AN: some of this content will seem familiar to readers of my earlier project: 14 chapters, entitled "Ahsoka, Shaak and the Second Empire" but some small changes have been made to those scenes and that novel has been discontinued and will eventually be removed from this site, to be replaced by this one. Additional details have been added to those first chapters, to give it an ever-fuller experience and to better tell the story I want to tell. These stories examine the idea that better results are possible with better intentions – but is this really true? It's likely an age-old question, as we deal with similar questions on our home planet located somewhere in the "Mid Rim" of the "Milky Way" galaxy. We are already getting positive feedback … thanks to new followers: Killer1398, Noxid11
Chapter 2: Renewal
Coruscant, Imperial Defense Ministry – 1 ABY 0 months, 24 days
It was two days later. Anakin Skywalker had arisen early, leaving his beloved Maris still in bed. He had scheduled an important appointment for later that morning and wanted to make the right impression going into the meeting. He was planning to see none other than Grand General Cassio Tagge of the Imperial military – who was still holding the same title that former Emperor Palpatine had appointed him to shortly after the destruction of the first Death Star.
Anakin had been briefed by Empress Shaak about the importance of learning which of the military leaders she could trust to carry out her agenda. But she left it open to him how to go about doing that, which he actually preferred. As he headed out of the apartment that he and Maris were living in on Coruscant, in the posh Republika 1000 block, the former Darth Vader walked to the terrace just outside their door. He pulled out his com device and summoned a speeder, which soon arrived. It had no driver but was programmed to go wherever the customer needed to go. Anakin headed off to the new Imperial government area of the city, about 5 km away. As he arrived at a Defense Ministry block, he dismounted the speeder, then stopped to check his look in the reflective window before he headed inside.
Anakin Skywalker was now 42 years old, still reasonably youthful, but hardly the impetuous young man he was at the time he became Darth Vader. The years in the suit and helmet had taken their toll, but, thanks to a nearly miraculous reconstruction job by Shaak Ti, he began to resemble a facsimile of his old self. A recent hair transplant (from his own DNA and fashioned in a laboratory on Coruscant) had been completed and he was happy with the results. On this day, the former Dark Lord still had some overtones of the Sith as he wore dark clothing and carried a serious expression on his countenance. He also carried a lightsabre on his belt. As he turned to head inside, Anakin gave himself a smirk – a reminder of long-ago days. I'm still me …
Tagge was waiting for him in the conference room as Anakin strode in. He stood to face the former Lord Vader, then bowed respectfully. Anakin did not return the bow, but merely gestured to the general as he took a seat.
"So, you wished to meet with me, Master Skywalker?" The general ventured, remembering the proper form of address.
Anakin nodded. "I see we have come full circle." He paused for effect. "You now report to me again."
The general started to say something, but Anakin raised a hand, indicating he had more to say. His cadence was deliberate, much like it had been when he was Vader, though his voice was now more of a baritone rather than the deep bass he'd had behind the mask.
"Let me get straight to business. The Empress has tasked me with initial determination of which members of the Imperial command can be trusted. Perhaps you would care to explain why you merit her trust …"
Tagge swallowed hard, but managed to get his footing.
"Because, Master, I serve the Empire, as always. I would be most pleased to inform Her Majesty that I am completely loyal to her."
Anakin nodded. "The reports I have received show loyalty among those who report up to you. If there was any opportunity for them to state otherwise, they would have done so by now. So, for the time being, you are safe."
"I am gratified, sir."
"General, you should be looking for a royal invitation soon. When the Empress returns to Coruscant, she will be convening a meeting of the high command. Everyone must attend, no exceptions."
"I will be there. Greatly looking forward to meeting with Her Majesty."
Tagge hoped that he had shown the proper amount of enthusiasm and deference. Anakin got up to leave, and the general rose respectfully. On his way out, Anakin remarked. "If you happen to see Admiral Sloane and Admiral Rax, tell them I wish to meet with them as well. Master Brood will be accompanying me."
