AN: This part of the story runs alongside chapters 45-47 of Ahsoka and the Rebellion.

Chapter 46: With My Eyes Open

Lianna, The City, Urban palace, 0 ABY 11 months, 5 days

About three weeks earlier, and late one evening, as Valles was getting ready for a formal occasion at her palace in Lianna City, she received a com message from Imperial Fleet Command. As the info flashed onto her screen, she smiled, then engaged the com.

"Admiral, this is an unexpected pleasure. Have you anything to report?"

"Indeed I have, your Majesty. The Rebel assets are now in place on Hoth, as you had indicated they would be."

"Very good," Valles chuckled softly. "What is their force level?"

"Admiral Rae Sloane has reported back to me that there are three battle cruisers and significant numbers of soldiers on the ground. They appear to have high-powered defensive weaponry in place."

"I see. Have any shots yet been fired?"

"No, your Majesty, only they've impounded one of our shuttles that we sent to investigate. The ships appeared to be of Imperial design, so we wanted to confirm whether they might be ours. It seems we got our answer."

"Very good, Fleet Admiral Rax," Valles said softly and deliberately. "Keep me posted on further developments. I will send further orders as may be indicated. For now, do not engage. Repeat, do not engage."

"Yes, your Majesty. Understood."

Felucia, Shaak's office, 0 ABY 11 months, 22 days, 8 hours

Shaak called Ahsoka, Vader, Maris, and Frehya into her office for a final strategy meeting. Significant assets had been moved to the mostly frozen planet (except for an area near the equator) of Hoth over the previous three weeks, giving the appearance of a Rebel base. Three of the battle cruisers that Shaak had purchased from Valles were there and emplacements had been built on the surface. Up to 20,000 troops had been stationed there and they were conducting drills. It was now time to put the plan into motion.

Shaak stood at the head of the conference table in her now-expanded office, with Ahsoka and Frehya seated to her left, and Maris and Vader to her right.

"All right, everyone, we are making our move. I've just received word that two more ISD have been sent to Hoth, so Anakin, you will go with two more of the cruisers. Once you arrive at Hoth, prepare to launch interceptors and the mobile satellites (these were from the system Ahsoka had first used on Almania)."

Vader nodded in assent. "Yes, Grand Master. It will be done. My son will be piloting one of the Defenders."

She smiled at him, gave a nod, then turned to Ahsoka.

"Ahsoka, dear, you are the overall theater commander. Anakin will be reporting to you. Proceed now in Corvala Dawn. Once the battle has begun, you and Maris will target one of the ISD. When you have compromised the reactor, contain the spread as long as you can. I want you to broadcast directly onto that ship's bridge from your ship. You will offer to help them evacuate to the surface or their ship will be completely destroyed before they can. And, Tri'ku will be commanding the sixth cruiser and he will arrive in the theater a little after Anakin does."

"Yes, Mother, we understand. Let's go, my friend."

Maris nodded and smiled. "We will get it done, Master."

"Frehya, you are going to come with me in the Intrepid."

"Master, just curious … what are we going to do once we get there?"

Shaak chuckled. "You'll just have to wait and see. I've got a plan but it's on a need-to-know basis." She took a deep breath, and then continued. "All we have done over the past twenty years has led us to this moment. We cannot fail – we will not fail. May the Force be with all of us."

Lianna, The City, Valles' office, 0 ABY 11 months, 22 days, 10 hours

Valles received another text message from Fleet Admiral Rax.

It read: ISD Extirpator and Demolisher now in place in Hoth System. Awaiting further orders.

Valles smiled, then typed out a response:

Draw the Rebels out. If they return fire, destroy them.

She then chuckled. Sorry to lose two perfectly good ships, but I know Ahsoka and Shaak will ensure that most of the crew will be spared and taken down to the planet.

Hoth, Anoat Sector, South Outer Rim, 0 ABY 11 months, 24 days

(A.N.: This is a brief summary of the action on Hoth and is covered in full in Ahsoka and the Rebellion, as part of chapters 45 and 46.)

Once the Order had their forces in the Hoth System, Ahsoka ordered Vader to engage the Extirpator and when his ships got within range, for their TIE Defenders to be deployed. Ahsoka's fiancée, Tri'ku Je'har, positioned his ship in a supporting role to the two cruisers under Vader's command. From Corvala Dawn, Ahsoka puzzled over the Imperials' seeming hesitance to engage them, thinking they might be wary of the Circle of Light Force power that had been used on other vessels in the fleet, despite it having been months since its last use. Admiral Rae Sloane, commander of the ISD Devastator and the battle group of three ships, decided to wait for the Rebels to make the first move, but then to come out firing once they did.

She didn't have long to wait. Vader was happy to make the first move as he ordered Green and Blue TIE squadrons to launch at the Extirpator. Ahsoka then made her move and pushed her ship up and over the ISD. She then signaled to Maris to commence the Circle of Light attack – this being Maris's first experience using it in actual combat. She and Ahsoka clasped hands and concentrated on the ISD's main reactor, causing the bulkheads to suddenly open and radiation to flood out. The surviving crew members would later recall there had been a blinding blue flash shortly before the trouble began. They were temporarily able to get the reactor contained and shut down, but Ahsoka and Maris sent a second wave of the Circle of Light – while the Rebels' TIE Defenders were doing damage to various parts of the ISD with their Kyber-powered lasers.

Ahsoka then broadcast to the bridge of the Extirpator, telling them they had five minutes to evacuate the ship before it would be totally destroyed. Sloane, picking up on the transmission, called the stricken ship for a status report, which was not good. Ahsoka then ordered two of the remaining three Rebel cruisers into battle, telling them to mount an attack on the Demolisher. The Rebels' TIE Defenders soon had space superiority over the standard models that were launched by the Imperials. She then deployed fifty of the satellite droids (each with Kyber crystal lasers) to mount an attack on the command ship Devastator. Ahsoka and Maris further twisted the screw and the main reactor had become critical. At this point, Sloane had seen enough and told the crew of the Extirpator to man the shuttles and evacuate down to the surface of Hoth. Ahsoka then broadcast a similar evacuation demand to the Demolisher. Soon after that, she and Maris finished off the Extirpator with an attack on the hyperdrive column, while the commanders of that ship were able to get to the Devastator.

