AN: A connection is made between Togruta, New relations begin between the Empress's apprentices, Valles clarifies her ambitions, and Shaak gains a new opportunity after a meeting on Dagobah.

Thanks to followers: Sel123, Matt220

Chapter 27: Let's See What Happens

Void Station, 6 BBY 2 months, 14 days, 18 hours

After waiting for almost one hour, Ahsoka headed for landing platform 13 and soon saw Shaak's ship. The Intrepid III wasn't terribly flashy, it appeared to be a light freighter about 40 metres in length, kind of a metallic gray in color, with some carbon scoring in various places along the outer hull. Ahsoka knew fully well to never judge the quality of a ship from its outward appearance and she could sense that Shaak had put much work into her vessel. This became even more apparent once she came aboard and realized that it was quite tidy inside and even a touch elegant here and there.

Detecting her arrival, Shaak, now dressed in a light black gown and walking bare-footed, came out to meet her.

"Ah, Padawan Tano. It is good to finally get together with you, should I say?"

Ahsoka felt a little uneasy over Shaak's somewhat buoyant attitude, but she felt she owed the older Togruta some deference. After all, how many surviving Jedi Masters were there? This was the first that Ahsoka was aware of, and there were many questions she wanted to ask.

"Yes, Master Ti. I'm so grateful you are here. What have you been doing?"

Shaak chuckled. "Various things … but I'm glad to finally make contact with you. I understand you are helping the Rebellion against the Empire. So am I."

Ahsoka breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm very glad to hear that, Master Shaak. We could greatly use someone with your abilities. Why did you come to Void Station?"

"To find you," Shaak deadpanned, with a hint of a smile on her face. "I want you to know the operatives you may be hearing from and I wanted to tell you directly. My ship, called Intrepid, has special modifications that prevent anyone from detecting Force-related activity. So anything we say to each other here cannot be monitored."

Ahsoka simply nodded. "Okay …"

Shaak continued. "I am Voyager … and my associates are Ardency and Counselor."

"Counselor? I know her. We first met about eight years ago. It's Varda Wahi, once a Jedi Knight."

"Yes. She has told me. I was very gratified to know you were still alive and hopefully … doing well."

"So she's working with you, now?"

"That's right. Come, Ahsoka, let's sit for a while. I've some things I wanted to say to you."

Ahsoka still felt a touch uneasy about Shaak and her mysterious ways, and the overwhelmingly powerful Force signature she had, but she slid into a seat in the comfortable lounge area on the ship. Shaak had gone to her galley and soon returned with a pair of stone cups that contained a hot beverage.

Ahsoka sniffed the beverage, and it seemed quite pleasing. She took a sip and felt the concoction warming her inside and out. "What exactly is this, Master?"

Shaak chuckled. "A little recipe I have, it will help you to focus your abilities. So, Padawan Tano, what have the years since the War ended been like for you?"

Ahsoka thought about that for a few seconds. The last twelve or so years had been most eventful. She thought about her reconnection with Barriss and then the Mirialan's disappearance, then about Varda and killing the Inquisitors.

"It has been quite a journey. But I must tell you – I've done some things that I didn't want to do. I had to kill two of the Empire's Inquisitors. But it was in self-defense the first time, then to save Varda the second time. She was hobbled with a bad hip."

"I am aware of that, Ahsoka. She has told me. I am most gratified you were able to help her."

Shaak downed her beverage, then continued. "But I sense something else is troubling you."

Ahsoka was a little embarrassed, but she knew – almost immediately – that it would be impossible to conceal her thoughts, so she decided she had nothing to lose by opening up to Shaak.

"Master Shaak, I had found Barriss Offee, and we became friends again – and then we got close, even intimate – but now she's just … gone."

As she said the last word, Ahsoka felt the sadness well up inside her. Shaak felt it as well, and reached over to put a hand on Ahsoka's shoulder. The younger Togruta soon felt a warmth coming from her. She has her path, and you have yours, it is the Will of the Force.

"I understand, Master Shaak, I really do, besides, it's been almost four years, but I really hope she's doing OK – wherever she went."

Shaak simply smiled, then noted, "I was monitoring her progress as well, but she doesn't seem to even be in this galaxy any longer."

"Is she still alive? I very much hope so …"

"The Force tells me she is. But nothing more at this time … Where were you last with her?"

"It was the planet Scarif – southern Outer Rim. We were having a beach holiday together."

"I know of it … but I have not been there …" she paused, then added, mysteriously, "yet."

Ahsoka had a distinct feeling that it was better not to question the Master too closely. She knew well that Shaak was the third-ranking Jedi in the Order before the Purge.