Tagge nodded. "One thing, Master Skywalker. Will the Grand Vizier also be meeting with us?"
Anakin shook his head. "Not that I am aware of. The Empress has asked that Master Brood and I attend to all of the military matters. Queen Valles is primarily concerned with the Imperial Administration."
"Very good, sir. Thank you for the clarification."
As Anakin left the room, Tagge thought it over. Well, that went about as well as could be expected. At least I will have the chance to meet Empress Shaak. We are all rather curious as to what she may be like. One thing is for sure. Anakin Skywalker is quite different from Lord Vader, although he is a little stiff. Still, it's a welcome change. He gives the impression that if we do our jobs, he will put in a good word for us with the Crown. Old man Palpatine was at least predictable, if rather hard to deal with. She can't be worse than that …
Tagge gave a soft laugh as he left the room. He wanted to at least find Gallius Rax and tell him what he might expect.
On the way out, Anakin happened to run into Admiral Rae Sloane. Seeing as how she did not immediately recognize him, he addressed her directly.
"Admiral Sloane?"
She looked up, a bit startled as she had lost her train of thought. Soon, she realized who it was.
"Good morning, Master Skywalker, sir. Did you want to see me?"
Anakin nodded. "Yes. We will need about 15 minutes."
He gestured at what appeared to be an empty conference room. It was already clear in her mind that Master Skywalker would prefer to skip formalities and move right to the matter at hand. She actually preferred that as she considered herself the consummate professional. Since her childhood, Rae had great respect for any organization that could maintain order. She had seen what a lack of that could do on her home world, and it made for a dangerous environment. The Empire represented peace and order to her and she was greatly looking forward to serving under the new galactic ruler.
As they sat down, Anakin opened the discussion.
"Admiral Rae Sloane, recently promoted from Vice Admiral, do I have that correct?"
"You do, sir."
Anakin let his mind return to an earlier episode in his life as Darth Vader.
"I seem to recall when you were a young lieutenant, serving aboard the Star Destroyer Defiance. Your quick thinking saved the ship from certain destruction, as the captain had plotted to send us into a star. Does this sound familiar?"
She smiled. "Indeed it does, sir. A good example of my service to the Empire."
Anakin chuckled. "Let me ask you a question, Admiral. How do you feel about our new Empress?"
She answered quickly, yet made it seem natural. "I am greatly looking forward to serving under her, sir."
"Oh? And why is that?"
"I just have a good feeling about her. I watched her coronation carefully. She has a look in her eyes that tells me I can trust her to do the job well. In addition, I admire her sentiments to ensure the Galaxy has justice and her desire to crack down on the syndicates. I am ready to do my part for her."
Anakin shrugged. "Noble sentiments, Admiral." He took a breath, then gazed intently at Sloane. "You will soon have the chance to tell her in person."
Sloane perked up noticeably. "Oh?"
"Yes, Empress Shaak will soon be holding a meeting for all of the top Imperial brass."
"I am greatly looking forward to that, sir."
"Very well, that is all. You will be informed as to the time and place."
With that, Anakin left the room. Rae was now feeling even more hopeful and knew that her chance to speak with Shaak directly was a golden opportunity. She reviewed her thoughts: This could be my chance to someday serve as a Grand Admiral. The Empress will soon know of my dedication to her. She will be a great leader and we are privileged to serve her directly. But there are those who would stand in my way – and I think I know who some of those people are. The destruction of the Death Star removed much of the old command, but it also opened the door for some very unscrupulous types that vied for the Emperor's attention. I must keep my eyes wide open.
