AN: Valles works to consolidate her new-found power while Shaak attempts to learn just who she is; Meanwhile, the rebellion starts to gather steam. Apologies for the long delay – I've not had much time to write in recent months.

Chapter 29: A Nasty Scrape

Lianna City, 4 BBY 10 months, 1 day, 22 hours

Valles Santhé had scheduled a "very important" meeting in her office, some 45 days after her meeting with the Emperor at his palace on Coruscant. It was night-time in Lianna City, and both Moff Wilhuff Tarkin and Lord Darth Vader were seated with Valles in her conference room as it looked out on the busy metropolis below. Lady Santhé had been carefully studying the various information she had received from her underlings in the Santhé Corporation that handled contracts for the Galactic Empire, and had quickly brought herself up to speed on force structures and deployments on the Outer Rim. Emperor Palpatine had directed his top officers in the Imperial Navy to provide all the information she requested, and this included the construction schedule and testing of the Death Star project. Valles had even paid a visit to the planet Scarif, where the project was being completed.

The purpose of this meeting was to ensure that both Tarkin and Vader were in accord with her ideas for the general direction of Outer Rim governance. As they took their seats, the Lady began.

"Gentlemen, it is my express pleasure to welcome you both to my world and our corporate headquarters. Lord Vader, you of course have visited me on previous occasions, but Wilhuff, I believe this is your first time here, yes?"

Tarkin nodded, "It is, my lady."

Valles smiled and winked. She was in an exquisite black sparkling gown, with a rich fur wrapped around her shoulders, while her full mane descended behind her. Vader admired her overall look as she radiated a calm and reassuring presence.

She continued. "To accomplish the organization of the Outer Rim, I propose we concentrate on a series of key planets and sectors, which are arrayed in strategic positions. Lianna will of course function as the regional capital, with the Corporate Sector, Serenno, Muunilinst, Eriadu, and Juvex serving as key administrative posts and functions."

Tarkin noted, "these are excellent choices, milady. It will enable us to space key assets around the region in an effective arrangement overall."

Vader remained quiet, imperceptibly seeming to nod. Valles glanced at him and could detect his thought patterns. She continued.

"After having visited Scarif and observed the progress on the Project, it seems we are still some years away from completion. Wilhuff, what have they been telling you with regard to a target date?"

"At least six to seven years, Lady Valles. Building out the infrastructure has posed some problems. There has been difficulty in acquiring enough doonium to finish the outer hull, and the supply of Kyber crystals needed for the super-laser."

"Yes, I've heard much the same. And I've given it some thought and realized that we can make progress with more droid labor. My friend Lira Wessex on Kuat and I have spent time together over the past couple of years and we are always interested in making our ship building processes more efficient. I would like to extend this to the Project."

Vader then spoke up. "Lady Valles, I wholeheartedly agree with this assessment. The Geonosians needlessly held up the construction of the Project due to their antiquated ways. He came to see this at long last some four years ago and thus we moved it to Scarif."

Valles smiled at him and turned her head in a slight angle. "We have made much better progress in recent years using more … tireless … sources of labor. Lady Wessex was most gracious in agreeing to license her technologies for our yards here on Lianna." Valles then stood and calmly walked over to the windows and gazed out at the city below. Tarkin and Vader watched her carefully, as each was wondering what her plans were. They didn't have to wait long. Soon, Valles turned her head back to face them, then snapped her gaze downward. A touch of red flashed in her eyes for a second and she was no longer smiling.

"I have received reports that there is an organized resistance to our Imperial designs afoot in the Outer Rim. I would like to know what details you have been able to learn about it – locations, bases, ships, and the like. What are we dealing with?"

Tarkin cleared his throat. "My Lady, I can assure you that this resistance is of little consequence at present. From the reports I've received, I hardly think they can even threaten a single Imperial Star Destroyer."

Valles turned her gaze to the Dark Lord. "Do you concur, my friend?"

Vader answered at length, after allowing a full breath cycle. "Not entirely. I have more recently learned there are some individuals associated with them that might pose some danger."

Tarkin scoffed. "I cannot think there are many of those former Jedi still around … and if there were, they would not be a significant concern."

Vader cut him off, "the power you speak of is what is insignificant – when compared to the power of the Force." As the words left his voice modulator, he turned to face Valles and their gazes met. You, my dear lady, know that as well as anyone. He has done well in giving you this assignment.

Valles's eyes flickered again, but then softened as the smile returned to her face. She returned to the table.

"Gentlemen. I'm happy we have made this much needed collaboration a reality. I will, of course, require continued updates and my personal craft, the Bella Donna, shall have full access to all Imperial vessels and bases, along with the Project."

"That will be seen to, milady," Tarkin replied.

"Are we done?" Valles asked.

"I must be going," Vader then announced, as he strode off from the conference room and headed for the exit to the docking platform, where his TIE-x1 fighter was stationed. Valles smiled, then Force-messaged him. Take care, friend Anakin.

Tarkin remained with her. "Lady Valles, there is someone I wanted you to meet."

"Oh?" she responded. "Whom might it be?"