Instead, she simply stated, "I'm very glad you are alive, Master. Perhaps …" but then she left the thought unspoken.

Shaak picked up on it immediately. "Padawan Tano, I think it's time we address this topic – woman to woman. The circumstances of you leaving the Order back then have been on my mind ever since I learned you had survived. I've long regretted my actions in the matter and I felt how you were treated was grossly unjust."

Ahsoka hadn't recently thought about that time – over 12 years earlier – and much had transpired in her life since. But as Master Shaak had now brought up the subject, she again felt uneasy. At the time, Ahsoka was angry with the Council and how they seemed to knuckle under to the dictates of the Republic and the loathsome Admiral Tarkin, someone who had disrespected her even though she saved his life during the War.

"Master Shaak, I …" she started, then stopped, not sure what to say. Instead, she plaintively looked the older Togruta in the eye. Shaak waited for Ahsoka to gather her thoughts. Ahsoka alertly picked up on this, and knew she had the floor, so she calmed down, then continued.

"I am happy you feel that way – now. But if only you had stood up for me then … yet, I suppose it worked out. Because if I wasn't in the Jedi anymore, then it's likely why I survived."

Shaak nodded, then laughed. "Yes, my child, I think that is a distinct possibility." She paused, then looked deeper into Ahsoka's eyes. "All I can tell you now is that when we failed to consider your innocence, that moment was truly the beginning of the end for the Jedi but we didn't see it then. Later, when we learned of how the cloned army was created for us by my old master Count Dooku – who had turned away and joined the Sith – Master Yoda said then that it was too late and clearly, he foresaw what was coming. Only he failed to tell us his vision at the time, and we were blind-sided."

"But, Master Shaak, how did you escape?"

"My old friend – and yours – Master Jocasta Nu, alerted me the morning that everything went down. I made plans with her to get away and we took as many of the holocrons from the Temple as we could find – then I left Coruscant … so far, never to return."

"Master, do you ever worry that they will find you? Sometimes, I do."

"I've taken various precautions, my child. I've learned how to deflect their attempts."

"That sounds interesting … so do you have any plans for how to fight back? Against the Empire?"

"A long-range plan. But it is far from complete and I am continuing to work on it."

"I understand, Master … perhaps it's best if we don't know everything about the various efforts going on with the rebellion."

Shaak smiled. "Yes. That is the strategy at present, but I am in touch with Senator Organa and Senator Bel-Iblis. And I am also aware of your friend Hera Syndulla."

"You are? I guess that's good. Master Shaak, I suppose we all know that you are highest ranking surviving Jedi, so you would likely know more about things than I do."

Shaak chuckled. "I am not as sure of that as you, my child. Master Yoda is alive, as is Master Kenobi, and I still am unsure of the whereabouts of Master Windu."

"So …" Ahsoka began. "This is quite interesting."

Shaak raised her right hand for a second. "But, my child, I do not want you discussing these details openly with your other contacts in the rebellion. The fewer people that know, the better. But … I think it is fitting and proper that you have a leadership role. Your experience clearly qualifies you for the title of Knight – although you cannot receive that title from the Jedi Order."

"Master, I am honored that you should see me in that way. But I think I have much to learn, still."

Shaak nodded. "The fact that you understand that further qualifies you."

She then took a deep breath and exhaled, then rose from her seat. Ahsoka instinctively knew their meeting was over and she rose as well, then turned to Shaak and bowed. "I am so grateful that you survived, Master Shaak, and I hope we will be able to work together in the future."

Shaak simply nodded, then grasped both of Ahsoka's hands, beginning an energy transfer, but also using the opportunity to fully scan the younger Togruta. She has indeed reached a new level of ability and power. I will need to keep observing her in the months to come. Letting go of Ahsoka's hands, Shaak simply said, in a solemn tone, "may the Force be with you, Ahsoka Tano."

"Thank you, Master," Ahsoka replied, then turned to go.

Shaak observed her as she walked away, feeling much better about their future cooperative efforts, and feeling certain that they would eventually be working together, something that had eluded her during the Jedi years. Yes, Ahsoka, my child. You were not my Padawan then, but the day will come when you become my apprentice. Much you shall learn. The Force tells me this, as clearly as ever. And thus the solution to the puzzle becomes more evident ...

Lianna, Valles's Suburban Palace, 6 BBY 1 month, 7 days, 20 hours

Valles and Ry were having an elegant dinner together, being served from the Chairlady's own kitchen, while in the magnificent auxiliary dining area that sat four people comfortably. The two of them were in basic dresses, colorful but nothing terribly formal – Valles in maroon-and-white stripes, while Ry had on an orange knee-length frock. While awaiting their main course of braised goat, Valles took a swig of Almanian ale from her stein and then chuckled.