As the Demolisher started its evac procedures, Ahsoka then contacted Sloane and demanded their complete and unconditional surrender. Sloane turned to her officers on the bridge, asking for a damage report. It indicated they still were mostly intact and their hyperdrive was still functional. She considered the fact that her people were being given safe passage to the planet below and decided they had to retreat before Ahsoka ordered their destruction too. Sloane encouraged everyone aboard the Demolisher to get away while they could and then ordered her ship to retreat. As the Devastator jumped to hyperspace, Ahsoka and Maris finished off the Demolisher with another Circle of Light attack. At this point, Shaak emerged from hyperspace, with Frehya, aboard the Intrepid V. They soon docked with Corvala Dawn. Ahsoka then filled Shaak in on the happenings thus far in the battle. The two ships docked, then Shaak and Frehya came aboard Corvala Dawn. Shaak then indicated they would wait for the next move, which she was sure would soon come.

When the Devastator reached the Endor System, Sloane and Rax discussed what had happened aboard the SSD Ravager. Rax, who had been a longtime friend of the Emperor, suggested that because Ahsoka was once a Jedi, she might have been using the Force, and, if so, what was to stop her from doing it again, indeed, for as many times as she wanted to? Rax then reported what had happened to Palpatine, who then believed that Ahsoka had been the one haunting him all along. He decided to go to Endor and join the Ravager, so as to prepare himself to at last meet with Ahsoka and thus turn her to the Dark Side – something he felt certain he would succeed in, as she was clearly using a power that she could never have learned from the Jedi. What were a few lost ships, when compared with the prospect of having an apprentice with this much power? Indeed, the lovely Queen Valles would soon see the benefits, as Ahsoka would likely serve her as well. So, it was all good from his point-of-view.

Before Palpatine had arrived on Endor, Shaak met with Ahsoka, Maris, and Vader, and had to reassure Anakin that she indeed had the power she needed – which she had demonstrated to him a few months earlier on Felucia. As the meeting ended, Shaak went off to meditate alone, while each of the others thought about Shaak and what she had done for each of them and how grateful they were to have her at this time. Anakin, for the fact that she did not terminate him when she had the chance, but instead showed her graciousness in sparing his life and then bringing his son and daughter into that life. Maris thought about how running into Shaak on Coruscant on the first Empire Day clearly saved her life and then about how Shaak had patiently trained her and made her feel like a daughter to her. Ahsoka also had come to see Shaak as a maternal figure in her life, and even though the older Togruta had introduced powers to her that seemed like the Dark Side, she realized that she had the choice whether to use them or not, and how they would be used.

During her meditation, Shaak could sense Palpatine on his way to her and she was anticipating his arrival. The Emperor first went to Endor, then ordered Rax to take the Ravager to Hoth. Once there, he quickly took a shuttle down to the surface, then eagerly awaited his anticipated meeting with Ahsoka. But the first one he met was Vader. As the Dark Lord stepped aside, there was Ahsoka in a lovely multi-colored sequin covered robe. Palpatine presented himself to her as he would to Valles, an elegant older man, much like the one-time Chancellor of the Republic had looked the last time that he and Ahsoka had laid eyes on one another – many years earlier, during her trial for the Jedi Temple bombing. She was no longer that impudent teenager, but a beautiful and refined Lady of the Galaxy. But then, Vader came to Ahsoka's side and put an arm around her, as if to say she was still his apprentice from the Clone War days. This dismayed the Emperor, but then Maris also appeared – a Zabrak like his onetime apprentice, Maul. He quickly detected the Darkness in her and concluded she must be Ahsoka's apprentice and that, together, the three of them would quickly put the Galaxy on the right course. Maybe he wouldn't need to retire after all, and Valles could continue to rule the Outer Rim from her home of Lianna.

But then something happened. Vader stepped forward, simultaneously giving both Ahsoka and Maris a Force push in different directions, whereupon they were on either side of Palpatine, with Vader staring him down. The Emperor prepared to blast him with Force Lightening … but before he could, both Ahsoka and Maris launched electric blasts of their own at him. The energy was direct and sudden, and it took him totally by surprise. It was all he could do to hold them both off with his own electricity. He was able to meet both their blasts, each with one hand, but Ahsoka gave Maris a quick nod and they both doubled their level of current, taking it from 10 kW to 20 kW. This started to turn the tide and the Emperor could feel them starting to bear down on him. It took almost everything he had to hold them both at bay. He furiously tried to concentrate and make sense of what was suddenly happening to him, when an ominous new presence could be felt.

Palpatine mustered up all the strength he had and had started to neutralize Ahsoka and Maris, but then, suddenly, something started to swell and move toward him that resembled a miniature storm with terrifying intensity. Vader had stepped aside to allow it to pass, and it was almost on top of the Emperor when an absolutely blinding light poured forth seemingly from within the storm and briefly turned night into day. As both Maris and Ahsoka relinquished their electric blasts, Palpatine was bowled over by the storm and the intensity of the flash. He quickly lost consciousness and dropped to his knees, no longer looking like the chancellor of old but instead an even more haggard and tired old man than he had ever looked before.

The storm stopped, and the light died down, and then standing alone in front of him was Grand Master Shaak Ti, adorned in a robe of seemingly pure platinum, its every ripple catching the light and making her appear as a transcendent figure, and her lekku appearing to have a neon blue gleam. Soon she was raising Palpatine's body in front of her and extending his form horizontally. Maris, who quickly rebounded from the tiring effort of keeping her part of the lightning going, had summoned what appeared to be a stretcher and then she positioned it under the Emperor's body as Shaak gently lowered him onto it. Ahsoka and Vader also came up next to the GM and stood ready to assist her.