"A brilliant officer who understands strategy. He might be someone to review our understanding of the resistance movement, such as it is."

"Does he have a name?"

Tarkin nodded. "Thrawn."

Valles chuckled. "Is he in the region?"

"He is, my Lady."

"Very well, then … send him to my office tomorrow."

Lianna City, 4 BBY 9 months, 30 days, 9 hours

As directed by Moff Tarkin, Admiral Thrawn arrived – a few minutes early – for his hastily scheduled meeting with Valles Santhé. The admiral made sure every detail of his appearance was in place, as he had been warned that she tended to form her first impression of someone by how that person presented him or herself. As the lift arrived at the 215th level of the Tower, he exited and came to the general front desk.

"May we assist you, sir?" One of the women on duty asked. Valles required this desk to be manned at all times.

"I am here for a 900 appointment with the Lady herself." He answered in a soft tone.

Checking the schedule, she then asked, "you are Imperial Admiral Thrawn, correct?"

"I am."

Upon that, the desk attendant pressed a button, and soon, Valles's trusted assistant, Lasivia Borges appeared, wearing a conservative gray dress, with her brown hair pulled back. She smiled at Thrawn,

"Right this way, Admiral. The Lady is expecting you."

He said nothing and followed behind her as she led him through a portal into her office, with its waiting area empty, then she waved a hand and the entrance to Valles's suite opened. The Lady was seated at her desk, checking her array of screens.

Lasivia led Thrawn over to her, then spoke. "Milady, this is Admiral Thrawn."

Valles looked him over for a second, then rose. "Thank you, Lasivia. That is all."

The assistant left and Valles walked around her desk and faced him. Thrawn was at least 30 cm taller than she, but he gracefully bowed to her, then gently kissed her right hand when she offered it. For this occasion, Valles was dressed in a bright pink dress with lots of white lace trim, giving a most feminine air. Fluttering her eyelashes for a second, she smiled then gestured in the direction of her lounge area, as her fragrance was most abundant.

"Let's have a talk, shall we?" She stated in her gentle lilting Core-world-affected accented tone.

Thrawn marveled at the Lady, taking in her entire personage. Most interesting, she sees herself clearly as a monarch already. But she is indeed captivating in many ways.

As they sat, Valles then opened. "You come highly recommended, Admiral. I am a woman whose time is quite valuable so I won't waste time on pleasantries. What I'd like to know is whether you share Moff Tarkin's general appraisal of the purported resistance movement."

"My Dear Lady Valles," he began. "I have learned over my career to never take anything at face value. Though these rebels appear to be quite undermanned, there is a sense that we have little idea of their true makeup and the extent of their penetration."

"I see. But if you had to assess what we've seen of them thus far, what could you tell me?"

"Their capability seems minimal at best. They do not possess any ships of size and perhaps can send two squadrons of fighters into battle. But the reports indicate they have some talented pilots, perhaps veterans of the earlier conflict that ended the Old Republic."

Valles nodded gently, her eyes remaining their normal soft brown color. "Where have the most recent sightings of them occurred?"

"Milady, they seem to be concentrated on the Eastern Outer Rim." He paused for a second, while she sat back in her chair luxuriantly. "One planet we have identified would be Lothal."

Valles's expression grew serious. Not the situation I want to see, as Lothal is where I want to expand our manufacturing operations. "Admiral, would you perhaps know of our plans to build a facility on that world to speed up production on the Defender line?"

"Yes, milady. And I was most impressed with the design and capability of those ships."

"I'd wondered about the capability the rebels might have … what would you say their featured tactical craft are at this time?"

"X-wing and A-wing fighters. They seem to be a decent match for the standard TIE models."

Valles sighed. "My grandfather was most proud of those early designs. He seemed to think they were state-of-the-art up to his dying days. But our new models will out-fly and out-perform anything the rebels can throw at us."

"My Lady. I had heard even five years ago about Santhé-Sienar's plans in this area, how many of those ships have you built so far?"

"Only a few dozen. It seems my friend Lira Wessex has convinced the Crown that it would be a bad investment."

The admiral laughed to himself at that. Dear Valles, I get the feeling you won't allow that situation to last indefinitely.

"Perhaps more line officers such as myself might be able to persuade them otherwise … I can see that Moff Tarkin thinks quite highly of you and was delighted to learn of your new role in Imperial affairs."

Valles smiled a bit insouciantly at this … Not exactly news to me, Admiral. But what can you do for me in this regard? "Perhaps some of the others … indeed. Well, how should we handle the Lothal situation?"

"I have someone in mind, someone whom I've worked with before over the past few years. Arihnda Pryce."

Valles, of course, already knew of Pryce, and wasn't terribly impressed with her, given the woman's barely concealed ambition and desire for personal enrichment, but here, again, an opportunity seemed to be presenting itself.

"Oh? It seems I've heard that name before. Where might she be at this particular time?"

Thrawn smiled. "Not far away. She's been working on Eriadu for the past couple of years."

"Hmm … and you think she might enjoy a change of scenes?"

"Yes, Milady, I do."

