AN: Shaak makes a discovery, then moves to implement it; Vader relies on a friend; Ahsoka's fortunes looking up.

Chapter 26: Did You Hear What I Just Said?

Malachor, Ancient Sith Temple, 6 BBY 8 months, 25 days

Maris followed Maul deeper into the Sith Temple, making careful visual notes as she went. They passed several more of the monoliths which she had first seen in the crater, then realized they extended below to the temple floor. All around them, strewn around the floor, were the bodies of those who were once warriors that had essentially hardened into stone objects. Maul said nothing, and gave the impression he knew his way around the strange site. As they went further, a large pyramid-shaped edifice stood before them, which appeared to be perhaps 30 metres tall. At the top was something that resembled a sort of capstone, all in red, from which a steady glow came.

Again, Maris heard the scratchy female voice – but only in her head, as she realized Maul did not. It is I, Darth Traya, my child. Do you want to have ultimate power? It is foretold the Galaxy will have an Empress and she will be the most powerful ever in its history. Maris reached out with the Force to respond. Will I be that empress? But the voice grew silent. Maris turned to Maul.

"Paul … Have you ever heard a strange voice down here before? A female voice, perhaps?"

Maul looked at her in a strange way, then answered. "No … not a female voice, but … a voice."

"What did it tell you? Did it mention an empress?"

He grew silent, as if to ponder her question. He had indeed heard the voice, and its meaning escaped him. But now, here, in the person of Maris Brood, perhaps lay the answer. "Not an empress, but a powerful leader, one that could defeat… no, destroy, the Sith."

Maris nodded. "And that's what you want … but, what do I want?"

"Yes … what do you want, Lady Brood?" He waited for her answer, but then offered one himself. "I know what you want, you want to be that empress."

Maris shook her head. "Not really. But I want to defeat the Sith … just like you."

"Indeed! And defeat them we shall – but only by working together."

He took the lead and they came to a portal. Maris stared at it for a second, then turned to him. "I think, it goes up, yes?"

Maul simply nodded, and they both focused. The door slid up and open – though it was clearly massive, weighing at least a ton. They came to another and did the same.

"Yes! This is the way, Lady Maris … your power is truly magnificent."

Finally they passed through the last door and then, in front of them, stood an encased Sith holocron, gleaming in red, shaped in a pyramid. To reach it, they had to vault a deep chasm, for perhaps a ten-metre distance. Maris measured the jump, but then the voice returned and it spoke to both of them.

Are you ready, children?

"Darth Traya?" Maris asked, in a low tone. Maul remained silent.

The holocron! Take it! – the voice urged. Maris peered across the chasm, then turned to Maul.

"Jump – I will push you there."

"I think I can make it alone." Maris took a few steps back, then turned and ran, vaulting herself across the distance, landing in front of what appeared to be a clear encasement, within which lay the ornamental Sith holocron, a square-based pyramid about 15cm in height. It appeared as a red object, with copper-shaded metal lining each edge, detailed in similar writing to what they had found on the monoliths. Maris studied the encased holocron for a second, then Maul shouted, "Open it, Lady Maris! It is the key!"

At this same time, Shaak decided she had to intervene. She had been carefully following the progress of Maris and Maul and decided to follow them, but carefully concealed her Force signature as she did. Once in the crater, she slowly descended through the opening that Maul had created, but soon realized it was one of many possible entrances. Walking for a short distance, Shaak realized she was in a huge cavern. She lit her sabre, using it to illuminate the interior, then noticed the many stone-like figures on the floor. Turning her head in different directions, Shaak could see various triangular-shaped entrances, each with a portal. One in particular caught her attention. As she walked over toward it, she then extended her left hand outward, as if to somehow scan what lay on the other side of the portal. Most interesting. It's a kind of repository. How long has it been here? Shaak took a few more steps and the portal slid open for her, but then a voice spoke to her – in her mind only.

Empress Shaak Ti, please come in, I've been expecting you.

Shaak stopped for a second, then extended her sabre to light her way. She soon realized this was unnecessary, as the chamber lit up for her as she went inside. There were shelves – each with ancient books and also, there were a half-dozen more Sith holocrons, each about 9cm in height. As Shaak held her hand out over them, they lit up in bright red, each with a number on its face. She realized they were a set.