Coruscant, Republika 1000 block – 1 ABY 0 months, 25 days
Ahsoka was in her suite at Republika awaiting word from the local spaceport. She had asked to be informed immediately once her fiancé Tri'ku Je'har of Almania had gotten in. The day of their wedding was fast approaching and they had much to discuss. Tri'ku had spent some time on his home world seeing to some local matters, as his family was the ruling Je'har clan on the planet. They had wanted his input about how the change in power on Coruscant would affect them. He basically explained that things would certainly not be any worse, and gave them a generally upbeat assessment of Shaak Ti and her plans for the Galaxy. This was well-received, and they also talked about the Empire's plans to build one of the Peacekeepers in the Almania system, and the opportunities it would bring for all of them. The Je'har leadership had gone along with Queen Valles of Lianna and her takeover of the Outer Rim and their meetings with Duchess Ana had gone well. The Liannese had a light touch and their tribute requirements were more than manageable considering the plum of the Peacekeeper assembly to be taking place there. The feeling was that their association with Ahsoka Tano had paid off in a way no one could have imagined some three years earlier when she first visited their world, and they were looking forward to the day she might return. Tri'ku agreed to pass along their sentiments to his fiancé.
After a banquet in his honor – after all, he was soon to be marrying the Galaxy's Crown Princess – Tri'ku left via his private shuttle for Coruscant to join his beloved.
Once he had landed, the staff director at the Republika Spaceport contacted Ahsoka.
"Your Highness, good news. Your guest's shuttle has landed."
"Thank you very much," Ahsoka replied, then contacted Tri'ku.
"I'm here, love … really been missing you," she said, somewhat seductively.
He was cheered to immediately hear from his wife-to-be. "Can't wait!"
A speeder ferried him over to her apartment block and she stood on the platform, waiting patiently. Despite Ahsoka's position as Galactic royalty, for the most part, no one bothered her as the people that could afford to live in this part of town were prosperous and successful and not that impressed by her status. Still, there were always occasional well-wishers, whom she felt she had to personally respond to as they greeted her. Before her fiancé arrived, a human couple stopped to say hello.
"Princess Ahsoka?" the man asked.
Ahsoka's lekku brightened a little, as normally happened when she showed any emotion. "Yes. Glad to meet you," she said, in what had become a sort of auto-pilot manner. She extended her right hand and both of the strangers bent over to kiss it. They said goodbye to her and walked away, somewhat excitedly.
A few minutes later, Tri'ku appeared and got out of the speeder, which then took off (it ran via self-piloting mechanism). The two of them hugged excitedly and walked back into Ahsoka's apartment building. As they got on the elevator, they shared a quick kiss before it arrived at the level of her suite. As they walked into the apartment, Tri'ku went to the bar area and found some Almanian whiskey.
"I knew you still had it," he said happily.
"I brought it just for you … some of my stuff is still back on Felucia."
As they settled down together on the sectional sofa, they kissed again, then kicked back.
"So what's the timeline looking like for the wedding?" he asked.
"Still on schedule … Valles asked me about that yesterday."
"Okay …"
"But, here's what. I thought we would take a trip to Shili together. Maybe even see if Shaak is still there."
"I didn't realize she went. Must've been quiet about it."
"You've got to try their restaurant. The real Togruta barbeque. And … we're going to meet my brother."
"Aha … that should be interesting."
After some light banter, they ordered some room service food and consumed it quietly. Soon they went off to bed, having missed each other's company greatly. But it was as good as ever …
In the morning, they packed for the trip to Shili. "So how are we going to get there?" Tri'ku asked. "Did they give you a royal ship or anything? I'd prefer to go in the Corvala Dawn … if it's all the same to you."
"I'd like that, actually. Still not used to this princess gig. Good thing I had R8-ND fly it here."
Tri'ku smiled and they grasped each other's hands.
"Yeah, I'm not sure what it will be like after the wedding. Will I have some kind of royal title too?"
Ahsoka thought about it for a couple of seconds. "You know … I never talked to anyone about that. Maybe it's up to you." She nodded her head sharply as she finished that response.
"Yeah," he muttered. "I need to think about it."
"No hurry," she smiled. "Whatever you want to do is all right with me. Our relationship is the key."
They kissed again after that, then she headed for the door, where they were met by her two Togruta maidens, Kama and Rasa.
"Your Highness, we are here to inform you that your ship is now ready and cleared for departure. We have also contacted your brother on Shili, Mr. Mako'ta Tano. He is looking most forward to your arrival."