"Ry, my dear. Tell me more about that idea you had to create more resort properties right here on Lianna. It sounded interesting."

"Sure. Valles, it's come to my attention that there are really no large bodies of water on the surface of the planet. No oceans or seas, or even large lakes. With all the water kept below ground, it's made the surface very beautiful but a little boring. The people have to go to other worlds to have their vacation fun."

Valles started to laugh, but then stifled it. "What are you getting at, my friend?"

"I think, with all the uninhabited land on this planet, we could tap the water supply and create some beautiful lakes and waterways to maybe join them. I've thought about using some of my assets to make a large land purchase for this … might you be willing to back my efforts? It could prove difficult to get the Water Board to go along with it."

Valles chuckled this time, as she drank some more ale.

"Oh yes. They've always jealously guarded the resource. Not that I blame them. Our water is as pure and delicious as any in the Galaxy. Not sure I would like to see a large number of powered boats skimming over the surface of the new lakes you're planning on creating."

"Valles, I do understand. Liannese seem to be quite careful about any kind of pollution. One of the first things I remember were the anti-litter laws in the City. 500-credit fines – just for dropping papers or containers!"

"Yes. We rather like having the cleanest capital in the Galaxy. Others want to match us, but it's ingrained in our culture. Long ago, when we were more spiritual, we believed the gods expected us to take care of our planet. When the Clone War came here, it was agonizing to see the damage that was done – but we cleaned up and set things right rather quickly. Most of our older buildings were spared and the City was not hit too badly."

Ry pursed her lips for the time being, realizing that Liannese politics often focused on environmental issues – and, that as powerful as Valles had become, she still knew better than to buck popular sentiment on key questions. Ry quietly realized she was not truly in touch and had a way to go before she would be seen as a true Liannese, and that maintaining Valles's favor was all-important. Ry's prior record at the Ag Ministry had been anything but spotless when it came to these issues and it likely would not take much digging for a potential opponent to point this out. She sighed softy, at least taking consolation in the knowledge that seeking any kind of public office on the planet was highly unlikely.

Valles then drank some more, and their main courses were brought in by the kitchen staff. They stood by as she took a quick sample. Finding everything to her liking, Valles smiled, and turned to the headwaiter.

"Another sumptuous feast, Jarrell. Delectable flavor combinations."

"More ale, ladies?"

"Don't mind if I do," Valles purred, as Ry nodded. Their steins were quickly filled, then the two were again alone and free to talk privately.

"Ry," Valles opened softly. "I've been thinking. Do you still feel it necessary to go under an assumed name? I should think the bounty is no longer on your head – after all, it's now been eight years."

"Well …" she replied, "I was always more worried about what certain people in the Imperial system might do."

Valles shook her head. "I think that time has passed and that, as a high-ranking officer in Santhé Corp, plus your new title and lands, making you effectively Liannese nobility, you are now above reproach. I've decided to dub you Countess Kyver."

Ry, somewhat astonished, blushed slightly. "I don't know what to say, but thank you so much. Will it be official?"

"Yes … but not public. I am still drawing up the hierarchy of titles and lands for others who will be in the peerage. But this is an honor you have richly earned. You have served the Corporation well, and you have served me as a truly loyal confidant. I feel you fully understand that I intend to become Queen Valles of Lianna in the years to come, though there is no strict timetable for that."

Ry simply nodded at the news. "I had come to believe you wanted to do that, but how do the people of Lianna feel about having a monarch?"

"A good point. It is not yet universally popular, but at the same time I still intend to allow us to be governed by elected representatives. The planetary administration will co-exist with me, and my current role will become more formal."

"I understand my Lady. You will be a good queen, because you care about the people, and most of them seem to like you."

Valles chuckled. "I hope I can continue to live up to their expectations."

"I'm still a little concerned over both Vader and the Emperor. In my earlier role as Minister of Agriculture, I had worked with both of them. Vader, in particular, saw me as a rival and was actively trying to undermine me."

Valles looked her in the eye for a second. "He now has other concerns. With the progress being made on the new project, he has to be wary of his own position with the Emperor. But he has also become fully convinced that the work you were doing with the M-C project was a dead end and therefore no further reason to be concerned that you might be able to undermine his role."

Ry thought back to the attempt she had made some eight years prior to recover her data from the Imperial network, and how it likely still left a trace of her activity. Vader would no doubt have investigated – but then, she realized, he would've come up empty. Her later work on Pasmin with Valles's hair sample showed the correct path to M-C enhancement. Still, she had some questions.