"Who are you, exactly?" Shaak said aloud, softly.

I am Darth Traya, the ancient Master – of Jedi and Sith. The knowledge you seek is here, as is your apprentice. Use it and the Galaxy will be yours and you shall become immortal – the greatest ruler ever seen. Long ago, my apprentices entered this place, seeking the same power, but they were not worthy. Much time has passed. An imposter now sits on the throne – you shall remove him and become Empress. This is your destiny!

The voice then went silent. Shaak then knew what she had to do. I must take these objects and place them in my vault where I can conduct controlled study. But first, Maris and Maul must be dealt with. This place is abounding with the Dark Side. I must not give in to its temptations, nor allow Maris to do the same. Then, one day, I will destroy all of this, but only once I see its full extent. One thing is certain – I must not allow Sidious to return here. I can sense his earlier presence. But how deep did he go? Perhaps the answer will present itself to me.

Shaak then exited the chamber and the portal quickly sealed itself, but not before one last admonition from Darth Traya.

When you return, Dark Empress, I shall be waiting.

Shaak then smiled and nodded, returning it. Oh, I shall indeed return. She then concentrated and located both Maris and Maul.

Just as Maris was about to open the encasement, Shaak opened the last portal and stood behind Maul.

"Wait!" she commanded. Maris froze, and Maul spun around to gaze at her.

"Who are you?" He asked, somewhat in wonderment.

"I am the Master," Shaak replied softly. "She is my apprentice."

Shaak then reached out with the Force and lifted Maris off the ground and quickly pulled her back across the chasm.

As she landed, Maris rubbed her eyes, then spoke. "Master, what … is happening?"

Shaak grasped Maris's left hand. "That holocron is fraught with danger. You are not to handle it. The power it possesses is indeed the key, as your acquaintance here has correctly observed – only he is unaware of its full meaning."

Maul sized up the situation and could immediately feel Shaak's now immense power. He bowed to her.

"I know who you are … Master … Shaak Ti. The One that survived, and He will be looking for you."

Shaak chuckled. "Only when I am ready." A calming energy flowed from her and she directed it at Maul.

Maul then realized that Shaak was truly the answer and that she was the one that had trained Maris and made her powerful. In addition, when Jedi Masters turned to the Dark Side, as Dooku did, they often became most formidable. But Shaak presented no immediate danger, and decided to draw him out.

"Mister Maul, what were your plans for my apprentice, Miss Brood? Don't answer, for I already know. You were the one that was His apprentice and he cast you aside, and took my old master and renamed him Tyrannus. But he is no more, correct?"

"Yes! Master Ti," Maul's voice rose an octave, and he spoke with anger and frustration. "I was cast aside and now Dooku is cast aside. It is now Skywalker. But we will put an end to all of it."

Maris then piped up. "Master Shaak, is it time to destroy Palpatine and the Empire?"

"No, my child. We are not ready. But leave this place, we shall. And you, Mister Maul, will not have Maris to help you."

Maul was clearly disappointed, but knew that he could not oppose Shaak. He watched as she unleashed a blast of electric current that reached across the chasm and crumbled the rock around the Sith holocron's encasement, burying it in the rubble.

"Come," she commanded, and Maris and Maul then followed her out into the area where the various portals were. Maris remained silent, her mind trying to process all that had happened. Clearly Shaak had made some kind of discovery, one that she did not want to share with Maul. The Dathomiri got a better glimpse of Shaak as she seemed to become a source of light, illuminating the entire cavern, and then felt her impressive Force signature in its full intensity. She stood quietly in her black velvet robe, which opened slightly to reveal a red silk gown, one which Maris realized had changed color for some unknown reason. Shaak looked back across the cavern to the portal guarding the library, then the voice of Darth Traya again spoke to her consciousness. When you return, Master, I will be waiting. A great and powerful Empress you shall be.

Shaak then fired another electric blast across the cavern, sealing off the library portal. And I will return, to finish what I started. She turned to Maris. "Come, my child, we have some things to discuss. Mister Maul, good day to you, sir." As Shaak and Maris walked out, they then levitated to the surface of the crater and returned to the Intrepid. Within minutes, Shaak had the pre-launch prep done and they rose into orbit. But soon after that, another ship had arrived. Shaak kept her ship fully cloaked, and then drew a bead on the ship, which she could see was a TIEx1 advanced fighter.