Vader was stunned over what had just taken place. All too easy. "He is still alive, my Master," he spoke toward Shaak.

"Yes …" she noted, with a satisfied look on her face. "Prepare my ship," she ordered Maris and Ahsoka.

"Right away, Mother," Ahsoka replied, as Maris nodded.

As they left her, Shaak then pulled out her com device and contacted Valles. The Queen answered. "Master Shaak? Is it done?"

"It is. You may address me as Empress Shaak now."

"Ah," Valles chuckled. "And so, it begins. Congratulations are in order, my most magnificent Galactic Majesty. I await your directives, my Empress."

Shaak then chuckled in return. "We leave for Avalonia soon, I will see you there, dear Queen Valles."

Satisfied, Valles then connected again with Rax. "Admiral, the deed is done. Your new liege is Empress Shaak Ti, the old man has decided to retire. I will be Grand Vizier to the Empress and still serve in my capacity as Queen of Lianna and all Outer Rim worlds." Left unstated was Valles's latest expansion of her territory and the as-yet unannounced new Outer Rim framework. With Palpatine in retirement, she had plans for a complete overhaul of the Moff setup and decided that these posts would be filled with existing planetary and regional leaders – the individuals responsible for making all payments to her. The new system would require a couple of years to be fully established, and there were plans to eventually pull in the entire Galaxy, but this would proceed gradually.

About five minutes later, Emperor Palpatine, still unconscious, had been loaded aboard the Intrepid V, and was being watched over by Maris. Ahsoka's ship Corvala Dawn was also being prepared for departure. Before they left, Shaak summoned Knight Xendar Silkaw and Commodore Tri'ku Je'har to her. They both gave her crisp salutes and awaited her orders.

"Gentlemen, proceed with the plans as we discussed. Fleet Admiral Rax will be awaiting your transmission of my orders and we shall move to assume command of the Navy. You will proceed to Endor and await our return within 72 hours."

"Yes, my Empress," Xendar said proudly, echoed by Tri'ku. "It will be done."

They quickly strode away to begin preparations. Shaak then turned to Ahsoka and Vader. "Maris will travel with you. I shall watch over former Emperor Palpatine alone. We have much to discuss about the next few days. Now … we head for Avalonia."

Aboard the Dark Ship, somewhere in the South Outer Rim, 0 ABY 11 months, 24 days

Lizza and Magnifica had just finished watching a recap (or was it in real time … they had no way of knowing and also knew that Su was unlikely to tell them) of the events on Hoth, where now former Emperor Palpatine had been severed from the Force and was greatly weakened. Su, who stood behind them, with a hand on each of her apprentices' shoulders, awaited the questions that would soon follow.

"Who was that person that made this all happen?" Magnifica queried. "She seems to have extreme powers."

"I think I recognize her," Lizza answered. "But she looks far different from what I remember. It's Master Shaak Ti."

"Who is now Empress Shaak Ti," Su noted. "A very effective plan of action she carried out, over about twenty of their standard years."

"I think that was my friend Ahsoka with her, along with Darth Vader, and someone else I didn't recognize. Vader appears to have turned against his former master. Plus, Ahsoka is more powerful now, too, since I was last with her. Of course, it's been ten years."

"All true," Su chuckled. "And we shall soon see what the new Empress's plans are … and those of her primary ally."

"Who would that be?" Magnifica asked.

"Someone we have not discussed prior to now, but also someone with great power."

"Ah, really …" Lizza sighed, "is it anyone that I might know?"

"Most likely not. This individual comes from a family of Force adepts, which are somewhere in between Dark and Light. She is something of a unique case."

Su then waved a hand and a gilded throne arrived, one with numerous carvings of a strange design to Lizza, who concluded they were from another galaxy not her birthplace. The self-styled "empress of everything" calmly took her seat and then ran both of her hands through her long white hair, which had grown in length to about three metres. Both Lizza and Magnifica sat patiently on the bench from where they had been observing Shaak's takedown and awaited Su's further explanation.

"My children, there has been a theory – or perhaps a general supposition on the part of certain actors – that Force manifestation and action only takes place as a binary choice. But that has never been entirely correct, as the life of this individual shows us. The history of her family indicates more Dark than Light, but this is an overly simplistic analysis. This person's name is Valles, and she is the Queen of a planet on the Outer Rim of the Primary Galaxy of Group 17. Her grandfather was gifted in the Force, but was neither a Jedi nor a Sith. He passed his ability to her via both her father and her mother – each of whom were his children, though they had different mothers. This mixture is not unprecedented, but it is rather unusual."

Lizza had questions after learning this information for the first time. "My Queen, is this Valles more powerful than Palpatine was, and is she more or less powerful than the new Empress Shaak?"

Magnifica was keenly interested in the answers to these, and she gazed intently at Su.

"Maybe … maybe not. How you frame this question matters less than you might think it does. The amount of power someone may have will differ from occasion to occasion, but for the three individuals in question, at the current time, Shaak is the one we shall be concerned with."

"Concerned, how?" Magnifica responded.

Su purred softly, lovingly caressing her younger apprentice's golden hair. "We are going to observe her – her speeches, her methods and policies. She has the potential to be a very effective leader."

Lizza added, "I don't remember much about her when I was in the Jedi Order. She was a person of few words much of the time. It was whispered that she had some extreme powers even then. It now looks like those rumors were correct."

"Very well, then," Su smiled. "We shall monitor things carefully. In the meantime, you two will return to your training and studies. And we shall take some trips together. The Dark Ship will be undergoing some maintenance, so we shall use the Light Ship for a time. That is all, for now. We will get together soon."