"Valles, does the Emperor understand your role or your abilities?"

Valles chuckled, "I don't have any reason to believe so … I have studied the Force since I was a child. One thing I learned from my grandfather was the importance of concealment – something he was most practiced at."

"Well," Ry replied. "I hope you are correct on this, but you may be taking some chances."

Valles then spoke in a soothing tone. "Leave that to me. It's best that Palpatine think he is unchallenged, and that his main worry is Vader. I have – shall we say – cultivated a relationship with the former Anakin Skywalker, that I believe will yield the longer term results we will want."

Ry thought this over. "Valles, I've also been thinking, regarding your gradual build-up of power in the Northeast Outer Rim, that you continue to have ambitions well beyond Lianna. Therefore, what better way to divert attention than having yourself crowned as Queen?"

"You are a shrewd one, Lady Kyver. Shrewd, indeed."

"Valles – do you want to be Empress?"

The would-be Queen laughed at that, but only for a second, then smirked.

"Let's see what happens."

Open space, Thanium Sector, NE Outer Rim, 5 BBY, 11 months, 20 days

Darth Vader was passing through hyperspace after leaving Lianna and another visit with Valles. She had assured him that all was proceeding according to plan. He had come to tell her that the Emperor decided to award some lucrative contracts to Santhé-Sienar that were part of the Death Star project. She, of course, had to swear to secrecy regarding this project, but was able to convince him to provide more detail on what the battle station would be capable of. Thus she learned of how it was planned to be able to destroy an entire planet – presumably to keep certain worlds in line. And in so doing, Valles also realized this kind of power could be a potential obstacle to her future plans. But since the project was still roughly five to six years away from completion, she figured there was no hurry.

As his TIEx1 ship left Lianna, he punched in the coordinates for the planet Telos. He was planning to meet with Admiral Utu in that sector regarding deployment of ships in the northern Outer Rim. But soon after he jumped to hyperspace, he detected some strong Force activity that seemed completely foreign to him. He decided he should drop from hyperspace and do some investigating. He was somewhere in the Thanium Sector and then realized that it was near the planet Felucia, perhaps 0.1 of a light year away. A quick check of the navigation system and he set a new course for that planet, then arrived in its vicinity a few minutes later.

At the same time, however, Shaak was in meditation in her home on the planet. Suddenly, she detected the unmistakable (to her, at least) presence of Darth Vader, who had just entered the Felucia System. Wasting little time, she jumped in her speeder and went to the blockhouse. Shaak let herself in, and without dispensing any pleasantries to the staff inside – who of course were her acolytes in the Order – she quickly slid in behind a console and did a quick scan that soon produced the location of Vader's TIE ship. Now we'll see if this system is working as I designed it. Shaak then threw a couple of switches and engaged the ion-wave generator system. Once it was in operation, she dialed up the power and a low hum could be heard in the room. The acolytes looked at each other – somewhat in amazement – as the Master worked the various controls.

As Vader drew closer to Felucia – or what his instruments had earlier indicated as such – something strange happened. It suddenly appeared that the planet was simply not there. Vader, confounded, exclaimed aloud, "how can that be?" He started rechecking his instruments. Position? Check. Speed? Check. Sector and system? Check. But – no Felucia. Something didn't add up. He reached out with the Force, but this time, what had been a clear signal was seemingly gone. He thought it over, but began to conclude the following. It had to be another ship passing nearby but the question now is who was on that ship? Vader realized he wasn't going to learn anything more at this time, so he stopped his ship, then re-entered the earlier coordinates and again jumped to hyperspace, heading for Telos, telling himself that something didn't quite make sense but he'd have to worry about it later.

Back on Felucia, Shaak checked her readouts, then also reached out with the Force. Vader had disappeared. Had the system worked? She couldn't be sure, so, in her mind, there was only one thing to do. Shaak rose from her seat behind the console, and excused herself from the room. She then jumped back in the speeder and headed toward the Assembly Hall, where the Intrepid III was located. As she lifted the ship off and left Felucia's atmosphere, she did a quick scan for other vehicles in the system and found none. Taking a deep breath and exhaling, Shaak concluded that her system had performed admirably.

Lianna, The City, 5 BBY 9 months, 15 days, 21 hours

At a swanky restaurant in Lianna City, not far from the main urban palace, newly promoted Fleet Admiral Wilhuff Tarkin was celebrating his designation by the Emperor as Moff for the Northeastern Outer Rim. Valles was leading a group of dignitaries from Raxus and the Corporate Sector in toasting his success. Tarkin heartily agreed to sign additional Imperial contracts that awarded new business to Santhé Corp – including new provisioning arrangements for Imperial forces to be filled by Santhé Corp's foodstuff division. Leading Imperial dignitaries and high-ranking officers were planning to schedule various recreational activities on Vaynai and Cantonica at Santhé Corp Hospitality resort properties and billions were going to be spent.

