AN: Anakin and Maris's relationship grows deeper as he confides in her; Shaak is faced with a mysterious new presence, while growing closer to Valles.
Thanks to new followers: Austin Morgan, Spectacular Webhead 11
Chapter 7: Confluence
Mustafar, Atravis Sector, South Outer Rim – 1 ABY 2 months, 8 days
Three days later, Anakin Skywalker and Maris Brood, now lovers and co-Masters of the Order, were traveling in the "J-type Nubian" starship that had once belonged to Padmé Amidala when she was Queen of Naboo at the tender age of 14 years (and seen in the movie The Phantom Menace). During the Galactic reign of Palpatine, the Emperor gave this ship to Darth Vader as an incentive and reward for his loyalty up to that time. As the two Masters boarded it from the Government Center spaceport on Coruscant, Maris admired the chromium-plated finish.
"Naboo always was known for classiness," she noted. "And you were involved deeply with her?"
Anakin nodded quietly. "I loved her. Straight up. Although I was not allowed to. And that …" he took a deep breath. "… likely cost Padmé her life."
She nodded in return. "Yet, as you once told me, you trusted Palpatine to save her – and he did not. That had to hurt."
"A rather large understatement, my dear." Anakin sighed wistfully, then looked fondly at the attractive darker complexioned Zabrak woman standing before him, attired in tight black satin that showed off her toned physique. How beautiful you truly are, my dear … he thought, once again, and considered his good fortune to have found Maris. Back then, I would have killed you, as I was not in control of my actions, but that's an empty and hollow excuse now.
"But enough about him. My loyalty is to Shaak now. She has shown me my true destiny."
"My love," Maris said with a smile, "you haven't yet told me where we are going."
He looked into her eyes again. "We will be there shortly. It was once a place of great trauma in my life. You see, it was the day that Palpatine anointed me as Lord Vader. After I was finished with the elimination of as many Jedi that were remaining in the Temple – I didn't realize Shaak was there, as she somehow covered her Force signature – he sent me to the Mustafar system."
"Really?" she looked straight at him. "That's not my idea of a getaway …"
"The Separatist leadership was holed up there after Grievous sent them. But I was told later that Obi-Wan killed Grievous back on Utapau and then was able to outsmart the clones who were ordered to kill him."
"Order 66, right?"
Anakin nodded. "Yes. So I had to go there and wipe out Gunray and the others. While it was happening, I felt almost nothing. Like a clerk, delivering a bill. Just cut and dried."
She reached for him at that moment, and found herself smoothing his new hair.
He continued. "But then Padmé arrived, with Obi-Wan. Only I didn't see him at first. I was intent on her. At that moment, I felt I was about to get everything I wanted. I reached for her and told her we could now be together. But she pushed me away, saying I was not myself any more. I can't remember very much after that, other than I had grabbed her and tried to keep her from leaving me. But then Kenobi – who had been my master – interfered, telling me to let her go. I struck out at him with blind rage. I wanted to finish him – right then and there – but he kept backing up, making me pursue him. Finally, I thought I had him, and I tried to leap over him so I could do him in …"
Anakin felt himself convulsing for a second as the memories started to flood back. The ship was dropping out of hyperspace and the molten sphere of Mustafar was clearly visible. Maris looked at him, her reddish eyes bulging.
"Yes? And then?" she heard herself say.
Anakin steadied himself, and strode to the pilot's chair. As he took manual control of the ship, Maris eased into the seat next to him. She watched his eyes carefully. For a minute, a look of fear was there as he gazed out of the viewport. Perhaps another memory reemerging, but he regained his composure, then turned and smiled.
"He struck at me, cutting off both legs and one arm. He told me I was like a brother to him, and that he loved me. I had never felt such hatred. As I lay on the bank of a molten river, I watched him leave. Soon his ship was taking off, with Padmé aboard. I wanted revenge – I craved it."
She reached for him again. "I can only imagine how awful that was for you."
"It truly was. Soon I lost consciousness. I was prepared to die at that moment. But then … sometime later I awoke and I found myself transformed. I had become like Grievous, made of metal and something horrible to behold. I could feel a dull pain in every part of me. It was a pain that would last for many years – until Grand Master Shaak took it away."
Anakin had brought the ship in for a landing. As they gazed out on the scenery, an imposing structure stood before them, reaching high into the air, an equivalent of perhaps 25 levels on Coruscant. It was an impressive tower, all in black.
But Maris was far more interested in his recounting of the past. "So you awoke, and found yourself as Vader, all in black, with mechanical limbs and that helmet and mask."
He nodded, then reached for her. "Yes. And then, he appeared and said, 'Rise, Lord Vader.' All I could think of at that moment was of Padmé. He knew this, and he said, somehow she was no more … and then the worst. He told me I had killed her. I wanted to kill him at that moment. I yelled 'Noooooo!' and in my agony, I lashed out with the Force, but he stopped me and said he would kill me if I ever did that to him again."
"How awful …" she said, near tears. "I wish I had known you then. Maybe …"
He shook his head. "No, my love. I would never have wished that on you. So fortunate that you and Shaak had escaped and found a way to hide from me. And him. Because … after that … all I had left was to serve him. And the pain … the pain that was with me almost every minute. It drove me to madness for a time. But I soon learned to live with it, and all I wanted to do was destroy. Almost everything. For a few months, he let me go on like this, watching the Darkness rise in me, stoking his greed and his hatred. I was becoming his favorite weapon."