Lianna, The City, 0 ABY 11 months, 25 days, 14 hours

Crown Prince and Pa'tsa Lar Deen Patasi, Vaston of Hapes, had arrived in the Lianna System, aboard his own royal yacht, (name needed). As usual, he was missing being with Valles, and realized just how much he was falling in love with her. Those around the Queen, on Lianna, knew of her relationship, but also understood how she preferred not to discuss it with anyone. Valles guarded her privacy as much as she could, but since becoming Queen, she had become even more of a public figure and there was much gossip and speculation regarding her every move. To a degree, she enjoyed this, as it was evidence of the public's high regard for her, and sometimes it was expressed as outright love and something approaching worship. Valles was the standard by which all other Liannese women were measured by, and many were getting their hair dyed in darker shades, so as to resemble her. The fashion industry was booming, as the Queen's outfits were copied and sold to her adoring female fans. Valles herself realized that whatever she wore in public would be duplicated, thus she was always appearing in something new for each appearance, for which the designers and clothing manufacturers were most grateful.

Once in-system, Vaston reached out via his private com channel and contacted her.

"Greetings, my love. Have you been missing me?"

She responded immediately. "The time has flown by … so much to do. But when I've had a spare moment or two, yes, I have been thinking about you. And I've got something to show you. Something that will bring us closer together."

His heart skipped a beat as he considered what she had just told him. Ah, my Valles, whatever might that be …

"Shall I proceed to the surface? Perhaps the urban palace?"

"Yes, dear, I will see you in about an hour."

Soon, he was in a receiving room at the urban palace, awaiting her entrance. Valles was not in the mood to get dressed up, so she threw on a light frock of pale blue silk and some medium height pumps. Her hair was braided into four segments that kept it out of her way, and she walked casually into the room. When they met, he rose before her, then took her offered hand gently. After the customary kiss, the two embraced warmly. Valles was not ready for more than that, as she knew the pent-up passion between them would soon emerge and she wanted to remain composed. So, she broke the silence.

"Love, you are looking well. I assume you've heard the news … Shaak is now the Empress. We'll have much to do in the days ahead."

He nodded. "No doubt. I'll assume my mother is fully aware of it. She's always attuned to things … plus we've prepared her for the moment."

"Care for a drink, Vas?"

"Sure, perhaps some ale?"

She nodded, then picked up her com and tapped it a few times. Within about two minutes, a servant had arrived with two bottles and glasses. Vaston took the liberty of serving the Queen, then himself. The two proceeded over to a sitting area that had a view of the gardens below. It was a warm day in Lianna City and the sun was out, with the next rain day scheduled for two days later, as Vaston checked the schedule on his com. Noting this, he mentioned it to her.

"I think I'd love catching you in the rain, my Queen. I'm sure you would have on a pretty raincoat."

She laughed, somewhat awkwardly, but quickly covered, as it was clear they both had similar thoughts. "Oh, I'd let you pick the color – whatever strikes your fancy."

"Well, my mother adores you in pink."

"That she does … but I've recently wanted her to see me in other colors. Anyway," Valles's tone slightly changed, as she wanted to proceed to the business at hand. "As I had mentioned, I've got something of a surprise for you. One I think you will be most gratified by."

About a half-hour later, they had proceeded to the palace's first underground level, where they boarded a speeder.

"Where are you taking me, darling?" Vaston asked, his tone conveying a bit of curiosity.

"Not far."

The speeder, having been pre-programmed by Valles, quickly whisked them out of the palace and down the main boulevard. A few blocks passed, then it took a right turn, then a left, and soon they had entered the garage entrance of the Veterans' Hospital. Vaston recognized it and wondered why she wanted him to accompany her there. The speeder halted and they got out. A pair of servants greeted them, bowing deeply.

"Good afternoon, your Majesty. Everything has been prepared for you."

Valles declined a repulsor bench, preferring to walk, and a turquoise-colored carpet was rolled out for her. She and Vaston followed it over to the lift, then boarded it. The attendant took them up to the twelfth level. As they exited, another servant was waiting. Valles nodded and smiled at him, then led Vaston down the corridor. They came to a door, which she opened with the Force. After she and Vaston entered, she sealed the portal behind them. Another wave of her hand and the room was illuminated with a dim light. Before them, in the center of the room, was a cylindrical unit about the size of a normal astromech droid. It was white in color and about a metre high, mounted on a raised circular column from the floor. Valles waved her right hand over it, causing a faint blue light – about the color of her dress – to switch on. There, through a small window in the side, was a shape that resembled an advanced human embryo, one that was about to enter the fetal stage.

Vaston quickly deduced what had happened, and why she had asked him to view it.

"My dear, is this what I think it is?"

"Yes, my love," she chuckled softly. "Say hello to our daughter."

He gasped inwardly, but a part of him knew she could not, would not, lie about anything as important as this. Vaston approached the incubator, which had a data panel mounted adjacent to it, that showed the vitals of the infant-to-be.

"My daughter …" he heard himself say. "Valles … she's wonderful. But, how?"

"I imagine you can figure it out, being the clever individual that you are. But tell me this much. Are you happy with this development?"

He thought about it for a couple of seconds, then realized that he was indeed. To have conceived a child with the person he loved more than any other meant they were now bound together in the most fundamental way.

"My dear, I am ecstatic. Overjoyed. We must name her. Do you realize how powerful she will one day be? The heiress of both Lianna and Hapes … a legacy like few others in Galactic history."

Valles laughed. "Sure, but we're getting a little ahead of ourselves. I was a little uncertain how you might react to this, but now we can marry, and I won't put any undue restrictions on you – just so long as you are a proper father to her. Something I was not able to enjoy growing up myself, nor were you, I would imagine."

Vaston nodded, realizing how true this was for the both of them.

"Valles, I would love nothing more than to have this honor. Of course I will marry you, my love. Do you have any plans for the wedding?"