"Thank you," Ahsoka smiled at the both of them. "I would like you to come with us. Our luggage is ready. Have you also made arrangements for us at a hotel in Corvala?"
"We have, Your Highness. They are looking forward to serving you."
Ahsoka stopped to consider the implications of returning to the planet of her birth, but this time as the Crown Princess of the Galaxy. Just amazing, in every sense of the word. She also remembered those dreams she'd had almost three years earlier, the ones where she was being honored as the Empress, and Shaak was the one crowning her. Well, that part was backwards – I was the one putting the crown on Shaak – or was it? Maybe someday Shaak would decide to step down and make me the Empress … At that point, she snapped out of the trance and turned to Rasa and Kama.
"Excellent, my children." Ahsoka had never had loyal servants before, so she wasn't sure how to address them.
They curtsied to her, then asked, "Shall we go to the ship and prepare for you and Mr. Je'har's arrival?"
Ahsoka nodded, and the two curtsied again and left.
"They seem like very efficient servants," Tri'ku remarked, and again, his fiancé just nodded. He glanced at her, and asked, "are you OK, dear?"
Ahsoka again had to snap out of her trance-like state, and quickly covered.
"Yes, yes … of course I am. I'm sorry. Just a lot on my mind right now. I need to get off this planet. I have too many memories here. I'm starting to regret ever leaving Felucia. Returning to Almania would even be better, although I know it's winter there right now. But I know I can't go back. You understand, right?"
Tri'ku took her in his arms and held her tightly. "I do. So much has happened to you. But I will stay with you now. Lean on me, dear, as much as you need to."
She remained quiet, then smiled and they released each other's embrace. "Let's get going," she simply said.
They stepped out of the apartment and a speeder was there awaiting them. It quickly brought them to the spaceport, right up to the bay where Corvala Dawn, newly washed and polished, was gleaming and ready for their trip. As they walked toward it, Rasa emerged and showed them aboard.
"Would you like to take the helm, your highness?" She asked quietly.
Ahsoka shook her head. "Please handle everything with R8. We will be in the lounge."
"Very good, madam." Rasa curtsied and went to the bridge. Soon the ship had launched and cleared Coruscanti orbit. The jump to hyperspace came soon after and they were on their way to the Togruta home world, a three-hour voyage.
As Ahsoka and Tri'ku settled in together, cuddling in the lounge, he asked, "do your servants have the Force?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact … but they are relatively unschooled."
"Hmm, you know … it seems a large number of Togruta are Force-sensitive. However did they evade the Empire during Palpatine's reign?"
"That's something I am still trying to understand myself. I know for the most part they were very careful."
"But Palpatine had to be able to detect it, no?"
"You would think. But Shaak said he never got around to visiting the planet."
"Wow … a most fortunate set of circumstances, wouldn't you say?"
Ahsoka simply nodded, then she changed the subject.
"I had a nice time together with Maris a few days ago."
"Yes? What did you two do together?"
"We booked a training room and went at it hard, like the old days. Then a great time relaxing afterwards, with a spa and massage. I really needed it."
Tri'ku smiled. "I'm happy for you. How is Maris feeling these days?"
"She seems fine. I know she's very much in love with Anakin. But she seemed a little concerned about me. I had to cover, saying I was just a little out of sorts."
"How was your sabre technique … a little rusty?"
"A little, but nothing that more work couldn't fix. But how often is the Crown Princess expected to engage in sabre combat?"
Tri'ku chuckled. "A fair point. Say, we haven't talked about your apprentices. How is that going?"
"Quietly. I don't even know where Reema is right now. Hedala and Luke are together of course. He popped the question and now they are planning a wedding too, but it will be after ours."
He scoffed, quietly. "Reema. I know she's been a concern of yours for a while now. Is she someone you can really trust?"
Ahsoka gave him a look of mild anguish. "I just can't tell. She's been cooperative recently. I don't feel like she has to always check in with me, though. The old master and apprentice relationship of the Order is surely different now that we all have new roles as part of the Empire – Shaak's Empire."