At the helm of the fighter was Darth Vader, who had somehow been drawn to Malachor. A few weeks earlier, he had been on Coruscant, being lectured by his master Darth Sidious, in the Imperial Palace. The Inquisitors had reported back to him about various other Force-sensitive people still remaining in the Galaxy, and the Emperor had detected this information during that visit to the palace. You must seek out these people and you know what to do. The answers are on the Outer Rim.

That was all the old man told him, but he knew better than to ask for more details. Now, he was in orbit, circling the mysterious planet – the one that had been "off-limits" to Jedi, which his old master Obi-Wan had warned him about. Malachor was not far from Zygeria, a place where he had been during the Clone War, when he had to rescue his Padawan Ahsoka Tano from the slavers there who had also impressed hundreds of her fellow Togruta into involuntary servitude. Even then, the pull of Malachor could be felt, and he wanted to return someday and learn more.

But now Shaak had detected his presence in the TIEx1 and she had decided it was time to make a move. She drew Intrepid close and opened her laser cannon full blast into his ship. The hit was true, and Vader was rocked. Shaak immediately repeated it, nailing his ship twice more before he could engage shields. But it hardly mattered. Shaak got within 100 metres and then she unleashed a bright white beam that penetrated the shields and disabled the hyperdrive on the ship. Vader knew he had to land and then call for repairs, and, as he descended, she sent a coded message: Anakin Skywalker, soon you will see you are fighting on the wrong side. The Emperor will replace you as soon as he finds another more worthy. But did you hear what I just said? Shaak then ceased the message, then set her course for Felucia and then Intrepid disappeared into hyperspace.

The TIEx1 was now on the surface of Malachor. Once Vader had regained control of the ship, he also soon detected the presence of the Sith Temple, only now its entrance was again concealed by the smooth floor of the crater, which Shaak had carefully resealed as she and Maris left. Seeing no hint of the temple once he had landed, Vader soon realized he had best make contact with someone that would assist him. One name stood out from all the rest; one he could trust to keep this entire incident secret from the Emperor: Valles Santhé.

Maul had gone off to his humble abode elsewhere on the planet, to consider all that had taken place. But he had made a potentially huge discovery: there was now a truly powerful Force-wielder in the Galaxy and she was no friend of the Emperor or his empire. She will gain the revenge I have long sought … I know it … but how long will she wait? Feeling intensely hungry – he hadn't eaten much in days – Maul drew his sabre and looked into the darkening night sky. Seeing a flock of bat-like creatures overhead, he pulled two of them down with the Force, then sliced them up with his sabre. In no mood to wait, Maul devoured all the meat on them he could find. Later, he laid down to get some much-needed rest, and as he did, his mind drifted to one particular piece of unfinished business. Kenobi … long have I searched for you, but I know you are out there somewhere.

Lianna, Ry's Palace, 6 BBY 8 months, 24 days

Ry Kyver was showing Valles around her new estate on the distant outskirts of Lianna City, which she had named Kiveria. The ladies were again in luxurious evening gowns with elegant fur robes over their shoulders, Ry in her favorite green shade, while Valles had on a deep midnight blue.

Valles was offering her some paintings and sculpture from noted Liannese artists – some of historical significance, and noted, "I do hope you put them to good use. I imagine Kiveria will be on the favored list of "top invites" during the social calendar in the coming years. I love what you've done with the place … no reason these pieces should be collecting dust downtown."

"My pleasure, Valles. Your taste is second to none. I really had little idea about the history of this wonderful planet and the eclectic traditions of its various regions."

"I really ought to point you to some good reading on the matter, Baroness Kyver."

Ry blushed slightly at the implied title Valles had just given her, but continued on with the tour. After a while, they went below to Ry's various laboratories. Ry showed her into a smaller room, that had a row of glass cases that contained various experiments and displays.

"Here's where I would like to administer the first application of the M-C enhancement to you. I was thinking we might try something simple at first, such as a bloodstream injection, before moving on to your respiratory system."

Valles scrunched her upper lip for a second as she thought about the matter. "Hmm, do you think the bloodstream is wise? It would quickly circulate around my entire body."