"Not yet. So much going on right now. My coronation here is about four months away, once the bulk of Vallesia City has been completed. And there is the matter of your mother, and her timetable. She had mentioned stepping down at some point."

"She has? Mother has never mentioned that to me … but I guess I shouldn't be surprised that she would tell you. I am aware of how fond she is of you – she never fails to mention it – and the notion that you might be her successor."

"Vas, I can assure you that this is all her thinking and ideas. I've got my eye on the Galaxy as a whole, and the best way to get there is to be totally loyal to Shaak."

"But of course," he chuckled. "You can keep me apprised of all developments on that front as you see fit. I would be honored to act in any advisory capacity you might desire."

"I will keep you in the loop," she nodded. "The immediate need is to navigate a smooth transition. She has her own plan on how she wants to handle Palpatine."

"Ah," Vaston sighed, stroking his chin as he pondered the possibilities. "So is he still alive?"

"As far as I am aware …" Valles said slowly. "But … from what I have been able to gather, she never had any plans to kill him."

"Well, that's not the Jedi Way, is it?" Vaston asked, in a slightly joking manner.

She laughed softly. "Not to my understanding. My grandfather made sure to impress upon me that he didn't want me anywhere near them."

"Did they come to Lianna, looking to perhaps recruit you? My mother said that's what they do, once they realize you have sensitivity to the Force."

"I'm not sure, but I can tell you that he would have turned them away, just as your mother would have done the same."

Vaston also nodded, a smirk on his face. "And she could make it stick. The Jedi were not welcome in our sector, and wisely, they stayed away."

"Hmm," Valles chuckled. "I don't suppose even their leaders wanted to mess around with her. She's quiet and keeps to herself, but her power is formidable. I've often wondered how formidable, however."

"Got me there, my darling. But my mother is one of the most loving people anyone could want to meet. It's no accident that our people worship her."

"Well, I certainly cannot deny that. You cannot swing a dead womp rat and not hit a statue of her … and she's always depicted as so happy and fun loving. Quite the role model," Valles sighed in admiration.

He laughed in a somewhat sardonic way. Valles had a way of cutting directly to the essence of things with her sharp wit and keen perception. He wrapped both arms around her and pulled her into an embrace. The two kissed gently, then he released her, but she continued to cling to his right hand. They exchanged glances, and then he saw the twinkle in her eyes, something that had always driven him wild with desire. At times, he wondered why she had so much power over him, but he knew he was helpless to resist. Valles's combination of coquettish innocence coupled with ruthless desire and ambition kept him up at night – even while with multiple members of his harem – and he wanted to possess her, despite knowing that no one ever really could. She was the one in control and they both knew it.

"Darling … do you want to follow my mother on her throne?"

"Only as a favor to her. I would wish to keep all of her policies and dictates in place. She has obviously done a splendid job over more than two centuries and I still have so much to learn from her."

"I see," he chuckled. "You will do fine, and you can delegate as much as you wish to me, once we are married."

"But of course …" she giggled and then fluttered her eyelashes. They kissed again, this time with renewed passion.

Falleen, Xizor's estate, 0 ABY 11 months, 26 days

(A.N.: Some of this is directly taken from Ahsoka and the Rebellion, chapter 46.)

Lady Qi'ra had arrived on Falleen, having heard the news – from her network of sources – that Palpatine was out and Shaak was in, so she decided to visit with her friend Xizor and review the new situation in the Galaxy with him. As they sat down together, over cocktails, he switched on the holovision network.

"And now, we take you to the Outer Rim world of Avalonia, where the Emperor is scheduled to make an important announcement," the anchor noted. "Our correspondent, Natan Fluh of the Lianna Broadcasting System is with us. Can you fill us in, Natan?"

"I sure can, Spetsey. Folks, we've been alerted to the following breaking news – His Majesty, Palpatine, has decided to retire from his position as Galactic Emperor, and taking his place is someone named Shaak Ti. She will be our new Empress and this has caught almost everyone by surprise. Joining me now is Her Majesty Queen Valles of Lianna."

Valles then appeared on the hologram, looking most distinguished in a gold-trimmed pink and black regal ensemble.

"Good afternoon, Natan, and hello to all of you in the Galaxy who may be joining us."

Fluh nodded, and beamed at her. "What can you tell us about the situation, your Majesty?"

"Only this – we are going to have a new Galactic Sovereign, and she is someone that everyone is going to love. I am proud to call her my good friend, and … I think I had better let her speak for herself …"

Valles excused herself, and the cameras all focused on her, as she extended her left arm. With that, Palpatine and Shaak soon appeared, arriving on a lavish repulsor bench as the cameras recorded the moment. Xizor and Qi'ra's jaws dropped as they watched via the network.

Valles then continued. "Everyone, please be seated. The Lady of the Hour, our serene royal highness, Empress of the Galaxy Shaak Ti, will be speaking soon, but before that, I would like to say a few words on her behalf. As you all now realize, the Galaxy is coming under new leadership today. The old order has passed and we embark on an exciting new journey together. We now have a leader who will truly represent all of us. So, without further ado, I give you … her Royal Highness, Shaak the First."

Shaak smiled and took the podium and looked out on a sea of faces she did not immediately recognize, but it was plain to see that many different worlds and species were represented, and they rose to their feet to cheer her on. There was a palpable feeling in the room that a new day was dawning in the Galaxy. Valles then signaled and a group of assistants came up from behind the rostrum with a magnificent new robe for Shaak, one that truly suited her as the sovereign ruler. They helped her into its lavish comfort and she smiled broadly, then cleared her throat and started her speech.

"Everyone, I am most honored to be among you all this fine day, in this beautiful new residence you have given me. I first want to salute my new Chief of Staff and Grand Vizier, Queen Valles of Lianna, for putting all of this together, and doing it on such short notice. This is the kind of organization that will serve me well as I go forward to lead this Galaxy. Now before I fill you all in on my plans, I would like to recognize, at this time, the one whose shoes I am to fill, Emperor Sheev Palpatine."