Being the only woman in the group, Valles was holding court as usual, using every one of her feminine wiles to keep the attention solely on her but in a subtle way. She was clad in a reflective silvery gown with a lovely fur wrap over her shoulders and a dozen bottles of Vaynaian blue champagne were being popped. Tarkin was feeling good as everything seemed to be coming together in his career – he had been made Fleet Admiral, with command of a Super Star Destroyer and as many as 30 of the smaller ships in the group. Valles and her friends essentially could call on Imperial assistance anytime they needed it and she had carefully knitted together all of their respective sectors and systems. For the first time, up to 120 inhabited worlds had agreed to conduct their affairs in a united fashion, centralizing commerce and trade and further joining together the Empire for the northeastern section of the Outer Rim.

"So, gentlemen," Valles stated triumphantly, as she raised her glass. "We now stand on the threshold of a new era, one in which we all shall profit most handsomely. Today – the Northeast … tomorrow – the entire Outer Rim!"

"Hear, hear," the group responded in unison.

Valles groaned inwardly. All of the men at the table were practically old enough to be her father – and were far less fun – but she told herself … the things I do to satisfy my ambitions … ah, just another day.

Open Space, Allied Tion Sector, 5 BBY 5 months, 21 days

Aboard her yacht Belladonna a few months later, returning from a trip to Muunilinst and the Hapes Cluster, Valles was anticipating her arrival back in the Lianna System, when something caught her Force senses – something most profound. She grabbed her com and punched a couple of buttons on it.

"Ah, Sedric … please drop us from hyperspace, there is something I need to investigate … yes, I know we're almost home. Just do it!"

The elegant ship – clad in a rather unique color pattern of black, white, and silver that resembled an abstract work of art – and was the size of a battle cruiser, shuddered to a halt and was now moving at a decidedly slow pace in what appeared to be empty space, light years from any inhabited system. Valles went to the lift and rode down to the lowest deck, which was configured as an elegant lounge that had full observation viewports on all sides. The Belladonna was considered to be a state-of-the-art pleasure vessel but it had many utilitarian features, among them a 0.5 class hyperdrive (the fastest available) and some lesser known offensive capabilities that included a pair of powerful laser cannon, along with thermonuclear-enabled miniature missiles that could be launched on her command only. She chuckled thinking about them, as she'd not yet needed these weapons … but Grandpa always said it was better to have it and not need it – than the alternative. The ship was actually a gift to her from the Kuat Drive Yards and their wealthy ship designer and majority shareholder Lira Wessex, from whom she had taken delivery four years earlier. Lira and Valles were somewhat rivals, but the two women had a grudging respect and admiration for each other,

Valles, wearing a soft leather dress made from Pasmini goat hide, a relatively light garment dyed black – which those who worked directly for the Lady had come to think was her favorite color – sat on a velvet upholstered bench and then gazed through the viewport into what seemed empty space at first. She waved a hand and all the lights in the lounge went to the dimmest setting. Soon, Valles could make out nearby star systems, and, as this was relatively close to Lianna, some of them were familiar.

She fell into a meditative state and finally, re-obtained the Force presence she had detected from hyperspace. Valles, when she had time in her busy schedule, liked to meditate and concentrate on the Force whenever possible, sometimes in small amounts of time, perhaps five minutes. But this time was one of the rarer opportunities and she remained in the state for about a half-hour. And there it was. It seemed to be originating from the direction of the planet Felucia, and, as she reached out even further, Valles could discern multiple Force signatures – all coming from this same direction. How very intriguing.

On her recent visit to Hapes, Valles was again entertained by Queen Vestalia, the jovial and kindly monarch who seemed to dote on her. They had spent some time meditating together and the Liannese leader gained new insights into the Force from the Hapian leader. The queen was immensely powerful but very understated, quite confident in her place in the Galaxy, and at the same time, always looking out for someone worthy of being her understudy and possible apprentice. Valles instinctively grasped this but had yet to understand Vestalia's true intent. One thing was certain, Vestalia instilled in Valles a desire to be a similar kind of leader – all powerful, but also greatly admired, even adored, by her people.

So what was going on in the Felucia System? At this distance, it was difficult to tell, but Valles now knew there were several Force presences there, one of these being very strong in particular. She ended her meditation session, then contacted the captain.