Ry nodded. "We can do this however you like. I wasn't sure of your timetable."

"Well …" Valles started, "I'm not all that sure myself. But I should think a smaller area of application might be preferable considering the impact it might have."

"I understand," Ry nodded. "But, even if we targeted a certain body part … your hand, say … whatever was introduced would eventually spread."

"I guess so," Valles sighed. "So, it's really all or nothing." She paused, then continued. "Can it be reversed, if needed?"

"Yes, I think we can introduce the more limited application later on. But, I want you to know that many of these ideas have been rigorously tested. I wanted to have full confidence in anything I was going to introduce into your body."

Ry went on, adding, "Valles, let me be completely frank with you. I've come to love you. You're the kindest and most thoughtful person I've ever known and the way you care about the people of this planet is remarkable. You will be a most gracious and wonderful Queen when the time comes to crown you. I would be unable to live with myself if I somehow caused even the slightest harm to you."

Valles then laughed. "I know. I've come to trust you … but this is cutting-edge research, wouldn't you say? I'm going to be a pioneer, and all."

"Whenever you would like to start, Valles. I can't make this decision for you."

Valles heaved another sigh. "Well then, let's do this. I'm ready to – as they say – bite the bullet."

A few minutes later, Ry had injected the infused plasma cells into Valles's right elbow vein and they began to circulate. Nothing seemed to happen, and Valles asked, "how long might this take … before I notice any changes?"

"I'm not sure. Perhaps an hour, maybe a day. But let me know either way."

"I'll be sure to," Valles responded, giving Ry a piercing gaze as they locked eyes.

But then she changed the subject. "Might you have some ale on tap upstairs? I've developed a powerful thirst."

Ry laughed. "Follow me, my Lady."

Felucia, Shaak's home, 6 BBY 8 months, 10 days, 22 hours

Two weeks later, after Shaak and Maris had returned home and both of them had plenty of time to meditate and think about what had happened on Malachor, they met one night at Shaak's home. Varda was asked to join and the three of them sat together on the floor. The Felucian night was cooler than normal, and Varda wore a shawl she had made from local material over her sari. Maris had donned her green silk dress and Shaak had on a light blue gown, grateful for the cool night air. A buu'raa pipe had been loaded and the three of them passed it around, taking time to savor the flavor, while holding the smoke in their lungs for maximum effect. After each had her fill of the substance, Shaak began the discussion.

"What are we to make of the Sith Temple? Maris tells us that she was spoken to by someone calling herself Darth Traya. Does this name mean anything to you, Varda?"

The older ex-Jedi thought about it for a second. "Not that much, but I understand this was someone that existed maybe 4000 years ago. A rather long time, when you consider it. But Jedi and Sith history is such. Shaak, I'm sure you remember the history lessons that Master Dooku taught us. So much of the ancient times are still with us."

Maris shook her head. "I don't recall anything about her from what I've read so far. Maul told me he heard a voice too but that it wasn't necessarily female."

"Well, she spoke to me as well, and addressed me as Empress Shaak Ti."

"She mentioned an empress to me, also. I asked if it would be me, but she didn't answer."

"Curious," Varda noted. "Like she was telling you whatever she thought you wanted to hear."

"I hadn't mentioned this," Shaak stated. "But I returned to Malachor two days ago, and Maul was not there when I entered the Temple. I opened the portal I had sealed and the remaining holocrons and volumes of text were still there. I quickly recovered all of them and brought them aboard the Intrepid. They've now all been moved to the vault. I plan to study these in the weeks to come."

"Oh …" Maris responded, after a short silence. "I didn't realize there were more holocrons besides the one Traya pointed me to. Did you hear from her again?"

Shaak nodded. "I did. She was congratulating me and said she was looking forward to my coming reign as Empress of the Galaxy."

"Shaak," Varda asked softly. "Is this a position you are seeking? I'm only asking this because you have never mentioned it that I am aware of."

"Nor I," Maris added.

Shaak then gave them both a mysterious look as she kept her silence. A flicker of red showed in her eyes, but quickly disappeared. She answered. "Not at this time."

Somehow, both Varda and Maris knew not to pursue this with Shaak. There were certain things about the Master which were essentially her private areas and she preferred things remain on a "need to know" basis.