"Very well, then, Admiral … tell her to get in touch with my assistant. I shall find an opening for her in my schedule." She paused, then gazed out the window to the city below for a second, then continued. "I've enjoyed this meeting, Thrawn. You have given me some insight into why you, as a non-human, have been so successful in your career in the Imperial Navy. I think I would like to have you send me direct briefings on what you find of importance in the Outer Rim. The Project's success will depend on how well we can keep things under control. A band of rebels – however insignificant they might seem to some – could present some … complications."

She then rose, as did Thrawn, then offered her hand, which he kissed, then deftly grasped and led Valles over toward her desk. This display of gallantry seemed to amuse her at first, but she realized that he, like so many others, was taken with her charms.

"Until we meet again, Lady Santhé."

"I shall be looking forward to it, Admiral … and to whatever news you can provide me in the months ahead."

Felucia, Shaak's home, 4 BBY 9 months, 27 days, 20 hours

It had been an otherwise uneventful five months for Shaak's Order on Felucia. Two new acolytes had been found by Varda, who was doing more solo traveling than she had earlier. The older woman was enjoying her role greatly as the acolytes were learning much from her regarding Galactic history and various aspects of the various sciences. Shaak insisted on a well-rounded education for all of her people and they were getting one. But now she realized it was time to bring both Varda and Maris up to speed on what she had been able to learn from the monitoring system she had installed on Coruscant.

As her subordinates entered the Master's small home, Shaak greeted them with a smile and invited them to sit on the floor with her. They got comfortable, even Varda, who had fully recovered from her hip injury some ten years earlier, on some cushions Shaak had fashioned from Felucian plant life. Shaak served them each a cup of some hot herbal concoction she had made earlier, which was meant to enable deeper thinking.

"All right, everyone. I've now had a chance to fully consider all I've learned from the Palace and Sidious's guests. It seems that many of them are discussing something they only refer to as "the project." I haven't gotten very far in trying to put it together, but some things are clear. For the Emperor to be so secretive about something that he refers to often tells me it's rather important, and here is the real bombshell – he's put this Lady Valles Santhé in charge of the overall management of it, with both Tarkin and Vader working directly with her."

"Valles Santhé?" Varda asked, seemingly shocked. "We were talking about her a few years ago."

"Who is she, exactly?" Maris inquired softly.

"As near as I can tell, she's running her family's shipbuilding and armaments firm on Lianna," Shaak replied. "Varda, perhaps you've been able to get over there and learn more, in your recent travels?"

"That's right, Shaak," the older Knight answered. "Indeed, she is very popular on her home planet. They see her as glamorous, young, and quite personable. I was able to catch an interview with her on the local holovid channel in the main city. She must spend a fortune on her clothing and styling her hair. The interviewer was quite enthralled by her. They even showed her sitting in the lap of a musician at some swanky club in town, singing some drinking anthem. The crowd ate it up."

Shaak chuckled at the thought of this. "Interesting. And this is the kind of person that can charm the likes of Palpatine. A powerful person that has the common touch."

"So," Maris started. "If she runs the Santhé Corp, I guess 'the project' has something to do with ship construction, else why involve Tarkin and Vader?"

"A reasonable assumption, Maris," Shaak noted. "Palpatine also placed her in charge of organizing his effort to bring the Outer Rim to heel. I'm going to need to learn more about her." Shaak turned to Varda. "What has Fulcrum been able to dig up regarding any huge project the Empire is working on?"

"Nothing at all, Master Shaak. It gives you some idea of the state of our intelligence."

"Yes ..." Shaak muttered. "But, what would you say the state of affairs on Lianna is at present?"

"For the most part, excellent. The people there are prosperous and live quite well. There are several elegant neighborhoods in which to live in the City, and further out, there are many palatial mansions, especially in the areas where Miss Santhé has a palace. The planet is uncommonly clean and well run. I don't know her role in that, however."

"I see. Well, I have been to Lianna at least two times in the past few years and it is a nice place to live. But what exactly is her role, apart from running the corporation?"

Varda laughed softly. "Valles has greatly expanded the scope of her family's business to include many areas having nothing at all to do with weapons or shipbuilding. They are in hotels and gaming, agriculture, and now, planetary engineering."

"What?" Shaak asked, somewhat astonished. "Exactly what is planetary engineering? It doesn't sound all that innocent."

"Not at all. They essentially change the surface of a world – hopefully one that is uninhabited – and engineer it to make it habitable. They can rework the atmosphere and make the surface able to support vegetation, thus making it sustainable. Then they can convert parts of the surface to farming, whose products they market around the Galaxy. All of this makes her ever richer. She is unbelievably ambitious."

"And yet, the people seem to love her. Why do you think that is?"

"Shaak, she's quite charming, as she showed during that holovid interview. People live well under her and there is essentially no organized crime on Lianna – but I've also heard that everyone's activities are carefully monitored."

"And people there are okay with that?"

"They seem to be. In fact, surveys have been conducted that show large percentages of the Liannese would like her to be their queen. They love her that much."

Maris then injected herself into the discussion. "Master, you said that Palpatine himself seems to like her too?"