"Sedric, my dear. I have completed my observations. We may now complete our voyage to Lianna, that is all …"

Felucia, 5 BBY 5 months, 21 days

While Valles was doing her investigating, Shaak also detected something unusual. As she was having her late evening meditation, another Force presence was seemingly reaching out to her. But was it intended for her or just a general scan?

She concentrated a little deeper and the picture cleared. Yes, there was surely someone there, but who could it be … Shaak did not detect Vader or Palpatine and the presence was not from the Dark Side, nor was it Ahsoka or any other former Jedi. Well, this is something different … but it's also very strong. I must understand who or what this is – and what its intent may be.

Aboard the Light-Ship, between galaxies within Group 17, 5 BBY 4 months, 7 days (time approximate)

Su had just returned from a short trip and brought the Dark-Ship close enough so that she and Magnifica could beam themselves over to the Light-Ship. It was impossible for the two objects to get closer than 20,000 km as their tidal forces would start to tear them apart. Once they had made the short journey, the Dark-Ship then jumped to hyperspace and was no longer visible. This was Magnifica's first time about the Light-ship and her senses were in full reactive mode. The young woman was now over sixteen standard years old and had reached an astonishing level of power – but her senses and experience were far more limited. Thus Su knew Magnifica was not ready to be introduced to inhabited galaxies where she presumably might do much damage. Outwardly, the youngster was quiet and gentle, not wanting to cause her "mother" any undue concern. But at the same time, a desire was already burning in her to be a great queen of some kind and she quietly dreamed of having ultimate power over a galaxy, where everyone would worship her. Su well understood this, and felt it was now the proper time to bring her two cherished apprentices together.

Once aboard the Light-Ship, Su and Magnifica strode purposefully from the matter transfer facility (there were several of these aboard each of the ships) and boarded a transport tube vehicle, which quickly took them to their destination. Stepping outside, they were on the surface of the Light-Ship and it was apparently daytime (in a relative sense) and they were in one of the bota fields, where Lizza was quietly tending to the plants. Seeing Su, in one of her multi-colored gowns, her heart leapt as it usually did in the presence of her master, but then she noticed someone new, a youngish woman all in white, with long and flowing blonde hair that caught the light and reflected it at times.

"Hello, my dear Lizza," Su began.

The former Jedi, once Barriss Offee of Mirial, smiled. She was in one of her close-fitting black outfits, which showed her now perfect physique, one of which she was most proud.

"Dearest Su, how happy I am to see you. I've been busy and greatly missed you," Lizza said softly as she approached. "And whom might this be?"

Su smiled and Magnifica stepped in front of her to curtsy. "Good day, Miss Lizza. Empress Su has told me all about you. You are my sister. I am Magnifica. I'm most pleased to meet you."

Lizza smiled and returned the curtsy. "As I am as well, Miss Magnifica. She told me how beautiful you are. I am happy to see for myself, how right she was."

Magnifica beamed with pride. Her luxurious blonde locks shone brightly and complemented her plain white gown.

Su then stepped before both them and they curtsied to her.

"Now, my children, I want both of you to know and care for each other. Together you will learn much and come to love each other. We will embark on many journeys together and study the universe of galaxies and continue to add to our store of knowledge."

Su smiled and somehow looked both of them in the eye at the same time. Lizza had become very much the loyal daughter and had been told beforehand that she would be getting a sister, which didn't bother her because her background in the Jedi had made her a "team player". Magnifica had been raised as an "only child" and felt strange having to share Su with anyone else, but she had also been left on her own for long periods of time as she grew up. The circumstance of her birth was most unique, as Su had conceived her directly and raised her in an incubator aboard the Dark-Ship. Once the child was about two years old, her Force ability was already prodigious but Su had greatly limited her environment at first and the child spent much time studying various things that Su presented to her on data pads and screens. When Magnifica was deemed old enough to walk around and experience life outside of the bubble she was born and raised in, Su took her to many places and gave her many experiences.

But Magnifica had to learn now how to share her master with another person, so there were bound to be hurt feelings on her part. Su of course anticipated this but now it was time for the girl to come of age emotionally. Lizza was determined to make it work and she was immediately attracted to the lovely younger woman. Her own Force powers were becoming more and more advanced and this made her only want to serve Su as best she could. Lizza's previous experience as a Padawan prepared her well, as her Jedi master Luminara Unduli (a fellow Mirialan) had been strict in training her. So strict, in fact, that Barriss was greatly pleased when she had earned her promotion to Knighthood. But what Su was teaching her went far beyond anything the Jedi could have conceived of. Her new master did not place much emphasis on Dark Side vs Light Side philosophy but rather how each of her children saw things. To Su, power was not an end unto itself but merely a circumstance brought about by events – and events could be shaped in many ways. The most important value was knowledge and understanding of the universe as a whole.