She continued to simply stare at him, becoming somewhat numb. How lucky we are to be together now. I promise I will never allow you to suffer that way. Never again …
Anakin could feel her thoughts, and he rose from the pilot's chair, the ship having landed. She rose and he took her in his arms and they kissed passionately. His grasp was quite intense and she moaned in response, wanting to settle him. Force energy rippled between them as Maris found her own strength. Finally, he released her.
"My love … how incredibly powerful you are. The only one that can understand me, and stand up to me. Shaak has trained you so well. I simply adore you and I know … I cannot live without you."
Maris sighed, and leaned in to kiss him again.
"Palpatine is gone, my love. We won't allow him to do this to you again. Master Shaak – our Empress – is in control now."
He exhaled and started to relax. "I feel that. She is my master now. I cannot betray her. She has made me whole again."
"And how lucky I am," Maris smiled. "We're here, my love. Shall we debark?"
He led her out of the ship. Both of them were wearing matching black cloaks lined in red satin. They had on similar leather boots and her muscular body shimmered in intensity. Anakin simply was madly in love with her, seeing her as the most perfect person ever – and somehow made by the Will of the Force just for him. Her reddish horns further amplified the exotic look and potential of the ultimate Zabrak female.
Maris in turn gazed at him, a tall, elegant figure, with a slightly boyish look on his handsome countenance. Anakin had a swagger about him that was born of years of pain and a brutal understanding of how vicious life could be, but now he had overcome it all and was like a man much younger but with the wisdom of the ages. What a team we are – so much stronger together, she thought, while inside, her heart was pounding with excitement. What have you brought me to, Anakin?
He silently led her ahead and they entered the structure. They stepped on a platform, while Anakin raised his hands into the air and they rose silently … up, up, up … until it gracefully stopped and they stepped off and walked into a large enclosure, from which they could watch Mustafar's rivers of lava flow. The sky was mostly dark, with glimmers of light reaching them from various distant sources.
"Where did this come from?" She asked. He looked at her, with the curl of a smile forming on his lips.
"I built this, my love. It was my special place. Where I could heal. Where I could meditate … and think … and plan. He wanted me to have it. I constructed my lightsabres here, where I tortured and imposed my will on the crystals – to make them blood red – the color of your beautiful eyes, my love. Your wonderful eyes … that are in my dreams and have been for a long time."
"Seriously?" she heard herself ask. "How long?"
"Since that day on that moon, when Ahsoka gained her revenge on me – for Malachor, for the Jedi, for everything I had done. But she let me live, because she has love inside of her … and then … then I saw you. Standing there so beautiful in your intensity … when you sent the lightning into me. I wanted to feel you, strange creature I had never seen before."
She laughed. "You know, don't you, that I wanted to kill you then … correct?" She smiled and gave him a short nod.
Seeing the confidence in her red eyes again stoked the fire inside of him, but he relaxed and took a deep breath.
"I did indeed," he said slowly, in the type of deep cadence he usually had as Vader. "And that dark energy in you was so desirable." He chuckled. "And I also knew that I didn't want him to learn of you."
"A good move, Lord Vader," she chuckled. "You do realize, don't you, that Shaak would have never let you leave, if for one minute she thought you might betray us."
Anakin remained silent, and drew her near again. At that moment, they both felt a surge of Force energy emanating from the planetoid's surface below. Maris drew a deep breath and smiled at him. He returned the smile and she broke into a wide grin. Right … there …! Dark Side energy coursed through the both of them and at that very moment, a series of images could be seen in the room above them. First, Darth Vader, as he looked some ten years earlier, standing tall and proud and bearing the pain well. Then, Darth Sidious, his hood drawn back, showing the laughing, haggard face that was all too familiar to Anakin … A quick glance at the mysterious Mother Talzin, the leader of the long-extinct clan of the Night Sisters. Then the soft, mysterious face of Lizza – another dark vision that Maris and Anakin had never seen before, along with another female image – this one dressed in shimmering red, with flowing light hair and a bejeweled crown on her head, and finally, a last image – a towering female with a look of total confidence on her handsome face, who wore a dazzling white robe covered in glittering jewels. The last image spoke to the pair:
Breathe deep, the gathering gloom … watch Light fade from every room
Cold-hearted orb … that rules the Night, remove the colors from our sight
Red is gray and yellow white, but we decide which is Right …
And which is an illusion.
On the last word, the images all disappeared and a bright flash was seen that lasted a split-second. Anakin and Maris looked at each other, wonder etched on their faces.
"Who – or what – was that?" Maris asked softly. Anakin shook his head for a second, then pondered.
"You know," he said slowly, with measured cadence. "Obi-Wan and I, along with Ahsoka, had a very strange set of things happen to us, years ago, during the Clone War. This reminded me of that. There were these presences, calling themselves the Father, the Son, and the Daughter. We seemed to interact with them, but I look back now and I think it was all a dream, brought to us by the Force … but I see some similarities here. A trio, with an obvious leader, where one daughter is Light, and the other, Dark."
"Did you ever discuss this with anyone later?"
"I did not. I am not sure about the other two, however. Perhaps Ahsoka has shared it with Grand Master Shaak."
Maris tilted her head at an angle, then swiveled back to face him. "We have to tell the Empress about this."
Anakin replied, evenly. "She may already know. Still, I would like to see her reaction."
"You know, of course, how much I love Shaak. She has given me everything I have."