"Yeah … I can see that. This is all going to take some getting used to."
"I know," Ahsoka sighed softly. "But you and I will be fine. How do you feel about Valles now? None of this happens without her."
"Obviously. And it's somewhat of a slap in the face to see my home-world – which had always prided itself on being independent – fall so easily into Valles's many dominions. Oh, I'm not surprised that my cousins have a price, most people do …"
"I get that," Ahsoka put her right hand on his shoulder as she leaned forward, then added, " but we have to consider the bigger picture. I'm not about to let anything happen to Almania, considering all it did for me. And I will have some say in things. Duchess Ana and Ry Kyver? I think they are reasonable people, as are many of the Liannese."
"Well. My cousins, as it turns out, would love a visit from you. They are more than grateful for what you've done for Almania already."
"I plan to visit, it's the least I can do. And maybe Shaak herself could also show up, but I imagine she will want to keep that low key. The Empress intends to keep her ship Intrepid V running and fully functional."
"So she wants to still have the 'common touch?'"
"Something like it, I guess. And I don't want her to change. Part of why I came to love her and look up to her. Shaak is complex, but her heart is true. She's not going to allow all of this to affect her."
"I just hope you're right, darling …"
In transit to Lianna, Greater Lianna Sector, Eastern Outer Rim – 1 ABY 0 months, 21 days
Queen Valles Santhé was enjoying a relaxing bath in her private suite aboard her extravagant yacht, Belladonna. She'd had a busy couple of weeks on Coruscant, scurrying around endlessly as she crafted the new Imperial Administration for Empress Shaak. There were so many personalities involved and egos to stroke, while at the same time continuing to project her own air of authority over everything. A key factor was ensuring that everyone other than herself had limited access to the Empress, and Shaak herself was seemingly pleased with this setup thus far. But it was also clear that no one, even Valles herself, knew how the "old lady" actually operated, and what her thought processes were – though Valles believed she did as well as anyone aside from Ahsoka and Maris.
There was a general feeling among the various Imperial Ministries that, in the end, Shaak was little different from Palpatine. She was mysterious, inscrutable, and possessing vast and truly frightening powers. Her display of some of that during the coronation and the long celebration following it gave them a taste of it. She could seemingly make it rain or shine simply by willing it to be so and do it all with thrilling pyrotechnics. Although these demonstrations were met with enthusiastic approval by the general population, they were quite worrisome among the officialdom. Valles used this situation as a way of cementing her role as Imperial Chief of Staff and Grand Vizier. It was almost as if she could somehow "protect" them from Shaak if need be. At least, so they thought, and Valles was content to let them do so.
Truly remarkable, all of this is, she thought, enjoying greatly the chance to clear her head and get away from the capital for a bit. But what is the old lady up to? She gave me very little to go on, other than she planned a quiet trip to Shili. I know this much, however. To better understand Shaak, I need to also visit Shili, and come to know more of the culture and history of the Togruta. I know, from accounts I have read, that they are a carnivorous species, fond of meat and disdainful of grain meals. This diet has apparently enabled them to achieve longer life-spans than most. This would also seem to imply that they have the mindset of hunters, stalking prey and taking it down. The Galactic Annals also state that Shili was only first visited by outsiders about 1000 standard years ago, a bit surprising, given its proximity to the Core. Shaak is clearly very intelligent and resourceful, and inspires intense loyalty from her followers. But how much like Palpatine is she, really? He was very intelligent as well, and spent time studying history and the ways of peoples. It might not be a bad idea for me to pay him a visit on Avalonia at some point. It's still very much a mystery how Shaak was able to overthrow him – it seems as though it was during a direct encounter, but she offers no clues and I'm not one to pry, it will tend to raise suspicion in her, and that is not a wise course to follow.