"It certainly seemed that way from their meeting. I'm trying to picture her during it. I've been able to get some pictures of her and promo material about Santhé Corp's various businesses."

Maris thought for a second, then asked, "do you think she would be satisfied with just being Queen of Lianna? What about other planets and sectors?"

Varda answered that one. "Absolutely. Santhé has essentially annexed all of the worlds near to Lianna, in the Allied Tion and nearby sectors. In fact, I'd be willing to bet she's even been interested in Felucia."

Shaak's brow furrowed a bit as she considered the implications of that. "I guess the time has come for us to know Miss Santhé. We cannot afford to be in a reactive position with her. Before you know it, the Empire could be breathing down our necks."

Lianna City, 4 BBY 9 months, 25 days, 10 hours

Two days later, Arihnda Pryce reported to Valles's office, having been contacted by Lasivia Borges. Pryce was savvy enough to know this was an important opportunity, so making the right impression was critical. They had met before, a few years earlier and she had a somewhat chilly reception from Valles. In the years since, Pryce had resigned her administrator's role on Lothal – as it turned out, to avoid a scandal. She had been skimming from Santhé Corp payments to dispossessed landowners whose property was needed for building new factories that were to build TIE tactical craft for the Empire. The status of Lothal was that it was somewhat of an Imperial "protectorate" world, but there was much underground sentiment and activity in opposition to the Empire. Pryce's earlier time on the planet had done little to help in that area. So when the invitation came for her to meet directly with Valles, Pryce jumped at the chance to win the Chairlady over.

The would-be administrator arrived at the 215th floor a few minutes early and was shown into Lasivia's presence.

"Right this way, Madam," the assistant said softly. "She is expecting you."

Pryce smiled. "Thank you, Miss Borges."

Soon she was standing in front of Valles's desk. The Chairlady smiled in an amused manner, then stood. Valles was in a bright yellow dress that had a flared skirt with undergarments that rustled as she moved.

"Let's sit," she murmured, and led Pryce over to the lounge area where she usually received guests.

As they took their seats, Valles gazed into Pryce's eyes. "Madam Pryce. May I suppose the admiral has informed you of my basic need?"

"He has, Lady Santhé. I'm your woman. I have some experience on Lothal."

Valles nodded and chuckled. "Yes. I remember that. This time, I would prefer that things be run in an above-board manner. Am I clear on that?" She held the gaze and Pryce could feel a quiet intensity in her tone. She answered, somewhat nervously.

"My lady, I can assure you …"

Valles cut her off. "Madam Pryce. If you get this job done to my satisfaction, the commensurate rewards will follow." The chairlady then smoothed her outer skirt and shifted somewhat in her seat, then cleared her throat. "Might I also suppose the admiral has brought you up to speed on the rebel situation on this planet?"

"Indeed, my lady. And agreed to place at least one Imperial Star Destroyer at your disposal to assist with maintaining general order."

"Very well. I want no interruptions in the schedule I've laid out. The manufacturing facilities must be completed and I want the production line operating at full capacity. You will have four months to see to this. Are there any questions?"

"No, my lady. I won't let you down."

"See that you do not."

Valles then rose and turned away from the windows, letting out a soft sigh as her skirts swished seductively. Pryce gazed at her, somewhat in admiration of the Lady's general elegance, then also rose. The two walked back over to Valles's desk, whereupon the chairlady extended her right arm, palm facing downward. Pryce bowed deeply and kissed it, in a show of deference. Valles then smiled, and added softly, "I shall expect regular progress reports from Lothal, send these directly to my assistant, Miss Borges."

Pryce nodded. "It shall be done, my lady."

Lothal, 4 BBY 6 months, 3 days

The next four months continued in much the same way. Valles consolidated her power over the Outer Rim and saw that construction progress on the Project continued smoothly, with any issues being swiftly dealt with, except one. The need for more doonium metal – used in Imperial starships' hull construction – was becoming acute. Valles asked her VP of Planetary Development, Ry Kyver, to look into the situation. The countess then worked with Arihnda Pryce to re-open the Pryce Family mine on Lothal, but it was readily apparent that this would not begin to satisfy Imperial needs for the Project. Ry and Arihnda had developed a good working relationship as both knew they could help each other. The Pryce family was well-connected in Outer Rim affairs and Ry, recently admitted into Liannese nobility, was one of Lady Santhé's most trusted subordinates. The two women met in Pryce's office in Lothal's Capital City to discuss the situation.

"So, you see the problem, Arihnda? The Pryce mine will not likely last another year unless your people can find a new vein."

"Yes, Ry. I am fully aware of that, and to do that, we will need to dig up rather much of the planet, which, I am aware, Lady Santhé will take a dim view of. She's quite the stickler when it comes to environmental issues."

"And she's very serious about that. The Liannese in general are that way. They're quite proud of their world and want to keep it that way … and they have grown rather wealthy in the process."

"So, you've been with her for years, Ry. When did she start wanting to colonize the immediate sectors around Lianna?"