"I do indeed. I now owe her my life."
Traveling in hyperspace to Felucia – 1 ABY 2 months, 10 days
Ezra Bridger, Reema Andujah, and Frehya Lumoxa were on their way to Felucia on business for the Order. This trip was expected to take about 12 hours in hyperspace, so Frehya asked the two young Padawans to meet with her. When informed by the Empress that she would be making this trip, Reema was again confused. Frehya, for her part, was instructed by Shaak to introduce Reema and Ezra to Master Yoda, who of course was living on Felucia. Early in the voyage, the three of them were relaxing in the lounge on board the Imperial shuttle that was transporting them there. Frehya opened the discussion, after introducing them to each other.
"I'm sure both of you are wondering why you were asked to make this journey. Let me answer your questions to the best of my ability."
Ezra answered first. "Empress Shaak said I was going to start my training with the Order on Felucia. I've never been there. What's it like?"
Reema smirked while he was speaking, but otherwise kept silent.
Frehya answered. "It's a planet in transition. When I first went there over two years ago, it was very quiet and there was much vegetation and forests, but it was also rather hot and humid. Grand Master Shaak and her people have transformed it greatly. The climate is much more hospitable now. There is development and the beginnings of a city. They also built a small palace for Shaak when she returns from time to time."
She turned to Reema. "You've been quiet. Surely, you have something you want to ask me?"
"Not really. I figure I will learn the purpose of my trip once I get there. But does Princess Ahsoka know I'm going there?"
"She does. And she plans to meet with you later on. Ahsoka is quite busy these days."
"I see. Well, thank you anyway, Knight Frehya. I know you are close to the Empress, so it must be important for me to come."
Later on, while Frehya was off meditating, Ezra approached Reema in the lounge, seeing she was alone. She smiled at him.
"I don't suppose you know me … I have been with the order for almost a year. I was born on Coruscant."
"I'm very pleased to meet you," he sputtered out. As soon as he first laid eyes on the pretty young lady, his mind was racing, but he was a bit shy. "I'm from Lothal, way out on the eastern Outer Rim. We had a hard time with the Empire and were always fighting against them. Finally we were able to drive them off – and then the Emperor stepped down and now it's the Empress in charge, so we are all supposed to be loyal subjects of the Empire. It's been a bit confusing."
Reema laughed, then touched his forearm and came closer to him. She gestured to the comfortable seating area and they sat down together.
"You're kind of cute, Ezra. Anyone ever tell you that before?"
Embarrassed, he tried to laugh it off. "Ah … not really." Reema was darling in her white satin outfit and he imagined kissing her pretty lips, while noticing something in her eyes. "So you know this place well … where we're going?"
She laughed. "Oh yes. Quite well. I didn't like it much at first but it got better and I made some friends. Master Maris trained me at first."
He started to relax. "So how long have you been training?"
"A few years, really. But I joined the Order when I came to Felucia. I'm now Padawan Third Degree."
He was impressed. "You're farther along than me, I guess. I started to realize the Force when I was growing up on Lothal. My parents were taken away by the Empire and I was on my own. Sometimes, I used the Force to play tricks on people so I could steal food. I got pretty hungry at times."
Somewhat shocked, Reema realized his experiences were very close to her own. She looked him in the eye, then gave a playful expression. She decided to lay her cards on the table.
"So much like me. I never really knew my parents, and I grew up alone on Coruscant, down in the Underground. It was dangerous but I learned how to survive. I never knew what the Force was but I knew I could use it to get out of jams. Sometimes I got into fights and was injured. But I learned how to take care of myself."
Ezra could hardly believe this adorable young lady in front of him was a scrappy kid from the dangerous Underground. He'd never been down there of course, but Kanan had mentioned it at times, as had Ahsoka, years ago. He put a hand on her shoulder, and smiled.
"You and I – we're both survivors. And we both discovered the Force. At last, I've met someone that understands what I've gone through. Did you have a mentor growing up?"
"Not at first, but a kindly older man started looking after me when he saw me steal food one day by using the Force. He later introduced himself to me as Mister Menoway. He later told me that he also had Force ability."
"So how did Master Shaak find you?"
"I had joined with a group of other Force-sensitive people that was being put together by a guy named Jin-Lo Rayce. Eventually, I went with them to the planet Chandrila, and I met Master Jocasta. Turns out she was an old friend from the Jedi with Master Shaak. How about you?"
He laughed. "One day, on Lothal, this group of Rebels came. Kanan Jarrus, a Jedi, was one of them and I ended up joining the group. Hera Syndulla was the leader. She had this fast ship, a converted light freighter she called the Ghost. We were together almost five years before Kanan was killed by the Empire while he was saving our lives – on Lothal. I'd always wanted to fight the Empire, because of what they did to my family. Through the Ghost crew, I ended up meeting Master Ahsoka. We thought she had been killed by Darth Vader on Malachor and we were sad to see her go, but a few months later, she and Master Shaak came to Atollon where we had a temporary base."
Fascinated with his story, Reema could stand it no longer. She aggressively moved next to him and stole a kiss – right on his lips. As she drew away, they smiled at each other for a few seconds. Ezra wanted to take her in his arms but felt it might be better to wait. He didn't really know her very well, but she was incredibly attractive and it made him a bit nervous. For her part, Reema felt passion welling up inside her again. When Ezra failed to respond to her kiss, she was a little disappointed, but she wanted to get to know him better – and she also felt that she should keep this between them and she didn't want Knight Frehya to be telling Shaak – or Ahsoka – anything.