After a few more minutes, during which she further considered these ideas, Valles arose from her bath, and a valet entered to assist her, drying her and attending to her hair, while wrapping her in a luxurious robe that quickly soaked up any remaining moisture from her skin. The Queen greatly enjoyed the finer things in life and took the time to savor them.
"Thank you, dear …" she said, with a broad smile. Valles was sure to treat her direct servants with kindness, knowing that it furthered her reputation, while also instilling loyalty. A queen sets the tone for all of her subjects.
"Will Her Majesty require anything before bed?" Asked the valet, a girl of about 22 years of age, with dark hair like her employer. She was originally from the industrial world of Corellia, and like many from that planet, greatly enjoyed the privilege of not having to live there, as it was a grimy industrial world with few creature comforts unless one was among the wealthy. Thus, when she got an opportunity to visit Lianna as a student some four years prior, she found employment there in one of Valles's palaces, then worked her way up to one of the prized positions having direct contact with the great lady. Being a valet to the fabulously wealthy and kind-hearted Queen of Lianna was a dream job for most young women in the Galaxy who were aware that such jobs existed.
"I'm fine, Arballa," Valles replied, as she stepped into her slippers while the valet accompanied her into the bedroom, then left her to herself. Valles took off the bathrobe and stepped into a black satin nightgown that shimmered much like her luxurious locks that descended almost a full metre. She stepped in front of the mirror to admire herself, jerking her head slightly and causing her hair to flip around a bit, as the light played off of it. Her smile broadened as she thought, that's better. My power is truly something to behold. Of course, Valles's idea of "power" also had to do with her attractiveness as a woman. This always helped to open doors when she was younger and discovered that most men were favorably disposed toward helping her.
Valles reveled in her own self-awareness, something she had been taught to do by her mother as a young girl growing up on Lianna, her home world, and a place that her family before her had helped to transform into the "perfect" planet, a world where the climate and weather were completely engineered as the environment was kept in a pristine condition. All waste and pollution were recycled and used to grow crops and keep a balance, as the water supply was mostly underground. The Liannese atmosphere was kept in balance by a series of shafts that sent water vapor upwards, thus allowing the balance of hydrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere that made sentient life possible on the planet surface below. The planet had grown steadily more valuable with each passing century and was very well-defended, during the Old Republic and the Empire, as the armaments industries made the weapons used by both governments, usually doing the construction in orbit on a series of platforms that wound around the entire planet.
As Valles rose to the top of her family business, the Santhé Corporation, she had gradually assumed power over almost everything on Lianna and fully owned about 25% of what was a very valuable planet. She had been treated as royalty there, although for a time she sought no formal title and wore no crown or other outward sign of authority. This would change in the previous two years, when her popularity caused the citizenry to clamor for the re-establishment of a monarchy that had been terminated some 200 years earlier. Her financial and business power was a direct function of her amazing brain. She finished her formal schooling quite early in life and then started to master the family firm as her grandfather realized she would be able to run it at an early age. By the time Valles was just 22, she had become the de facto CEO of the company, and she soon set about dominating the affairs of her home world. Few were able to compete with her as she just steamrolled over everyone – but she always did it with a smile on her face and had few enemies. She had learned early that the best way to win was to let your opponent also believe she or he had won – at least something. Now 37, Valles Santhé was adored by some, but respected by all, including the new occupant of the Imperial throne, Shaak Ti.
When Valles awoke the next morning, the yacht was in orbit around her home world. Valles rose up in bed and stretched her arms upward, feeling the bones softly crack as she was content and rested. She thought for a second about her plans for the day, then picked up her com. Picking up was her longtime assistant, Lasivia Borges, who had recently been promoted to her chief of staff, and given the title of Baroness. Lasivia had been with Valles for over 15 years and her loyalty was prized and now greatly rewarded. She was the first of her family line to ever be given a title of nobility on Lianna and she was most delighted and grateful.
"What do you need, my Queen?"
"Well, I've had a refreshing time away, but it's time for me to catch up with what's been happening at home."
"How was Coruscant?"
"About like it always is – busy and disorganized. But we made good progress on getting the Ministry leads filled."