"Oh, it's really not new. Her grandfather always leaned that way, it's just that he only looked at things from the standpoint of weapons development. Valles wants to basically run the economy and this has extended to all surrounding worlds, which she sees as feeders to Lianna. And the last thing she wants is to see Lianna become an Outer Rim version of Coruscant, so that means the nearby worlds will be colonies of the home world."

"And that includes Lothal?"

"It does now … at first, I thought that it was of minor importance to her, but now she's been granted organizing authority over the Outer Rim in general by the Emperor himself."

Pryce nodded, then a sly smile came over her face. "Ry … I think I may have the answer. It just so happens there's another Outer Rim mining firm that has significant doonium deposits on various asteroids in the Northern Reaches. Perhaps the Lady might be interested in its acquisition?"

"Hmm. What's the catch?"

"Black Sun is involved. So the price might be steep."

"I see. Well, Valles might still be interested."

"Has she given you authority to negotiate on her behalf?"

"Yes … and no. Valles is often rather vague. I'll have to sound her out. But I know this: she's likely under some pressure to keep the Project running smoothly. A materials shortage won't please His Majesty the Emperor."

Pryce chuckled. "It seems, dear Ry, that we could be in a position to improve our standing in her eyes. If you might assist me on gaining the governorship of Lothal, I think we might be able to do business with Black Sun."

Ry half smiled. "It's a tricky course, but I can tell you that you were in some hot water with Valles when she learned you were skimming off the funds to reimburse those property owners back when ground was being broken for the Defender plant. The last thing she wants is bad publicity."

"Yes," Pryce sighed. "I learned that the hard way. That's why she exiled me to Eriadu. But, as it turned out, I was in a position to befriend Captain Thrawn. And he put in a good word for me with the Lady."

"You're kind of lucky. Normally Valles is not so forgiving. But if you have something she wants, her attitude changes."

Falleen, 4 BBY 6 months, 1 day

Two days later, Ry arrived on Lothal in her private starship, a vessel she purchased from her ample income working for Santhé Corp. It was the size of a C-90 corvette and had much customization, comfortably sleeping up to five people in separate staterooms, and equipped with a Class 1 hyperdrive. When Pryce got a look at it, she was duly impressed.

"I see, nobility has its privileges. A high-class vessel, Ry."

"I knew you'd like it," the Countess chuckled.

As they took seats in the luxuriously-appointed lounge, Pryce was impressed. The seating area was upholstered with Pasminian cattle-hide made extra soft and smooth. The tables were of imported Wroshyr wood from Kashyyyk. Ry also had a custom-made protocol and astromech droid to see to the ship's maintenance schedule. An R-10 series with certain "enhancements."

The voyage to Falleen – the headquarters world of Black Sun "Vigo" Prince Xizor – would take about 12 hours. Pryce was impressed with the sleeping quarters, which included complementary night-clothes for guests. Ry had learned much about being a proper hostess during her time under Valles's wing, and how important this skill was when dealing with the people of great influence in the Galaxy at large.

"Does your ship have a name?" Pryce inquired.

"Yes. I call it Kelita, named for a river on Mandalore."

"So, that's where you're from, originally? Does the Lady know this?"

"She does. It's not something we talk about, much. But becoming a Liannese has been … an interesting journey."

Once they had reached the world of the Falleen species, Ry transmitted to the surface.

"Prince Xizor?"

A scratchy reply came out of the speaker on the Kelita's flight deck. "Who wants to know?"

"Oh I think you'll remember me, sir … It's Ry Kyver."

After a short silence, the answer came. "Ah yessss … I do indeed. What might I do for you, Minister?"

"Meet me on the landing dock … my ship is called the Kelita."

A few minutes later, Kelita had touched down. Prince Xizor met Kyver and Pryce in person and they went to a conference room in the office block that he used as a makeshift "palace."

After they were seated, and ales were served, Xizor laughed.

"How long has it been, Madam Kyver? By my count, eight years, but they've been good to you. You're looking far better than you did when Cad Bane brought you here."

"Ah, yes …" Ry reminisced. "I was at a personal low then. Cast out of His Majesty's government, but soon to join the Santhé organization. In a way, I owe Bane quite a lot. How is the old guy now?"

Xizor chuckled. "I've not seen him for at least five years. Perhaps that payout from Lady Valles was his last big score … so, what can we do for you, madam?"

"You may address me as Lady Kyver now. I am part of Liannese nobility, thanks to Valles. I have a title, Countess Kyver, and lands on the planet. Very valuable real estate. But what I, and my friend here, Administrator Pryce, are in need of is a supply of doonium."

"You don't say …" The Falleen chuckled as he realized what they were up to. "What are you looking to do with the doonium?"

"Lady Valles is in need of it for an Imperial project. But she won't divulge more than that."

"Yessss … that's how she is."

At this point, "Lady" Qi'ra walked into the room, apparently believing she was fully invited. Xizor glanced at her, then smiled.
"Excuse me?" Ry interjected, then gazed at her.

"Oh, I'm just an observer. I am Qi'ra, nice to meet you."

Ry and Arihnda introduced themselves, then Xizor explained.

"Qi'ra here has been on our team dealing with all matters Santhé for the past few years. She's well-acquainted with Lady Valles."