Somehow understanding Reema's feelings, Ezra took her hand and squeezed it. "We have to be careful, Reema. I like you … a lot. But we don't want everyone to know just yet."
"Yes," she smiled, while stroking his other arm gently, letting her satin jacket brush him seductively. "I know what you mean. Ezra, have you ever been in love before? Had a girlfriend?"
He took a second to answer, thinking about Sabine Wren – someone he liked but who had never shown him anything in return beyond friendship. This girl was far prettier and there was a hint of danger about her. "Not really. You?"
"No. I've always concentrated on my training. I knew it was the only way I could make something out of my life. But now I have some time to look around and decide what I really want."
"Reema, I hope we get to train together some. You could probably teach me some things."
"I don't know. The Force is telling me that you've been through many things yourself. I'm hoping to understand you better. But now I'm also starting to wonder. Did Shaak put us together for a reason? She's very smart."
Ezra shook his head slightly and smiled, as if to say, who knows?
Coruscant, the old Jedi Temple site, 1 ABY 2 months, 10 days, 5 hours
Shaak was up early this particular morning and she had felt a tremor in the Force. It was very distinct in her mind and the sooner she investigated it, the better. Foregoing her usual pomp and lavish clothing, she instead donned a plain black satin gown and an unadorned black velvet hooded robe that effectively covered her montrals and lekku, and went to the top level of the Palace and meditated for a few minutes to see if she could reestablish contact with whatever it was she had felt earlier that morning.
Both Maris and Anakin had reported back to her the previous day about their strange experience in the "castle" on Mustafar. As she listened, Shaak could feel it was a strong current of Dark Side energy they were experiencing. First, she was a bit concerned that both of her trusted associates had been unduly affected by the surge, but a careful reading of both of them allayed her fears. Maris, in particular, reassured Shaak by putting a hand on her shoulder and then embracing her in a hug. The Empress then appeared to relax and she let them both go.
After her short meditation, Shaak believed she had ascertained the correct source of the tremor. It was coming from the now-closed prior Imperial Palace, which, of course, had been the Jedi Temple some twenty years earlier. Shaak knew well that beneath the Temple there had once been a Sith Shrine, just as there had been a Sith site in the cave on Mustafar over which Vader had constructed his tower castle.
Once Shaak had arrived, she waved a hand and the security detail guarding the former temple let her pass without incident. They turned to each other as she walked in unaccompanied, but they all knew whom it was, and they also knew to keep quiet about her presence. Shaak had become a beloved public figure, but the private Shaak was a deep mystery to the Galaxy she aimed to rule. They only knew she had a strange power and left it at that. The twenty years of Palpatine's reign more or less relegated any discussion of the Force to the shadows, especially on Coruscant.
As she entered and walked around, Shaak started to take into account all of the changes the former Emperor had made to what once had been her home – hers and that of almost all of the Jedi she served alongside. Much of this has to go, she thought, but then saw some useful things as well. Thus far, she had kept her distance from the public, and indeed, from much of the government that Queen Valles Santhé was overseeing, and in many ways seemed like a figurehead instead of a hands-on ruler. She knew some changes had to be made, but she also disliked a lot of the crowds and preferred to keep her subjects at arm's length, if not further. Once she had reached the central spire – where Palpatine had his throne room and the area that she also had skillfully placed monitoring devices – she paused to meditate as she seated herself on what had been the old man's chair. Finding it somewhat lacking in elegance, it was still suitable for the moment.
Shaak then detected the source of the tremor she had felt earlier, and doing so, she then locked into the Force, using some techniques she had learned from her collection of Sith holocrons that had once been stored in the vault deep inside the Temple, along with the others that she and Jocasta had spirited off of Coruscant so long ago. Dark Side energy started to flow and soon a current of it burst forth from the floor in front of the throne, while the Amulet of Kalara turned bright red as it dangled from its chain around her neck. From inside her robe, Shaak then produced the Wand of Waa'maa'kuu which she had been given by the Togruta Kuu'gru elders back on Shili. As she held it aloft, immediately a violet halo spread from her to engulf the entire room – an area covering some 2000 square metres. In the walls, a series of pinpoint red dots glowed as if they were distant stars – each one representing one of the many microscopic devices she had used to monitor Palpatine and all his conversations that had been recorded and filed away on holocrons stored in the vault on Felucia.
And then it happened – a similar transmission to the one that Anakin and Maris had witnessed on Mustafar – that started with the mysterious rhymes and ended with the phrase "and which is an illusion." Shaak smiled briefly but kept her wand in place, as the last three mysterious figures, none of which she knew – though she suspected one of them was the one that Reema had told her about a few days earlier, the one calling herself Lizza. But it was not Lizza that got her attention but rather the other two figures, one being a shimmering beauty of rare grace combined with power, and the other a massive presence that radiated extreme confidence. This last one seemed to speak to the Empress, and it said:
Master Shaak Ti … it is I … the one that you cannot see. All your ways are known to me.
This was followed by a deep laughing sound, which ended on a high-pitched note in a sort of cackle. The beautiful one came to stand by the tall, massive one who placed her hand on the beauty's shoulder. The two of them seemed to stare straight back at Shaak, who had grown solemnly still and silent. Those were my words… After a stare-down that lasted about 15 seconds, Shaak lowered her wand, then snapped her wrist and the images disappeared, with the room being bathed in a soft blue light. The amulet had also taken on a deep blue tone of serenity as the Light side of the Force had seemingly banished the Dark – for the time being. Shaak smiled, then rose from Palpatine's old throne and switched off all lights, then she made her way out of the former Temple, waved calmly to the security who then provided her with a speeder that whisked her back to her new palace. She had much to think about.