Maris tried a different line of questioning. "Master, what about the larger holocron that Traya pointed me to? Was it still buried in rubble?"

Shaak was silent for a few seconds, then answered. "I went to check on it. It's fine. Maris, do you remember we fired on Darth Vader's ship and forced him to land?"

Maris simply nodded.

"Well, there was no trace of Anakin still on the planet when I arrived this time. However, I could detect his attempts to get inside the temple. And … for some reason … he was unsuccessful. I'm not sure why. He clearly has strong capabilities. Opening those portals should not present much of an obstacle, but … something else stood in his path."

"What do you think it might have been?" Varda asked.

Shaak continued. "When I first discovered the repository, I was met with the voice of Darth Traya. She was addressing me as the future Empress, and referred to Palpatine as an imposter. Varda, you have some experience with these areas, in terms of the history. Is there something about this new generation of Sith that may not be acceptable to the Sith of old?"

"It could well be," Varda replied. "The problem is, we know very little about this 'new generation' as you refer to it. For a thousand years, we had come to believe the Sith were no longer a threat, and that, perhaps, we were rid of them. Obviously, we were wrong."

"That is correct, but my recent studies have uncovered some interesting items." Shaak paused. "A couple of years ago, I came to the realization that Darth Sidious replaced Darth Plagueis – he must have murdered him somehow – and then took over their joint plan to have the clone army destroy the Jedi when the time was right. As they of course did, some 14 years later – while you were hiding on the planet Hokto that you told me about earlier."

"Of course, Shaak. I now consider myself lucky – almost the Will of the Force – that I should still be around and able to support your plan to someday defeat Sidious. But why would you say that Sidious – and by extension, Plagueis – might be 'unacceptable' to the Sith of bygone eras?"

"It's just a theory of mine at present."

"Well, Shaak, I cannot think of any reason at the moment. But I would be happy to do some follow-up research for you. Perhaps you can point me to the same holocron you were working with?"

Shaak nodded. "I would appreciate it. Sometimes a second pair of eyes can provide a needed perspective."

Shaak then rose from the floor. "I'm going to whip up some hot beverage. Would either of you be interested?"

Both Varda and Maris indicated their desire. "I'm thirsty, Master," Maris replied, while Varda smiled and nodded.

Soon, the tea was ready and Shaak served each of them in a small cup. It was a concentrated mixture, one meant to enable the drinker some enhanced Force capability for reflection and thought.

As they sat down, Shaak resumed. "Well, I have done some follow-up. It seems Darth Traya had another name, which was Kreia and that she was once a very wise Jedi Master and someone whom we might refer to as 'gray' today. Some 4000 years ago, Kreia was building her power and seems to have had designs on becoming the Sith empress – as Darth Traya."

"But she failed, right?" Maris interrupted.

Varda remained silent, slowly sipping the tea and savoring its unique flavor.

"Yes, she did, and it was due to the betrayal of her Sith followers – a common theme that runs throughout Galactic history. It is also interesting to note that Kreia earlier wanted to form a new Jedi Order based not on the Will of the Force but essentially on loyalty to her."

Maris thought about this for a second, and was about to interrupt again, but refrained.

Varda immediately saw that Shaak was drawing parallels to herself, and decided to pursue that line of questioning.

"Shaak, what is your own thinking regarding the Will of the Force?"

Shaak chuckled. "I've had this discussion over the years. It seems few can agree on it, but, as Master Yoda was fond of saying, the Force itself will tell you. We have only to listen." She took a sip of her tea, and continued. "I have founded my new Order on the premise that loyalty to the Republic – which had become a deeply corrupted entity that answered to the dictates of business cartels – was a major avoidable mistake."

Maris, seeing her opportunity, then asked, "so what is the purpose of the rebellion against the Empire – to overthrow it somehow, but then what?"

Varda chimed in. "A worthwhile question. I'm not sure what the leaders' plan really is. Shaak, have you been able to detect a common thread in the discussions you've had?"

The Togruta Master sighed, faintly, then remarked, "there seems to be a vague sense that another democratic body might be established, perhaps a New Republic."

Varda responded again. "You don't seem terribly enthusiastic about that, am I reading you right?"

Shaak chuckled again. "I must admit, the prospects don't seem encouraging. But we are getting a bit ahead of ourselves. We're not about to overthrow anything at this point."