Ry sized up the situation. "So, Qi'ra, what can we do about the doonium?"

The Corellian woman grinned, then chuckled. "It's your lucky day … It just so happens that we've made a move on a mining company in the northern Outer Rim." She glanced at Xizor for a second, then continued. "They have access to various asteroids in the Corva sector." Pryce winked at Ry as Qi'ra mentioned the firm.

"Does this firm have a name?" Ry deadpanned, whereupon, Xizor spoke up.

"Lady Ry … you're sharp enough to know we aren't going to give that up … for nothing." She attempted to speak, but he cut her off. "Has Valles given you a blank check here?"

Ry thought about that and then responded. "I have tacit approval from her. I think she might want to negotiate the price but will want to do a deal."

"And we very much value her business. When you return to Lianna, have her get in touch with me. Qi'ra will be happy to accommodate the Lady's needs and desires when it comes to this arrangement and I will send her ahead to work things out. Qi'ra has full authority to represent us with the Lady."

Ry thought it over for a few seconds. "Very well. I will report back to Valles. She will likely want to move quickly on this. Take care, Prince. Qi'ra, give me your contact info and we will be in touch."

Qi'ra curtsied, with a sly smile on her face. "As you wish, Countess."

Mustafar, Atravis Sector, South Outer Rim, 4 BBY 5 months, 15 days

[A.N. This scene parallels the ending episode of SW Rebels season 1, titled Fire Across the Galaxy. The differences are due to earlier events in this novel.]

Ahsoka Tano and Varda Wahi were traveling in the ship Tantive IV with Senator Bail Organa. They were reviewing recent developments in the rebellion and had left Dantooine hours earlier. Ahsoka's ship Essence was laid up on Void Station, awaiting some needed parts. Varda was acting as Shaak's "eyes and ears" and they were headed for the molten planet Mustafar. While awaiting the arrival, they shared a snack in Tantive's lounge area.

"So, Ahsoka, I never quite grasped what we're doing on this run. Helping a fellow rebel cell, basically?"

"Yes, these are my friends Hera Syndulla and Kanan Jarrus, plus the rest of their crew. I received word that Kanan had been taken prisoner aboard an Imperial Star Destroyer."

"That doesn't sound good."

"Kanan was able to contact me from their ship, Ghost. He thought things might get a little dicey so he wanted me to get word to the others. I wanted to call you in so Master Shaak could be brought up to speed. Do you think we might need her?"

Varda sighed and took a deep breath. "For her sake, I hope not. She's been diligently avoiding any Imperial contact for years."

"I'm so happy I finally got to meet with her. It was a very interesting session. I could literally feel her power."

"Yes, I recall when I first met her too. She came to my home – then on Nechako. I was a little worried because I knew she had been a High Council member in the Jedi and my record at that time was less than spotless. But she had a special regard for you."

"Oh? How so?"

"I think she had followed your career for a while. Plus you both being Togruta probably helped."

Ahsoka chuckled and nodded at that mention. "I'm just glad she survived the Purge. We need powerful Jedi like her on our team. Say, Varda, what have you heard about Master Kenobi? There are strong rumors he's still alive, too."

"Shaak says it's true, but he's laying low just like she is. The time will come, however, for both of them. We just don't know yet."

After finishing the snack, Varda went to lie down for a nap and she expected to awaken once they had reached their destination. When Tantive dropped from hyperspace, the Mustafar system was plainly visible. The molten-rock red planet appeared between its gas giant neighbors Jestefad and Lefrani – the pair whose gravitational wells kept Mustafar suspended in orbit between them as they all circled around the system's star. But the pull of the two giants made the molten planet rather unstable.

As they approached, Ahsoka watched through the forward viewport and called for Varda to join her on the flight deck.

"Hmm, that looks like an Imperial Star Destroyer," the Togruta noted.

"It is indeed," Senator Organa replied. "It's the Sovereign, flagship of Admiral Moff Tarkin."

"Right … Kanan Jarrus is being held on it, Hera had contacted me earlier. I just couldn't recall the ISD's name."

"So what are we going to do?" Varda wondered aloud.

During the discussion, a TIEv1 fighter approached and from it, Kanan contacted the Tantive.

Ahsoka responded. "We have you in sight. Hang on, the fleet is coming …"

"Roger," Kanan replied.

"Whose ship is that, Spectre 1?"

"The one formerly known as the Grand Inquisitor," Kanan laughed.

Varda remembered the name, which had been mentioned by Maris about three years earlier.

"What happened to him?" Ahsoka asked.

"He jumped into the reactor after he'd lost his lightsabre. It fell into the reactor first and set off a chain reaction. The whole ISD is going down."

Varda gave a low whistle.

Soon, several more ships arrived to mop up the remaining TIEs in the area that had been launched from the Sovereign. While the battle ensued, Varda and Bail watched as the ISD plunged into Mustafar's atmosphere, eventually being destroyed. At the same time, Hera Syndulla's ship Ghost then dropped from hyperspace, and proceeded to dock with the TIEv1. Kanan and his fellow Spectre member, the young Lothalian Ezra Bridger, transferred to the Ghost, whereupon they jettisoned the v1 and watched it fall away, soon to also be consumed by the planet.