Coruscant, the Imperial Palace, 1 ABY 2 months, 10 days, 9 hours
Anakin and Maris were summoned to the Palace by the Empress. As they took their seats in a conference room after being escorted to it by Shaak's maidens, they sat quietly, pondering the situation and glancing furtively at each other, the love burning inside their collective being. The days since Mustafar were a new awakening in their romantic relationship, as they both wondered how far love would take them. Shaak soon entered, dressed regally in a lavish soft green gown, with a light robe of similar color draped over her shoulders. Her lekku and montrals had been freshly detailed and she had an important appointment later that morning, to call to order the first session of the new Galactic House of Delegates.
Before she took care of that, she wanted to review what she encountered at the old Jedi Temple and compare it to the vision they had witnessed on Mustafar. Most of the details were similar, in particular, the three dark presences toward the end. Shaak informed them about Lizza, as Reema Andujah had described her. Maris looked Shaak in the eye, searching for any sign, but the Empress was a blank slate, revealing nothing. Anakin pondered the situation, then ventured some ideas.
"Master," he said as he looked to Shaak. "The fact that we both saw more or less the same thing tells me something. But yours had an additional message just for you. Am I correct?"
"Yes," Shaak intoned slowly. "The phrase 'all your ways are known to me' was something I used as a message to Palpatine, to make him wonder how I was able to penetrate his psychology. It seems the leader of this group is now doing the same – but to me."
Maris frowned. "I don't like it." She sighed. "Master, we have to learn more about these people."
Shaak nodded. "We most certainly do." She took a breath, then raised a hand and flicked two fingers. A glass flew into her hand, seemingly out of nowhere, and she took a swallow of the liquid it contained, a warm herbal beverage, then she sat on a chair facing both of them. Another breath, and then she spoke, softly.
"Anakin, I'd like you and Maris to go into the Unknown Region together. Each of you will ride on the bridge of a Super ISD dreadnaught. Maris, you're on the Ravager, while Anakin is on the Executor. You will go to the Chiss Ascendancy and we have the coordinates in the shuttle that Padawan Bridger brought back, which I had impounded. Once you arrive, you will make contact with the Chiss leadership and bring them my offer for talks about how they may join our Empire."
Maris nodded solemnly. "We will make it happen, Master."
Anakin stood and bowed to Shaak, who remained seated. "As you wish, my Empress."
As they exited, Shaak thought it over as she dropped to her knees and started to meditate. She cued the music and out of the nearby speakers came the opening bars of Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2, with its deeply moody beginning setting the tone for her deep thought. This is something of a gamble. I must start learning what I may be up against … and how much time I might have. But there is something I want to do first.
Coruscant, the Imperial Palace, 1 ABY 2 months, 10 days, 11 hours
After taking a short nap, which saw her sleep lightly, Shaak arose and contacted Valles Santhé, who was at work in her office at the Government Center complex.
"Yes, my Empress?" Valles answered cheerfully.
"Val … my apologies for not meeting with you more often. I intend to remedy that."
"Not a problem, milady. What can I do for you?"
"Can you tell me where Leia Organa Skywalker might be?"
"Yes. She has taken a consulting position at the Interior Ministry for now. She wanted to perhaps work there and gain some knowledge of some of the issues and needs of the Department."
"Ah, very well. I need to see her, can you contact her and have her meet me at the Palace?"
"Immediately, my Empress. And, may I ask, when might we be meeting? I understand you will be opening the new House of Delegates soon. Might I attend that function with you?"
Shaak chuckled. "Yes, I suppose you may. I look forward to seeing you. Once Leia is with me, we shall proceed over there and inform you upon our arrival."
"Very good, your Majesty."
Shaak signed off. After about 15 minutes had passed, her maidens came in to inform her that Leia had arrived at the Palace and was on her way up. Shaak led them to her ante-room, and soon, the former princess had arrived. She was wearing an elegant business suit in white, with pink trim. As she entered, she spotted Shaak and walked over to her, then curtsied and kissed the Empress's hand.
Shaak smiled, and lovingly put an arm around Leia's shoulders.
"Come, my child. We have a full day ahead of us."
Leia immediately wondered what that meant, but she was happy to be in Shaak's presence again, as she'd thought long and hard about their previous meeting two weeks earlier, and the meditation session they shared together. She followed Shaak's lead and proceeded into an elegant receiving room that was filled with sumptuous furnishings and beautiful representative art on the walls.
As Shaak took her seat on her designated throne-like chair, Leia took the one closest to her. Shaak then snapped her fingers and Tuu'waasa (one of her maidens) entered the room with a pair of garment bags. Shaak smiled and turned to Leia.
"My dear, a token of my affection for you. This outfit should be suitable for you to wear at the Opening this morning."
Leia's jaw dropped. "For me? Oh, my… Thank you ever so much, Shaak. I can't wait to try it on!"
Tuu'waasa led Leia to a small dressing room to assist her. As the Togruta opened the bags, Leia was astounded. Inside were a gown and full robe, both in glittering white and pink. Leia quickly donned them, feeling heavenly once they were on her body. I feel like a queen … she sighed audibly, and turned to look in a mirror. Tuu'waasa produced a soft brush and started attending to Leia's hair, which she smoothed gently, adding small sprinkles of moisture to soften it.