She took another drink. "And yet … Palpatine continues to build more Star-Destroyers. One might think the current arsenal, which approaches 20 thousand, would be more than enough to maintain order."

Maris gave a low whistle. "Twenty … thousand. Do you think he fears something, or is this just the bureaucracy, providing jobs to the shipbuilders?"

Shaak shook her head. "I don't claim to know, but you might be somewhat correct on that last point. In a way, this might be a new empire and all but some of the same imperatives are at work. The likes of Kuat Drive Yards and Santhé-Sienar have their own pull within the Imperial structure, along with many other firms around the Galaxy. The Empire is far more than just Palpatine, it has its own internal motivations. This is still a galaxy in which money talks, sometimes quite loudly, and the major firms all profess their loyalty to the Emperor, but this is of course a bedrock requirement."

"How deep does that loyalty run?" Varda wondered aloud. "I guess that varies. He's not a terribly inspiring leader, so it's more or less all based on fear."

Shaak chuckled, softly, again. "An astute observation, and of course, the syndicates still ply their trades. The Hutts, Black Sun, and so on."

"Governing a galaxy the size of ours is not a simple matter," Varda stated. "I would imagine that the various regional leaders – the Moffs and Governors – are all playing games of one-upmanship. Who can be seen as doing the most to advance Imperial interests."

"Whatever those might be – from day to day," Shaak noted. "From what I can tell – based on my travels around the Galaxy – Palpatine really has no governing philosophy, other than to keep people afraid, but he can't be everywhere at once, and thus the opportunities arise. There is, after all, an Administration, presumably to carry out his will, but it seems to be quite independent when it comes to matters of structure. There is little legislative function anymore, as the Senate has become more of a ceremonial body, thus the Ministries, Departments, and Bureaus wield the real day-to-day power."

"So what exactly is the law?" Maris asked, becoming increasingly curious, realizing she'd never really given much thought to these matters.

"Supposedly, it's whatever he says it is," Varda responded. "But that leaves many unknowns. Does Palpatine think much about banking policy, or commerce and trade?"

"Not really," Shaak answered. "But there are Imperial bureaucrats that do, and in many cases, authority has been delegated at the regional and sectoral levels. For example, the Muuns are still pre-eminent in banking, and our neighbors on Lianna have their hands in everything, well beyond the arms trade."

"Absolutely true, Shaak," Varda observed. "I've been there recently. That planet is really having the good times. They've got all sorts of Imperial contracts, from guns to butter."

"Well, anyway, I think I'll call it a night. We're not going to settle the Galaxy among the three of us," Shaak laughed.

Maris laughed too. "Yep. But the tournament I've been running among the acolytes is down to the semifinals tomorrow. We're seeing some good competition."

Lianna, Valles's office, 6 BBY 6 months, 4 days, 5 hours

Darth Vader had returned to Lianna, and wanted to thank Valles personally. She had of course sent a team to Malachor to assist with getting his TIEx1 up and running, and they had recommended a full overhaul of the ship, which included replacement of various parts and giving it all the latest software. He had made due with a "loaner" for a about sixty days – another ship of the same TIE line, but not one that had his personal needs taken care of. Now the newly refurbished vessel was ready and Valles had offered to show it to him. Once they had taken it out for a spin around the Liannese orbital facility, Vader pronounced it fully up to his specifications. The two of them returned to her office on the planet below and had settled in the lounge area. Valles had briefly gone to her dressing room and had pulled on a loose-fitting blue-green frock and had briefly brushed her hair and applied a fresh spritz of her perfume, then she concentrated on her guest. After she had seen to his needs with a canister of fresh cold water, the Dark Lord sat back and tried to relax.

"Ah, my Lord, I hope that's better," Valles said with a slight chuckle.

"It doesn't hurt … that's for sure." Vader said in his typical low tone.

Valles had a glass of ice-tea, which she was sipping. She surreptitiously scanned Vader and felt a distinct mood had come over him.

"Are you quite all right?" She said in a gentle manner.

Vader was annoyed with himself for being so easy for her to read. He stared at her, knowing she could sense what he was feeling, but then, he figured, Why not? She's always been respectful and of great use to me. What he didn't know, however, was how deep her Force ability ran.

"I'd … like to have a frank discussion with you, my Lady."