The battle soon ended and the Ghost then docked with Tantive. Bail came aboard Ghost first and was introduced to the other crew members, who included the young Mandalorian Sabine Wren, the Lasat Garazeb Orrelios, Bridger, and the astromech C1-10P (also known as Chopper).

"Spectres, this is Senator Bail Organa, of Alderaan, he's one of the leaders of the rebellion against the Empire. And this," Hera turned her head as Ahsoka descended the ladder onto the Ghost, "is the one called Fulcrum."

Sabine and Ezra glanced at each other, happy to learn the name of the mysterious intelligence source who had been directing their missions for the past year or so.

"My name is Ahsoka Tano," she said pleasantly. "I'm pleased to finally meet all of you. We had to be careful to keep our cells separate, so that if anyone was captured, they wouldn't be able to reveal the names of the others involved. Welcome to the Rebellion."

Ezra spoke up, in a respectful tone. "So what do we do now?"

"That, young friend, will be partly up to you," she chuckled. "Today will be remembered as the first open skirmish against the Empire, and we will see it as a victory. You and Kanan performed admirably and you should be proud of what you have accomplished – but this is only a beginning."

While they were talking, the assemblage of ships loosely referred to as the rebel fleet dispersed and went their separate ways, jumping to hyperspace one after another. Bail and Ahsoka wished the Ghost crew well and then prepared to leave. Ahsoka then spoke with Hera separately.

"I need to get back to Void Station, which is not far from here. Are you heading back to Lothal?"

"Sure thing, friend. It's an easy trip."

Varda had remained behind on Tantive. Before leaving on the Ghost, Ahsoka conferred with her quickly.

"I suppose you'll be returning to Master Shaak …"

"I'll fill her in on everything, Ahsoka."

"Thanks."

"Sure thing. And one more. Regarding the Inquisitors, please be careful, Ahsoka. Shaak's apprentice tangled with them about three years ago. The Grand Inquisitor was one of them. At some point, they're going to know you are still alive."

"Absolutely, I will be careful. I would like to keep friends safe, while I still can. But you don't suppose the ones we dealt with years ago were presumed dead by our hands?"

"I'm really not sure … but you must avoid the one called Vader – he is very powerful."

"So I've heard. Varda, do you know who he really is?"

"Not exactly, but Shaak knows. She says we are not going to engage him at this time."

"Right. So … take care and may the Force be with you."

With that, Ahsoka returned to the Ghost for the trip back to Void Station, where her ship Essence was being prepared for her.

Lianna City, 4 BBY 5 months, 11 days, 6 hours

After Moff Tarkin and two aides were able to get off the stricken ISD Sovereign, they headed straight for Lianna. Tarkin wanted to see Valles first – before Vader might have done the same. Knowing that the Lady started her days early, he arrived at the 600 hour and there was Lasivia to show him in. Valles was in a bright red dress and her hair was tied back with a red ribbon and pushed to one side. As he entered her office, she was perusing her screens and scowling slightly. She detected his presence, and without looking up, stated plainly:

"My dear Moff Tarkin. You've been through a nasty scrape, so it seems …"

Somewhat embarrassed, Wilhuff slowly shook his head in resignation.

"Milady, sincere apologies for losing the ship …"

Valles then looked up and sternly interrupted. "And the thousands of personnel on it. We must never forget that those valiant Imperial crew members have families and people depending on them."

Tarkin, realizing he'd given her the wrong impression, stammered, "Of course, Milady. I must take full responsibility. It is indeed a tragedy."

"So I'd like your take on what happened. The reports I received mentioned a reactor failure."

"Yes, that was reported to me. Some of the officers and crew made it off. Unfortunately, we were caught in the gravity well surrounding Mustafar and our engines were dead – so the ship was lost."

"And what was the cause of the failure?"

"At this point, we don't have it ... yet. I've ordered a full investigation into the matter."

Valles scowled again. "Dear Wilhuff, this is not exactly getting my day off to a good start. Were there any sightings of the rebels in the area?"

"Indeed there were, Milady. We had taken one of them as a prisoner but he was proving resistant to our probing techniques. So we headed for Mustafar."

Valles placed her right hand under her chin for a second, then commented. "So that's why you went there … I had wondered about the necessity. That planet holds little strategic value but I am well aware of its history. Tell me, was this prisoner possibly a Jedi survivor?"

"He was, Lady Valles. Went by the name of Kanan Jarrus."

"I am unfamiliar with him … so, was the plan to turn him over to Lord Vader? I am aware of his tower facility on the planet."

"As a matter of fact, we were going to contact Lord Vader, but his agent, the Grand Inquisitor was with us and it was his plan to turn Jarrus over. We also wanted to learn the identity of the rebel agent Fulcrum."

"So what happened?"

"The rebels came to rescue him, in a small freighter."

Valles stared at him, somewhat incredulous. "Against an entire ISD? However did they succeed?"

"This is unclear at present, Milady. It seems the Grand Inquisitor also perished aboard the Sovereign."