"You are ready, my lady," she said with a smile and turned to Leia and curtsied.
"Thank you very much," Leia smiled, and touched the maiden's shoulder gently.
They returned to the main room, whereupon Shaak rose and met Leia halfway.
"That's more like it," she said with a sharp nod. Tugging on the robe just a bit, Shaak felt the fabric and heard the rustle. "What do you think, Princess?"
"Very nice, thank you, your Majesty. I'd say we are ready?"
"Just a minute," Shaak chuckled. Tuu'waasa emerged again with a sumptuous green and pink outer robe for Shaak to wear, and placed it on the Empress's shoulders. "Let's go."
The two of them strode confidently through the Palace and were taken to the ground floor. Leia was a little surprised that the Empress preferred not to board a limo from her level of the building and asked her about it.
Shaak smiled. "As a Togruta, I prefer to be at ground level when I can. That was one of the things about Coruscant that used to bother me. Everything was high in the air, I felt disoriented at times. For my new home I expressly directed it to be as you see here."
Leia smiled back. "I completely understand, Shaak. And this is a beautiful new section of the City to be in. I've enjoyed coming to work here."
Soon, the limo arrived and the pair were assisted into it. From there it was a short ride of about 10km to the brand new House of Delegates complex, which consisted of a semi-circle of office towers (about 50 levels each) around the grand Assembly building, which was octagonal in shape. The entire complex was surrounded by green space and many fountains, with flowing channels of fresh water running throughout the parks. As they landed, the Empress again preferred to walk and preparations had been made for her arrival. Leia exited the limo first, followed by Shaak. A pink carpet had been rolled out for them, one that led into the building, some 100 metres away. Only Shaak and Leia were permitted to set foot on it.
After a slow procession, where thousands of well-wishers greeted her, Shaak and Leia eventually made their way into the Assembly Hall, where all 3000 seats had been arrayed. The House of Delegates was set up somewhat differently than the Imperial Senate. Here, each member could only approach the rostrum accompanied by that person's membership committee chairperson. The Galaxy had been subdivided into 100 regional delegation areas to facilitate business in the legislative body. Each of these sub-delegations was headed by a chairperson that was elected among the 30 members within it. Everything in the Hall was carefully labeled and organized, so that each person that was given time to speak would be aware of the proceedings based on the displays in each delegation's portable podium transport.
All were in their seats when Shaak arrived at the rostrum and took her position. She scanned the vast room slowly, smiling all the while. Leia seated herself behind the Empress, along with Valles Santhé, who had just arrived (punctual as ever), resplendent in flowing white and turquoise robes.
Leia leaned over to Valles, and whispered in her ear. "So glad you could make it. Will you be speaking today?"
Valles laughed. "If Her Majesty so desires … !"
Soon a bell sounded and the discussions around the room started to halt. The Sergeant-at-arms gave the announcement.
"Hear … Hear …" he shouted as the bell rang a few more times. "Greetings, Delegates! It is my supreme pleasure to welcome Her Imperial Majesty … Empress Shaak the First!"
A general roar ensued, as Shaak stood smiling. "Thank you! … Thank you! … Thank you, all!" She called out.
The sergeant rang the bell again and the members were seated. Shaak cleared her throat and began.
"Greetings, everyone. I want to first take a moment to congratulate every one of you for being here today. You are the elected representatives of your home worlds and sectors, and it is a great honor for each of you to have received that vote from your peoples. Each of you represents about 10 billion people and that is a huge responsibility … especially in a galaxy such as ours where so many worlds support sentient life. As your Empress, I take my position most seriously. I don't see myself as your ruler, but more your humble servant, though I fully recognize the hopes that so many of you have for me. I will do my best to live up to these. The rules of this body are mostly yours to create, but I want to stress that these rules apply equally to all representatives in this body. One person, one vote. On all matters that come before this body. The House of Delegates shall work hand in hand with the Senate and must agree on any measures that are sent to me for approval. At this time, my decision on all legislation is final ... the power of veto belongs exclusively to me."
Shaak took a few seconds to let that sink in, as she took a quick drink of water from a fountain that had been installed on the rostrum. She scanned the room quickly, and, feeling a general sense of agreement with her proclamations, she continued.
"But let me ensure you that I wish to encourage debate and discussion over the affairs of this Galaxy. We can only be strong if we are united. Sector by sector. Planet by planet. As the junior legislative body, I expect debate to often be lively and spirited. There will be a wide range of opinions, and each member deserves a chance to be heard. How you accommodate that will be up to you. So, let me conclude my remarks by stating this basic understanding. This … is the Second Empire. It is not a republic and we shall not return to the corrupt ways of the previous Republic. No one's vote is for sale. It is our plan to eradicate as much of the criminal syndicate activity as we can, and to do that, we will need the assistance of every sector. Our military stands ready to protect and defend the Galaxy from all potential enemies and threats – external … and internal. Let us go forward together."
At that, the members rose and cheered the Empress as she stepped back from the rostrum, smiling at everyone as her robe and crown glittered and reflected the lights of the Hall. She took out the 2 kg Scepter of the Galaxy and raised it high overhead, whereupon a brief display of pyrotechnics took place as she made the lights dim and then relit them in various colors in rapid sequence. After about one minute, the lighting returned to normal and Shaak was slowly making her way toward the exit from the Hall.