Valles smiled thinly. "That would be fine. What's on your mind, my Lord?"

"It's just that …" He stopped, frustrated yet again that he was unable to put his feelings into words. She picked up on the cue immediately, then waved her left hand as if making a gesture to express something but in reality sending a calming wave of Force energy into him and through him. Now feeling a bit more relaxed, as the pain in his joints subsided, he gazed at her sympathetic face. Valles was now fully in control – in a way she hadn't felt before.

"Take your time, Anakin. I'm here for you."

"Lady Santhé. How beautiful you are – inside and out. Some things have taken place recently that I am unable to explain. The recent damage to my ship was not a malfunction of the equipment. No, it was caused by another starship that somehow disabled my hyperdrive. It used a technique that I had not seen before."

"Oh? Perhaps you might go into more detail …" Valles said most gently, her eyelashes fluttering seductively.

"Yes … I was orbiting the planet Malachor, when, all of sudden a ship started firing its laser cannon at me."

"Could you make out who it was?"

"Unfortunately, I could not. I believe it was cloaked, but before I could determine where the blast came from, I was hit twice more and was just able to activate the shields. Then I soon detected a different kind of attack."

Valles puzzled over this herself. "What sort of attack?"

"It was a type of energy beam – one that my shield was powerless to stop, but it was directly aimed at my hyperdrive. It was … as if this person – whomever it was – knew the design and exactly how and where to attack it."

"Hmm," Valles mumbled. "Most unusual. Then what happened?"

"Only this. I knew I had to land, but on my way down to the planet, I then received a coded message. Once I could play it back, the message was most curious."

"What did it say, my Lord?"

"It seemed to be mocking me to a degree. These were the exact words: Anakin Skywalker, soon you will see you are fighting on the wrong side. The Emperor will replace you as soon as he finds another more worthy. But did you hear what I just said?"

"Oh, dear me," Valles said, with an air of contrived concern, that nevertheless seemed genuine to all, other than those who knew her best. "Another more worthy … what do you suppose that meant?"

"I am at a loss," Vader simply replied, as if shaking his head slightly. He reached for the water canister and took a cool drink through his tube.

Valles then stood up and walked over toward the window, to gaze out on Lianna City. It was around sun-up and the light was beginning to flow into the room. She pondered the situation, but found herself coming up empty. For his part, Vader simply sat, hoping he did not appear in a weak position with her, but if she noticed anything, she didn't let on in any way.

The truth of the matter was that Valles was just as curious about the whole encounter as Vader, and she began to consider the possibility that there might be another powerful individual in the Galaxy – one that she had yet to encounter. She walked back over to the lounge area and quietly sat down across from him.

"You say it was an energy beam – one that penetrated your shields and disabled your hyperdrive? How very odd … how might this have been possible?"

Vader searched his memory. But, try as he might, he couldn't think of how such a power could exist. At this moment, he began to realize something, something important. When Mace Windu and the Council denied him the rank of Jedi Master – after all, he would have been one of the youngest ever – they also denied him access to the holocrons in the Temple and the knowledge they contained. At the time, he was only interested in how he might save Padme Amidala from dying, as Chancellor Palpatine had suggested at the time, when relating to him the tale of "Darth Plagueis the Wise."

But none of these remembrances were of any help. Nor was Lady Valles, as she wouldn't have any knowledge of the Jedi's deeper secrets. Still, the Lady's prominent Force signature was beckoning him again. A warm energy radiated from her, an energy that was reassuring, that here was a friend, someone who wouldn't judge him and see him as evil and ugly, the way the Emperor did. It had been almost three years since his last visit to Lianna, when he sat in this very office with her, and she had assured him of her support and the need for the Emperor to show him greater appreciation.

He fumbled for an answer. "My Lady, I have to face the reality. There are things in this Galaxy that I still have yet to learn."

"As do we all," she purred, coming closer, and placing a hand on his shoulder, making sure that she had contacted the organic part of him, as it was there she knew she could reach him. Once making contact, she locked directly into his subconscious realm, and then she could read his thoughts. Clearly, the midichlorian enhancement is working …

"Anakin, my friend. He is expecting you to learn them. But perhaps, I can help. We have all the data pertaining to what took place with your ship, but have not done a thorough analysis. I can ask for that, if you desire."

