any others – that were in the Council – are now thought to be long gone."

"Except Yoda and Kenobi, you said …"

"We did not inform them at the time. I wanted to have it in place and working first … but, with the commotion over the War and all, I kind of let it slip."

"But now, do you think it's still working?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but I have been able, recently, to put the closer-in relay satellites into service. Now we are in hailing distance of the Core in general and Coruscant in particular."

"Ahh …" Varda smiled. She turned to Maris. "You've been kind of quiet."

Maris shook her head sharply, as if trying to clear her mind. "Ah, my apologies. Yes. This sounds quite interesting. It seems that you are saying we can listen in on the Imperial Palace and learn of his plans. Am I hearing you right, Master?"

"Basically correct, yes. And we would be able to store these recordings in our holocron vault."

"So what still needs to be done?" The Zabrak queried.

"We have to get closer to Coruscant to make a few necessary connections. Even though we are now ready to monitor, I also want the ability to send messages in."

"So he could hear them?" Maris asked, then followed up. "Wouldn't he figure out what happened and then try to take out the system?"

Shaak sat back and took a deep breath cycle. "That is a danger, yes. So we won't want to do that right away, but I will want the capability."

"This all sounds quite intriguing, Shaak," Varda mused. "But I'm also assuming you want to add this capability to something else, perhaps some new level of power?"

"That is where the holocrons come in. I cannot divulge anything beyond that at present."

Both Maris and Varda looked at each other for a second, then at Shaak, who simply nodded gently. The rest of the evening passed quietly, but both of the Master's loyal Knights felt a measure of satisfaction in the direction things were moving.

To be continued …