"But the rebels escaped on the small freighter?"

"We are not completely sure, but we believe it is a distinct possibility."

Valles remained silent, thinking it over. There is more to this than Wilhuff likely knows. I will have to contact Anakin. To lose an entire Star Destroyer over the attempt to stop a handful of rebels in a light freighter. Either we are quite inept or this group is far more formidable than we realize.

She turned back to Tarkin. "Wilhuff, I thank you for the update. While I am not happy about the loss of the ship and its crew, I am now certain that these rebels pose more of a threat than we had earlier realized. We need better intelligence. Who has the ISB assigned to this?"

"That would be agent Aleksandr Kallus, milady."

"I would like to interview him. Please have him come to Lianna."

"It shall be done, milady."

Valles rose from her desk and came around to stand in front of the Moff, then extended her right hand, palm facing down. Tarkin bowed to her and gently took her hand and kissed it.

"Take care of yourself, Wilhuff. We almost lost you."

"I will, kind Lady. May the news be better … next time."

"See that it is," she chuckled.

Felucia, Shaak's home, 4 BBY 5 months, 7 days, 20 hours

Varda finally had returned home to Felucia and wanted to update Shaak and Maris on the events that took place in the Mustafar system. After the three of them had sat down and consumed a warm herbal beverage that Shaak had created, the questions began.

"So …" Shaak said softly. "Tell us everything you know regarding the events of the past few days."

Maris sat up straight in her chair as Varda began.

"I was traveling on Senator Organa's ship. We were coming from Dantooine, going to Mustafar, and Ahsoka Tano was with me. We … actually, she … had received a distress call from Hera Syndulla's astromech droid, who told us that Hera's friend Kanan Jarrus had been taken prisoner by the Empire and was being held on the ISD called Sovereign. Ahsoka said that she had been contacted by Kanan before he was captured and that he was concerned that there could be trouble as they were planning a bold strike to gain control of a communications tower from where they could broadcast a message – one of rebellion."

"Ah, so these guys have some spirit …" Maris noted, a smile crossing her lips for a second.

"Then, what?" Shaak deadpanned.

"It seems they were successful, to some degree, Ahsoka learned that Moff Tarkin was involved personally in attempting to shut down this rebel cell. The one you ran into earlier …" Varda glanced at Maris. "Going by the name of Grand Inquisitor, help take Kanan into Imperial custody. Then they left on the ISD, and wound up in the Mustafar system."

"So that's why you were heading there … after the droid contacted you." Shaak noted.

"Ahsoka says Hera has had that droid for years, and she trusts him completely."

Varda stopped to take a swig of the beverage, then continued.

"By the time we got to Mustafar, I later learned, Kanan, with his young Padawan, Ezra, were able to defeat the Grand Inquisitor, who basically committed suicide."

"And this was aboard that ISD?" Shaak was growing more interested by the minute.

"Yes, Shaak. Kanan told us that he said some things were worse than death."

Shaak chuckled for a second. "I suppose that's true."

Maris laughed. "I really wanted another crack at that guy … oh, well."

"Anyway," Varda continued. "The ship's reactor failed and the command had to abandon it. It eventually was sucked into the gravity well from the two gas giant planets in the system."

"I take it that Tarkin got off in time," Shaak asked.

"Yes, at least we believe so."

Shaak paused for a few seconds. "Kanan Jarrus was indeed a Padawan during the War, he's only about three years younger than Ahsoka. And, this Ezra, is he also Force-adept?"

"I believe so, Master Shaak."

"Well, that puts a different light on things. I do hope these people are more careful in the future. They could be valuable allies in our struggle."

Shaak then rose and walked a few steps, peering out a window and gazing into the jungle in the distance.

"Varda, what more have you learned about Valles Santhé in the last few months?"

"Nothing new, only that she is further consolidating her power. She and Tarkin are clamping down on the planets of the Eastern Outer Rim not yet under direct Liannese control."

"Yes. It's as we suspected. Palpatine has put her in charge and Tarkin answers to her. But what is her longer-term plan? It's probably not in our capacity to know that yet."

"But, do you think she knows, Master?" Maris queried.

"If I'm reading things correctly, I would say she does. In fact, I think this woman has known for a long time what she really wants to do … and become. There is little doubt she is very ambitious and also rather intelligent. She's not the type to let much get in her way."

Varda then spoke up. "One thing I've learned. The Santhé organization – and it seems to have many parts – is quite secretive beyond the general information they provide the public. I think she prevents anyone below her from ever knowing enough to be able to challenge her in any serious way. Valles knows all, and no one else needs to."

"How do you suppose she gets on with Vader?" Shaak then openly wondered.

"Perhaps better than we might realize. Which makes her even more formidable."

"Varda … we need to keep learning more about her. I suppose that it will be difficult to do this on Lianna itself. Her eyes and ears are everywhere. Nothing likely happens that she doesn't later know about."

Shaak finished her beverage after returning to her chair. "Let's just keep going these same lines. I'm going to head for Dantooine soon to get a better idea of where things stand. We could be reaching a critical juncture."

To be continued …