She decided to allow Magnifica and Lizza to come to know each other on their own terms. As they went off together, Lizza put an arm around her new sister and Magnifica turned to smile at her.

"Would you like to share sleeping quarters with me?" Lizza asked.

"Yes," came the reply. Magnifica had little idea of what was expected and was willing to defer to her obviously older sister. It seemed the two would get along well, but Su knew there were bound to be areas of disagreement and wanted them both to work these out between themselves.

In Hyperspace going to the South Outer Rim, 5 BBY 3 months, 21 days

Shaak had puzzled over the strange Force presence she encountered weeks earlier and decided it was time for another perspective. It had been years since her last visit to Dagobah and her short discussion with Master Yoda and this seemed like a good time to visit again. She had originally planned to reconnect with him only two years later but that did not take place – however, she was able to contact him via Force transmission. Before leaving, Shaak left word with Maris and Varda that she would be gone for "just a couple of days" and not to be too concerned, but she didn't say where she was going or why.

As she left in the Intrepid III, Varda and Maris watched silently.

"Did she tell you anything?" Maris asked her fellow Knight.

Varda simply shook her head.

"Well," the Zabrak replied. "We've got plenty to do around here …"

Shaak set her course for Dagobah – some 15 hours by the shortest route, and on the far southern reach of the known Galaxy – then put herself into a deep trance state after the jump to hyperspace had been made. About three hours later, she came out of the trance and retired to her sleeping quarters after changing into a light green silk gown.

Dagobah, Sluis Sector, South Outer Rim, 5 BBY 3 months, 20 days

Finally the ship arrived in the Sluis Sector and Shaak was relieved. She'd had time for two substantial meals and even got in some sabre training work just to keep her body exercised. Now the moment was at hand. A few minutes later she brought Intrepid into orbit and scanned for the old master's presence. Eventually she found it but it seemed fainter than usual. Is he growing weary? I guess I shall have to wait and see. The descent to the surface was uneventful and the Togruta master found a suitable landing spot, then donned a velvet robe as the planet's axis tilt told her the weather would be somewhat chilly.

As she stepped out into the moist air, she pulled the robe around and shivered. I don't recall it being like this … She chuckled for a second, then the familiar, diminutive figure of the timeless former Grand Master was in view. Yoda shuffled over cheerfully, aided by a wooden stick to steady his gait.

"Master Ti!" he exclaimed, in a friendly tone. "A very long time, it has been."

"My apologies, Master. But I had this feeling, over the years, that you were aware of all I had been doing. Was I correct?"

He snorted a bit, then nodded. "For the most part … you were. In your own words, like to hear it, I would."

"Very well," Shaak chuckled. "It's been most productive." She looked around, then gestured. "Shall we meet on my ship?"

He nodded, then they trudged slowly toward the Intrepid. Once aboard, they sat in the lounge.

"Might I serve you a beverage? It's a bit chilly today … maybe what I have could warm your insides."

He gave her a look that seemed to indicate yes, so she simply used the Force to pour a cup-full of warm Felucian herb tea and then sent it to his hands. Sipping the brew, Yoda grunted appreciatively.

"Most advanced, your talent with plants has become. With Knight Varda, you have been working, yes?"

"Indeed," Shaak chuckled. "She and I have shared recipes. Felucia has become my home and I enjoy the peaceful place it is today. Few would realize how many conflicts took place there in the past."

Shaak then related to Yoda about the various activities she had conducted over the years on Felucia. These included the recruitment and training of new Force-sensitive people that were becoming skilled acolytes in her new Order. Also she reviewed the progress made by the rebellion – although it was slow, it was steady.

"The leader of the Rebellion, you see yourself as?" He asked, pointedly.

"At some point, I believe I will become that. Currently, I don't yet see the need. A few months back, I met with former Padawan Tano. She has been making great progress over the years since the War ended."

"Plans for her, you have?"

"Absolutely. I wanted, however, to ensure that she could trust me after what happened with the bombing incident and how she was unjustly accused. I am still not proud of my part in the matter. As we talked about her, nine years ago, I had wanted to wait before I contacted her."

Yoda simply nodded, as Shaak continued.

"So I think it will work out fine with her and eventually, I will want her to join with us, on Felucia."

Yoda, of course, was not in the habit of wasting words. He liked to hear everything someone had to say first before offering his thoughts.