"Yes, thank you, again, Lady Santhé." He took one more drink from the canister. "I always enjoy our time together … but, I have to be going. As you point out, I have expectations to meet."

"Very well, my Lord. When I learn anything from that inquiry, I will be sure to send it to you directly. Take care of yourself."

As Vader rose and headed for the landing platform, he bowed to her.

"Good day to you, gracious and beautiful lady. May we meet again."

"I will be awaiting it, Lord Vader."

Void Station, Dohlbani Sector, SE Mid Rim, 6 BBY 2 months, 14 days, 16 hours

Ahsoka Tano was finishing up some work on a corporate yacht that needed a hyperdrive tune-up. The work had been tricky and it was an older unit, prone to acting up on occasion, as the ship's captain had informed her. She was a bit worn out and headed back to her apartment for some shut-eye before heading out to the clubs to see what the latest news and gossip was.

A little bit later, Shaak was traveling to Void Station herself. Ostensibly, she was there to peddle some Togruta remedies to the well-heeled clientele often found on the Station. Sliding the Intrepid into a docking facility, she reached out with the Force and located Ahsoka. The younger Togruta had arisen from her nap and had changed into an elegant evening gown and ventured down to a suitable club. Void Station was usually off-limits to most of the normal traffic seen at places like The Wheel and the hotel rates were above their means. Shaak, of course, could easily afford to pay the landing charges and was dressed well-enough to gain admittance to most clubs. Her wares were for sale by "appointment only."

When Ahsoka walked into the club, Shaak had already set herself up in a corner booth, from which she could take in what was happening at the bar. Ahsoka hadn't yet detected Shaak, as she copped a seat and ordered ale. A couple of young humans playfully flirted with the young Togruta and she played along good-naturedly. Meanwhile, a couple of older women, one a Mirialan, the other a Rodian, took their seats in Shaak's booth. After a few more minutes, Ahsoka had finished her ale and was alone for a minute. She then looked across the room and caught sight of an elegant older Togruta.

Ahsoka lazily waved a hand and soon detected the Force signature of the lady, then noted that it was rather powerful. She shot a glance across and Shaak turned her head just a bit and then met her gaze. Ahsoka didn't know Shaak all that well from her days in the Jedi, as the older lady was always a bit mysterious. Soon, Shaak's customers had concluded their business, taking with them a couple of small bags and leaving a pair of 25-credit chips on the table. Ahsoka, seeing her opportunity, walked over.

"Come, my child, have a seat."

Ahsoka, immediately enchanted with the older of her species – she didn't see many of her own on Void Station – sat down quickly.

"I don't believe I've seen you in here before …" Ahsoka noted, softly. "I'm Ashli Tanner, I'm a mechanic."

Shaak chuckled softly. A natural occupation for you, my dear, in these times.

"Good evening, Miss Tanner. My name is Ha'ruun U'maas, I'm a natural healer."

Ahsoka thought about that for a second as she responded. "I'm pleased to meet you; I don't often see another Togruta in here."

Shaak again laughed. "Most of us cannot afford to come to a place such as this … but I manage to do all right in life."

Ahsoka began to feel relaxed around the older woman. "There's something familiar about you."

"What do you suppose it is, my child?"

"It's just … that … I think I remember you from my past. Do you feel the same?"

Shaak nodded. "Indeed I do, and there's a reason for that. You know me, Ahsoka Tano. I'm Shaak Ti."

Ahsoka's jaw dropped, but then, it all made sense. There were indeed other surviving Jedi – and this was one of the most important.

"I think we should go somewhere in private, Master Shaak."

Shaak smiled, then stated. "Let's not draw undue attention to ourselves. Like you noted, Togruta tend to stand out in a place like this. But my cover as an herbal medicine vendor works fine because that's one of the things our species is known for, around the Galaxy. Your ability as a mechanic has worked for you. So I propose this, Padawan Tano. I'll return to my ship, it's on landing platform 13, called the Intrepid. When you can get away, come and join me, wait about a half hour. We will have some things to talk about."

Ahsoka nodded, then briefly glanced around. It seemed no one had paid any mind to the two Togruta women conversing with each other. She then rose and faced Shaak. "Okay. I will see you in about thirty minutes."

To be continued ...