Polite applause greeted the former Emperor and he was fitted into a lavish robe, similar to the ones he once wore as the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic. He graciously stepped up to the mic and proceeded to read the prepared remarks from the teleprompter in front of him. In it, he extolled the virtues of Shaak Ti and her qualifications for the throne and indicated his delight that she was now following him into office, and that he expected great things from her and her new regime. After he had finished, he was politely applauded, then was seated at Shaak's left at the long table on either side of the rostrum. Shaak then resumed her speech.

"First, I would like to inform everyone that this event is being carried throughout the Galaxy via the Holo-Vid network and there will be commemorative recordings made of it for every citizen that desires to have one. Today marks the end of the Rebellion and of the Galactic Civil War. It seems that we have been fighting for a long time ever since the beginning of the Clone War some 23 years ago, but now a new era of peace and prosperity is beginning.

"To help ensure that this new government – the Second Empire – is truly responsive to the needs of all sentient peoples throughout our beautiful Galaxy, we shall be establishing new legislative and judicial bodies. The Senate will be re-chartered and a new House of Delegates will also be created. A new Galactic High Court will also be chosen and lower courts to represent the regions and sectors also founded. It is my desire that everyone will start to feel they are truly represented. Toward that end, I shall insist that no one who serves in my government will receive any sort of financial or other direct rewards for exercising his or her duties in office. We shall be free of corruption. The general foul presence of organized crime and piracy shall also be dealt with and order shall be maintained. To achieve this, I will be commissioning a series of great structures that will tour the Galaxy and help to provide security – these will be known as the Peacekeepers, and the first of these shall be rolling out next year.

"Another item I would like to mention is the establishment of what am I calling The Order of the Galaxy – an organization of Knights and Masters who will act as a further support to this royal house and our new government. We will seek out and promote individuals who are worthy of joining it from every part of the Galaxy. My friends, it is an exciting time we are now embarking on and we have only just begun. I look forward to the days and years ahead of us and I sincerely hope you all do as well. Thank you very much …"

As she stepped back from the podium, the applause in the room was polite and sustained, and the same scene was taking place all over the Galaxy on various worlds where the announcement of the new Empress and her desire to represent every sentient species was being received with enthusiasm. There was something about Shaak that people felt inspired by, though for many, it was not immediately apparent what it was. As various citizens who saw her speak were asked what they thought, a common refrain had emerged. "She just seemed kind-hearted and trustworthy. She looks so dignified and elegant, like a true empress ought to look." The reactions were similar all over the various military bases and on the Imperial Fleet. The millions of soldiers and sailors all over the Galaxy were quoted as being proud to serve under such a visionary and caring leader. It truly seemed a new era had begun. Many were quite happy to see that Palpatine had retired and that Shaak was taking his place.

But Xizor and Qi'ra had their concerns. The Prince switched off the holovid screen and turned to his associate.

"So what do you make of that? The new empress is talking about dealing with crime and piracy."

Qi'ra scoffed. "I'm sure she means well, but she isn't the first to make such promises. We're going to have to wait and see how this plays out. Xi, what do you make of these Peacekeepers, as she referred to them?"

"I'm really not sure. Do you suppose these might be a new version of the Death Star? She's planning on creating a fleet of them. Q, is this Shaak going to be an even bigger deal than Palpatine?"

"That would be something, huh. But Xi, what do you know about Shaak Ti? I'm not finding much info on her, although, it seems she had something to do with the Jedi at one time."

The Falleen scoffed at that. "I thought those guys were gone … but it seems our friend Valles has put herself in the driver's seat here. Her ambitions never end."

"Nope …" Qi'ra laughed. "You know how much I admire her. I've worked hard to get myself established on Lianna and it's going to pay off … you'll see. But if Valles is going to be involved in the new Imperial government, who will be minding the store on Lianna?"

He laughed in return for a split second, then turned serious. "How about your new pal Duchess Ana? Will she be the next Queen?"

"I highly doubt that," Qi'ra smirked. "Valles would never step down from the Liannese throne. The people there adore her, and I've heard she eats that up."

"Well, I don't know about you, but I'd feel better if we could talk with Valles directly. Any chance of getting a meeting with her?"

"Ha!" Qi'ra laughed again. "It was never easy to begin with, but it's likely impossible now."

Xizor scratched his head for a second, and considered the turn of events.

"It was, however, interesting to see how close Shaak and Valles seem to be. I'd love to be a fly on the wall when those two meet privately."

"Seriously," Qi'ra chuckled. "It seems like the Queen and the Empress are to be partners of sorts. But Valles I know, her life is rather public … however, Shaak is another matter entirely. It was remarkable how many seem to be so happy that she's taking over – was Palpatine really that bad? I'd heard that many liked him."

"True, Lady Q … I'd heard the same, but others saw the Empire as cruel and almost sadistic. Shaak seems kind and maternal. Plus, having a non-human in charge will greatly encourage many species around the Galaxy. It's like she's one of us."

"I guess you're right about that," Qi'ra nodded, as her lips pursed together for a second. "The Imperials seemed to be humanocentric. Now that will likely change. She'll need to clean house. There are various parts of the existing Empire that I would imagine she will do away with entirely. But it seems remarkable that so many in the military are already fans of hers."

"Well, my friend," Xizor sighed. "It's going to be an interesting time ahead. There may be many opportunities that we haven't considered and some we can't even know at this time.

Qi'ra raised her whiskey glass.

"To our success, and as my friend Ana says, may we get all we desire, and none of what we deserve."

"Hear, hear!" the Falleen laughed, and happily clinked glasses with his now trusted ally.