Leia and Valles caught up to her and were walking alongside of her, Valles to her left and Leia to her right. Shaak glanced at Valles and noted …
"My dear Valles, I think we need to meet. From all accounts, things are coming along smoothly. I have a short trip planned – to Avalonia. Leia is to accompany me."
"Very well, your Majesty. I will await your return. I would very much like to review with you the progress of your administration."
Leia was smiling broadly, as she realized that Shaak had just indicated her importance to Valles, but kept quiet.
Shaak responded thus: "I would enjoy that as well, my friend. I want to ensure that our visions are still aligned."
Valles could detect a slight change in Shaak's attitude, but dismissed it at this point. There's something different in the old lady's Force signature. She continues to grow in power, but … something else is present, something new. I will have to spend some time away from Coruscant. If Shaak wants to go to Avalonia, I should head back to Lianna, but first, another stop is indicated …
Felucia City, 1 ABY 2 months, 10 days, 20 hours
Frehya was having dinner with both Reema and Ezra at the Felucia City Hotel restaurant. It had been an interesting first day for Ezra as he joined the Order and met his trainer, Knight Nance Cobo, an Ithorian. Cobo was a well-educated male Ithorian who could speak flawless Galactic Basic and his generally patient nature made him a good teacher for the acolytes who were starting to join the Order in large numbers now that Palpatine was no longer Emperor and being openly Force-sensitive was encouraged. Ezra felt he could get along well with Cobo and the Ithorian was favorably impressed with the Lothalian's swordsmanship.
Reema was asked to observe some training methods and to conduct a session with some newly admitted acolytes. She chuckled at their relative inexperience but turned out to be a good instructor as she patiently worked at correcting their bad habits in duels she conducted with training sabres. Later in the day, she met with Knight Xendar and was given some assignments – these had been prescribed by Shaak as mandatory for an Order member to be considered for Knighthood – that stressed her time spent studying history and more in-depth understanding of the Force. Reema's telekinesis abilities greatly impressed Xendar as she demonstrated her power to smash as many as four boulders at once and turn them into gravel. Ezra happened to observe some of her skill from a distance and was also greatly impressed.
Later, Frehya and Xendar escorted Reema to the underground crystal cavern and immediately Reema thought about Lizza and how much she would want to see this. The thought of that bothered her somewhat, but she kept those feelings to herself and concentrated on what the Knights were telling her. Reema had learned more recently how to use the Force to block out stray thoughts and concentrate solely on the task at hand. Clearing her mind, she soon found her own personal hybrid Kyber crystal in the cavern and extracted it. The crystal flew into the young woman's hand and she felt most pleased to find it. Reema decided to wait for a bit before constructing a lightsabre with it, still more comfortable with the violet bladed model she'd used for years – the one that had once belonged to Mace Windu.
That night, before Reema retired, she received a transmission on her com device, one that was encrypted so that it could not be intercepted. Running it through the filter, she saw that the message was from Valles Santhé. It was largely congratulatory in nature, as Valles was wishing her well in the upcoming Trial that would lead to conferral of Knighthood on the young Order member. But she also wanted to meet Reema for lunch the next day – meaning Valles was on the planet and most likely in her private suite on the 21st floor of the hotel. As Reema fell into a deep sleep, she was most curious about Valles and seeing her new friend and sponsor again. Since their first time together on Coruscant, Reema had constantly thought about the Queen and who she really was. Most people probably don't know that she's a Force user … I wonder if Empress Shaak is one of them.
Coruscant, Shaak's Imperial Palace, 1 ABY 2 months, 11 days, 7 hours
Shaak had summoned Valles to her private apartments in the palace, and the Queen arrived in a long turquoise gown and wearing a glittering light crown with similar colored stones in it. When Valles arrived, Shaak, dressed in black, smiled and the two approached each other. They reviewed the progress in the Imperial administration and Shaak was pleased with it. "Just feel free to offer any guidance you wish, Shaak," Valles chirped, and the Empress simply nodded. "You're doing great. And I feel like I'm learning so much from you." Shaak's candidness impressed the Liannese ruler and Valles smiled back, reaching to gently touch Shaak's left forearm, whereupon they both glanced at each other for a few seconds, remaining silent. Valles felt a soft rush of emotion come over her and she marveled at the depth of Shaak's emotional power. The two of them hugged for a second and again exchanged glances.
After a short silence, Shaak offered the Queen some warm herbal beverage, which Valles found quite pleasing, but she could also detect some soft Force energy emanating from it. She's allowing me in. How rewarding. Shaak simply nodded, her eyes showing a soft blue, matching by the glow from the ever-present amulet dangling from her neck and playing off the Empress's red skin.
Valles was touched. "How lovely you are, my Empress. It's little wonder why you are so powerful – and loved."
"And you as well, lovely Queen. I have learned of the depth of affection that your subjects have for you on Lianna. It must be quite gratifying for you to wake up every morning and feel that love."
"So we are well-positioned, then, my liege?"
"Our plans for the Galaxy proceed, dear Valles. I am sending Maris and Anakin on an expedition tomorrow. It's time we assume full control over all regions, and the reports on the first Peacekeeper are encouraging."
"Yes. I knew you would be pleased. This is a wise course, Shaak. Learn the full extent of things so that you may readily get your arms around them. Together we will get it done."