"Ready, you feel, she is?"

"Yes, Master. I got a good feeling from her. She's had a sort of … awakening. I guess that's what I'd call it. The Force was telling me that Ahsoka has reached a new level of awareness … of power."

The old Jedi looked up for a second, as if sifting the air, then gazed directly across at the Togruta.

"Master Ti, long have I watched you. The most brilliant student, you were. Never anything rash and unexpected from you, there was … But a new level of power you have as well."

"I have studied many of the holocrons. Especially about the history. Master Yoda, were you aware of the arrangement between my old master Dooku and the one called Darth Plagueis?"

Yoda snorted and pushed his upper lip up toward his nose. "Heard of such things, I had."

"It came to me in the past three years, especially after I had returned from Muunilinst. I have a relationship with a banker there that knew him – as Hego Damask."

Yoda said nothing, carefully weighing what she was saying.

"Master, the Sith were hiding in front of us for a very long time. This Damask – it was he who first contracted with the Kaminoans twenty years earlier – when I was but a youngling – to build the clone army, but the plan did not take shape immediately. Palpatine was his apprentice … who obviously later killed him and assumed control over the plan … which was to implant chips in the heads of each clone so they could be controlled when the time came. We came so close to undercovering this before it was too late."

"So, Master Ti … the reason you came to see me, this was?"

"Partially. But just a few days before, on Felucia, I detected a Force-sensitive presence. I am certain it was not Vader or Palpatine. However, it also was not any Jedi I might have known before."

Yoda was deep in thought by this time, when Shaak asked, "Master, have you heard of someone named Kerred Santhé?"

He grunted for a second, then muttered. "Somewhere, that name, I heard …" He looked at Shaak almost apologetically.

"Well, Master, I mention this name because of two things. One is that he was a friend of Damask, and two is that his granddaughter, a young woman named Valles, runs the Santhé-Sienar Corporation which was a major supplier of arms for the Republic, and now for the Empire."

"Master Ti … Kerred Santhé, where is he now?"

"I don't know, he might be dead. But the company is on the planet Lianna, which is not very far from Felucia."

"So, the unknown Force presence … coming from Lianna, it is?"

"Could be. I will have to learn more. I think it was just a hunch." She paused, then mentioned, "one more thing, I was recently on Malachor. There is an old Sith Temple there and I recovered a set of holocrons from it. I have not yet begun to study them, but every time I look into those artifacts I learn more and more about our adversaries. I believe the key to defeating them lies there."

Yoda made something of a frown upon hearing this from Shaak. "Great caution, you must take. The secrets of the Sith, dangerous they are. Promise you great power, they will, but the path to the Dark Side, it is. Your teaching from the Jedi – remember it you must."

Shaak nodded. "Absolutely, I do. But I will not seek power for my own purposes. Only to free the people of this galaxy from evil. That is my promise."

"All the same, Master Ti … the enemy – do not underestimate. Powerful, he is. Faced him directly, I did. If, confront Sidious you must, your training, complete it must be. Depend upon you, the Galaxy does."

Shaak looked at him with a blank expression. "I won't be ready for that day for a long time, Master. But I feel you are correct. The Force is telling me I must take the lead. And I will use my own judgment on when the time is right."

Yoda smiled for the first time. "Faith, I have in you, Shaak Ti. Glad, I am, to be of assistance. The Force, may it be with you."

Realizing there was little left to discuss, Shaak started to prepare her ship. Yoda got up, after downing the rest of his serving of Shaak's warm beverage. The two clasped hands for an energy exchange – one that lasted a full minute. As they released, Yoda turned and left, starting down Intrepid's ramp.

"I will be in contact, Master," Shaak said softly. Yoda nodded and went on his way.

Well, that was good, although more value came from the things we didn't say. But he has no more idea than I do at this time who was scanning me and I felt no need to mention Vader's attempt. We both know how unsubtle Anakin was and little has changed in that regard.

The ship was now ready for lift-off and Shaak thought about where she might go. Then something came to her, almost like a kind of vision. Go to Coruscant, Shaak. Your opportunity awaits. Before she engaged the engines, Shaak went into a short trance. During that session, she relaxed completely and let the cosmic Force fill her consciousness. As she emerged from the trance, Shaak was refreshed and ready. She set course for Coruscant, but to come out of hyperspace a short distance from the planet, so she could do a Force scan.

The trip to the Capital would take about ten hours, following well-traveled hyperspace lanes. Shaak was well aware that this would be her first return to the planet in almost 14 years, but she felt ready. Intrepid III jumped to hyperspace and she went off to train and meditate, then get some sleep.

To be continued …