Hapes Prime, Hapes Cluster, East Inner Rim, 0 ABY 11 months, 27 days

The next day, Valles rejoined Vaston on the Belladonna and the made a stop on Hapes Prime, prior to her journey to Coruscant, where she would start molding the new Imperial framework along the lines desired by Shaak. As the yacht dropped from hyperspace and settled into orbit around Hapes Prime, both of the lovers dressed in Liannese turquoise – the Queen in a long dress with a pair of light furry robes halfway up her shoulders, while the Hapian "king of kings" matched it with a smooth all-silk two-piece suit that accented his athletic and muscular form. When they had arrived in his mother's palace, Vestalia had already sensed their presence after they had entered the system. She could discern a new energy between them and was most pleased. The two of them were soon in one of the Queen-Mother's receiving rooms, and the Ta Chumé floated in on her elegant and gilded repulsor throne. Her voice boomed as she saw them.

"Good day! I am most elated to see you both together … and don't the two of you look radiant?! I am eager to hear your news."

Vaston bowed low to his mother, then grasped her left hand and gave it a gentle kiss. He turned to Valles for a second, whereupon she smiled and nodded in his direction.

"Well, Mother, I'm sure you have already detected much of what's going on … yes, Valles and I have agreed to wed … and that's not all – our daughter is currently in her initial growth phase and will be born in about four or five months."

A big grin broke out on the Ta Chumé's face as she heard that. She took a deep breath, smiled again, then ran her left hand through her thick white hair and flipped some of it outward, proudly and triumphantly.

"My darling boy … you know how long I have waited to hear that. But I'm a patient sort. I've seen quite a bit come and go over my long life and this is one of the happier moments in it. Valles, here, is more than a total beauty, she is the one that is best suited to rule whatever she sets her mind to. She and you will be a force to be reckoned with … and I think I can start to see the day for me to step down."

She grinned again, then looked both of them in eye. "But not just yet. We have some planning to do." Vestalia raised her right hand and gave a quick gesture, then another repulsor throne arrived, this one a two-seater. Vaston helped Valles into the right seat and then took the left. His mother then nodded her head and both of their thrones proceeded to pass through various portals, eventually arriving on an outdoor terrace at the top level of the huge palace. As they came to the edge, they could gaze out into the huge capital city of Vestaliana below, which was starting to light up here and there as evening had begun.

"Valles, my dear," she said sharply, accenting the "dear" in such a way that the Liannese Queen grasped immediately. "Look out over your new realm, dear Queen and future Ta Chumé. Hapes has finally, finally, found its new Queen Mother, one that shall be loved and cherished. They will come to see you as I do – the embodiment of our world and society." She took another deep breath, then exhaled. "And your beauty, my dear, will be welcomed and proudly cherished by every Hapian."

Valles and Vaston glanced at each other, understanding Vestalia's methods and personality, and how much she was accustomed to always getting her way. At that moment, Valles felt a trifle embarrassed. Oh, my. Is she really serious? I don't want to raise hopes and expectations among the people here. I do hope she is not in a hurry. Maybe I'm the one that's moved too fast.

Vaston, for his part, knew fully well of his mother's desires and designs, and, though he sometimes resented her heavy hand, he knew she truly loved him, despite how little he really felt he knew about her. For him, life was a series of trifling matters, hopping from planet to planet and from bed to bed, eagerly welcoming the finest young ladies from each of the sector's 120 worlds. And some of them were truly desirable and would be a fine bride for almost anyone in the Galaxy. But none of them were Valles. He told himself he could indeed have it all. But I really only want Valles. She's been so elusive over the years, her ambitions always coming first. But now … it seems we will share, perhaps everything. The Pa'tsa will be as loyal to her as they are to me, and I know Mother will take her time stepping down, but now the way seems clear.

The three of them then sat in silence as the sky grew ever darker. One could then appreciate the elegant design of the city and its many beautiful spots. Various monuments and statuary, fountains, canals and parks, all lit up, as far the eye could see. Vestaliana – the original one, on the Capital planet – was not a city with hundred-story skyscrapers blocking the view. It was a place of classical beauty and all of it laid out from the huge Palace complex, in all directions. Over 200 million Hapians lived in it as it spread far and wide over 200 kilometres from end to end. Even the speeder traffic – controlled by AI, similar to what existed on Lianna – was carefully arrayed so as to keep the sense of organization, all part of the Queen Mother's grand plan that she had spent some 150 years carefully crafting.

Valles sighed softly, as she considered her future. Is this what I really want? A society that will grant me the love I so yearn for, without asking for anything in return beyond my grace and kindness. And what of Shaak and the Galaxy? I've made a commitment to her and I will see it through. Somehow this is all going to come together.

Vestalia reached over to lovingly caress Valles and her dark hair, then spoke softly – which she could do when she wanted to. "My darling, have you and my son decided on a name for your child?"

"We have not, as of yet … I've got a few possibilities. But this child will someday be the sovereign of both Lianna and Hapes and the other worlds in our orbit. It's surely a large weight to place on her shoulders."

"Ah, my dear. She will have the best preparation, and I know her father will adore her. How could he not? She is his daughter with you, the love of his life, the only love he's ever really had."

Valles laughed happily. "You know, dear Queen Mother, when you put it like that, it makes perfect sense to me. I had kept him on hold all these years. Allowing him in when it suited me, but I now understand he is worthy. He has patience, and someday, I believe, wisdom."

"Oh …" Vestalia purred. "I believe you are right. And the two of you shall work out the various arrangements, but make no mistake my dear, he loves you, more than even he knows."

"So …I got the feeling there were some things you wanted to go over with me. Is this the right time, or …"

"Oh, child, not yet. There will be plenty of time, we're going to ease into all of this. And besides, I know you have so much on your plate, with the new Empress and all, and we all want her to succeed."

"Yes. We do. Shaak is a good person, I know that. And she's wise, too. Together, with her and her daughter, Ahsoka, we can get things off to the best possible start."