"I'm heading for Avalonia soon, will I see you there, or, perhaps I might drop in on you at your capital city on Lianna?"
"Whatever you wish, my dear Empress. I enjoy spending time with you as always."
Aboard the Super Star Destroyer Ravager, 1 ABY 2 months, 12 days
Maris was on the bridge of the SSD, alongside Fleet Admiral Gallius Rax, who was desirous of winning the Zabrak Master's confidence. Thus far the voyage to the Chiss Ascendancy was proceeding as scheduled, with the SSD accompanied by its usual battle group of three standard Imperial Star Destroyers. Also making the trip of course were the SSD Executor, under command of Admiral Rae Sloane, in whom Master Anakin had indicated his full confidence. Rax and Sloane were both bringing the Masters up to speed on the various aspects and capabilities of the small armada of ships they were leading.
As they broke out of hyperspace, it wasn't long before Chiss recon craft had encountered them. Contact was made and Anakin took the lead.
"Greetings to the Chiss Ascendancy and to the Chiss worlds. This is Master Anakin Skywalker, aboard the SSD Executor. We come in peace and wish to make contact with the leadership of this sector. Her Majesty Shaak the First sends her wishes for a good relationship."
Soon, a small group of ships from the Chiss Defense Fleet arrived to intercept the Imperials. Maris directed the bridge crew to open a holo communication frequency, whereupon a message from the Empress was played. It was one of good will and the general intent of the Empire to bring the Chiss into the Galactic Community of worlds and sectors. She also expressed her policy of allowing individual worlds and sectors internal self-determination while at the same time offering representation in the Galactic legislative bodies.
Over on the Chiss side, the commanders responded in flawless Basic and relayed their appreciation of the Empress's conciliatory tone. They indicated that her message would be relayed to the Aristocra, the group of elite families that made up the high levels of the Chiss government. After about 30 minutes, a small shuttle craft approached the Ravager and a familiar voice was heard over the communication link.
"Greetings to the command and crew of Ravager and Executor. It is I, Admiral Mitth'raw'nuruodo. I apologize to Her Majesty for having been out of communication for these many months. The leadership wishes to convey their desire as well for a fruitful relationship and extends their congratulations to Her Majesty upon ascending to the Throne and further wishes her a long and successful reign in the Galaxy. The Chiss stand ready to do our part in assisting her and we will take under consideration her sincere offer of Galactic representation. I wish permission to dock."
Maris responded. "Permission granted, Admiral Thrawn. It is good to hear from you. This is Master Brood, co-director of the Imperial Security Bureau. My counterpart, Master Skywalker, and I, would be pleased to meet with you."
Anakin shuttled over to the Ravager and joined Maris in a conference room near the bridge. Soon, Thrawn had docked his shuttle and was being directed to join the two of them. Upon first seeing Anakin, Thrawn had a recollection.
"Master Skywalker, it has indeed been a long interval since we last conversed." He turned to face Maris, and bowed in respect to her position. "Master Brood, I am pleased to meet you, and extend congratulations to your rise to such an important position in the Imperial command."
Maris simply nodded with a slight smile. "Greetings, Admiral," was her only terse reply.
Anakin took the lead in the discussion. He informed Thrawn of the new command structure and gave a brief outline of the new Imperial administration and the key players. When Thrawn asked for a brief summation of Empress Shaak, Anakin played a holo-vid showing moments in her coronation ceremony, plus her opening address speeches to the Senate and the new House of Delegates.
"A most striking individual," Thrawn noted, while also observing, "her power is quite remarkable."
"Would you care for some tea, Admiral?" Maris asked. Thrawn thanked her.
"Your consideration is most kind, Lady Brood." He turned to Anakin. "I see your outward appearance has greatly changed, my Lord. I take it you no longer go by the name of Vader?"
Anakin managed a slight chuckle, but otherwise took it in stride. "A great many things have changed, Admiral. You may address me as Lord Skywalker."
Thrawn simply nodded. "I must say, with all due respect, the change is a welcome one. And I greatly look forward to meeting with Her Majesty. My people wish to convey their sincere respect and also look forward to a possible Imperial visit."
"That will be taken under consideration," Maris replied. "But I'm sure the Empress will be pleased to have the opportunity. She wishes to convey her sincerity that her reign over the Galaxy will be one of service and not so much rule. In her mind, the Empire is stronger when the many diverse voices have a chance to be heard. Yet, her word remains final."
"As it should be, Lady Brood."
The conversation went on in a generally conciliatory mood, and concluded with Anakin and Maris agreeing to forward Thrawn's request for an audience with Shaak. Anakin indicated that the Imperial armada would like to remain in-system for a short interval, and that he and Maris would be pleased to meet with the Chiss leadership to further advance good relations with the Second Empire.
After about two days passed, Anakin decided that the Executor and its battle group would remain in the Unknown Regions, under the command of Admiral Sloane, while Ravager would return to Coruscant. Sloane was directed to commence a general exploration mission of the space surrounding the Chiss Ascendancy and the Chiss leadership extended an offer to supply their best technicians to aid in conducting that mission. Nowhere was anything mentioned pertaining to Lizza, nor her fellow Ladies, whose names were unknown at this point to the Imperials.
As Ravager prepared to depart the Unknown Regions, Anakin turned to Maris and noted, "this appears to be just the beginning of a long journey."
She nodded to him, while taking his hand and squeezing it gently. "Yes, my love. And we have little idea now where that journey may lead."
To be continued …