"May it be so," Vestalia chuckled, then continued caressing her daughter-in-law to be.

Felucia, Ahsoka's home, 0 ABY 11 months, 28 days, 1 hour

Ahsoka found herself – finally – alone, with some time on her hands. It was past midnight on Felucia, and things had quieted down considerably, from the continual din of construction during the day that could be heard a few kilometres away, as the new palace and urban area were close to being completed. The goal was to get these finished before Shaak's coronation on Coruscant, and these would be the new Empress's first royal abodes, along with Almania and Coruscant, where a new Imperial Palace was already on Valles's drafting board, as Shaak had no desire to live in what had once been the Jedi Temple.

Ahsoka had found herself an ale and had opened the cold bottle and drank a bit of it, then looked up into the sky, with the various nearby stars twinkling. She could make out Kyall, the Liannese sun, off to the west, about halfway above the horizon, and she thought about Valles, then Ana and Ry. Tri'ku was with Imperial Navy officers on Coruscant, being briefed on various details, along with Fleet Admiral Rax, someone with whom he was becoming fast friends. As she looked up, she thought …

So this is really it, huh. Shaak is about to be Empress and I've gotta help her – in any way I can. It's hard right now to even consider governing, let alone ruling, something as large as a galaxy. And this one is truly huge, and I don't think it's really been totally explored. What's out there … who is out there? Am I afraid? No. I've never really been afraid, it's always been, on to the next whatever. During the Wars, there was little time to sit and think, the action just kept coming. It made me who I am today, sure. I'm strong. Tough. Tested. And a bunch of other things. And I've learned the value of patience. Waiting and watching. You learn so much by just doing that. But now I've got to learn some new things. How to lead people, in a way I've never had to do before. Mother Shaak will be there, of course, and my wonderful husband to be, but this is my journey, my trip, my life. I'm so glad I met Valles, she's so kind, and so intelligent, too. Hard to believe we're about the same age, she's done so much with her life already.

She took another swig and thought about the past two years, and everything that took place after her showdown with Vader, almost three full years earlier. Her seemingly narrow escape from Malachor – now a wholly remade world with a brand-new name, then the time spent on Almania – a place, she had to admit, held some cherished memories for her, where she'd met her now-fiancé and her good friend Frehya. The trip to Alderaan – which turned out to be the last for her – where she finally learned about Kenobi and Bail Organa's stewardship of Anakin's children, then reuniting with Shaak on Felucia. Her first meeting Maris, Shaak's trusted apprentice who would also become a good friend. And then the adventures – Scarif and losing young Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor, but gaining the technical readout which allowed the destruction of the Death Star. Finally helping to rescue Anakin from the bondage he'd been placed in, while uniting him with his son and daughter. Returning to Shili for the first time since childhood and coming to know her own people – two of which have been assigned to her as personal assistants. And now the realization that she would be living in palaces and traveling in yachts – and Ahsoka knew the price for this would be for her to do the best job she possibly could and serve the Galaxy. But she knew she wouldn't be alone – not anymore – and this gave her renewed hope and strength.

As she finished the ale, she laid herself down to sleep, shedding her garments and just sliding under the sheets and stopping to take a couple of deep breaths. On to tomorrow. Let's see what happens. I am ready.

Felucia, Shaak's home, 0 ABY 11 months, 28 days, 5 hours

The new Empress awoke early – which was often the case, as the cool morning hours on Felucia gave her time to reflect and consider the day ahead, and this one was like no other. It had been the first night back on Felucia since her plan had been enacted, and her new status made public to the Galaxy at large. At this juncture, the moves she would make would have lasting implications. She wanted to take her time, to carefully consider each day and what should be done with it. Shaak had always been well-organized, going back to her early days in the Jedi Order, and liked to set goals for each day ahead of her. This enabled – in her mind – her rapid rise in the Order and its culmination of a seat on the High Council, where she quickly became the quiet one that the others waited to hear from as they considered policy matters going forward. Shaak had run through the events leading to the Clone War and how Palpatine's plan had unfolded. He was really quite the genius in many ways – to put this all together and manage to keep it secret from us – and I see now that we likely could have realized what he was up to had we been more observant of the various signs. She remembered the incident with the rogue clone that murdered a Jedi Master while on duty during a battle on Ringo Vinda. The Mikkian Jedi Tiplar had also been a friend, and Shaak enjoyed spending time with her and her sister Tiplee. This incident, of course, was a direct clue into Palpatine's master plan – to have the Clones turn on them at the right moment, which Shaak now knew had taken place that fateful day on Coruscant when Jocasta had contacted her and alerted her to what was taking place. That was the day that Maris came into my life and I know none of what we have accomplished could have been possible without her. The pain I felt on that day served to drive me in the direction that has brought me to today. And we have all learned and accomplished so much. Ahsoka. Frehya. Anakin. And my growing number of Order members and acolytes, how proud I am of what they have accomplished and the spirit of the team we have created.

Shaak sighed deeply as she recalled all of it, but it was now a sigh of contentment, the realization that the vows she made to herself then had come to pass. So what now? Where is "next?" As the new Empress, that was now in her hands and she asked herself, what do I really want to do, at this point? The obvious things, of course. Change the perception of the Empire among the people of the Galaxy, to be a force to do right and redress some of the wrongs that were done. To keep the peace and create a system where violence is not the answer to solving problems, where various societies and peoples can coexist. All supposedly simple ideals, but these will be difficult to achieve, because the history shows us that. There has never been a shortage of ambitious and ruthless people, and I know that I will be seen as just one more. At least at the start .. but if I can set a different tone, much could be possible. But I cannot do it alone, as I admitted to Valles. So it comes down to this – can I really trust her? She makes no secret of her ambitions and desires, but I know she respects me as well, if for no other reason than she doesn't know the full extent of my power. But, to be totally honest, I am in the same position with her. I have to go into this partnership with my eyes open.

To be continued …