"Glad to hear that, Valles. Do you feel like taking it easy for a few days, here? I can limit access to you, if you'd prefer."
The Queen laughed, heartily. "My dear Lasivia, when have you ever known me to 'take it easy' … I'll be fine."
Lianna, Vallesia City, 1 ABY 0 months, 22 days, 11 standard hours
The construction of Valles's fabulous new palace – in the new Liannese capital city bearing her name – was proceeding apace and the apartments for her had mostly been completed by this time. Though the palace and the city were still being worked on – with activity taking place everywhere – Valles had decided to take up residence in it part-time. It was on the seventh (and top) level of the building, with beautiful vistas on both sides that would enable her to view much of the city (once it was complete) from the outdoor terraces. Her 100-room suite on the top floor was mostly ready and she had her furnishings and wardrobe (which seemed endless when considering her many royal residences on the planet) brought in to make it habitable.
Valles was sitting comfortably in an ante room – she usually didn't prefer being on an obvious throne, though such a room was planned for the times later on when she would formally open the legislative sessions – waiting for her guests. Lasivia entered, then announced: "Grand Duchess Berit and Countess Janne, Your Majesty." The Queen sat forward on her elegant chair and extended her right hand, palm down. Each of the noblewomen kissed it gently in turn after curtsying to her. Valles motioned to a large sofa and they both took seats. Lasivia curtsied to the group and left the three of them to talk.
"Well, then. Are both of you ready for your trip to Endor? I want a full report on the development of the first Peacekeeper."
"Yes, your Majesty," Berit nodded, with a smile. "They are ready to receive us. We'll go in my yacht and dock at the structure."
"Very good. I will also expect a report on the siting for the second one of these in your dominions – Voss system in Greater Lianna."
"Absolutely," Berit replied. "Janne's people are working on that as we speak."
"I'd like that project started within the … next six or so months. We'll have four Peacekeepers in development as the Empress has envisioned."
"And there are projected to be ten in all?" Berit glanced at her friend Janne.
"At the current time, yes. To be completed in about five years per our schedule. And … as you may have heard, the Outer Rim will get most of them. But we don't see them as purely military. The Empress envisions them as centers of learning and good will, where Imperial policy reaches out to aid the various worlds and sectors and assists with security and development. These craft will carry up to a half-million inhabitants."
"Really," gasped Janne. "I had no idea how grand this project is. We'd all known about the first Death Star and how it was supposed to hold everyone in line through fear. I guess Empress Shaak has a different approach to governing."
"Indeed, she does," Valles chuckled. "And we Liannese are directly involved to ensure the new policies take hold."
"Very well, your Majesty," Berit sighed. "I'm honored to do my part here." She started seeing the possibilities for her role in helping to manage the southern Outer Rim as she had been assigned. It could be quite lucrative if played right. But it was also a very big job.
Valles then rose, extending her hand again. Janne quickly curtsied and kissed it, then left. After Berit did the same, the Queen reached out with her left arm and motioned for the Duchess to come close. Valles then spoke in a somewhat reassuring tone.
"I gave you this job because I know you can handle it. Do it right, and you'll have much respect. I intend to let everyone involved know of your role – and Ana's, in her domains – in bringing the Outer Rim to a better circumstance."
Berit bowed to her. "Thank you, my Queen."
Lianna, Lianna City, 1 ABY 0 months, 22 days, 16 standard hours
A few hours later, Valles rode her royal shuttle from her newest palace to the City. After landing near the Santhé Tower – the landmark 215-story headquarters of the Santhé Corporation – the Queen hopped into a speeder that took her to the underground garage of the Veterans' Hospital nearby. She had changed into a simple long-sleeved full-length pink silk dress, and was wearing a small platinum tiara with a few red and pink gemstones. It was one of many of these pieces that she owned, some of them having been gifted to her from other worlds in the Galaxy, often as a token of gratitude or respect. The power that Valles wielded in the Galaxy had come to be known, far and wide. Shunning formalities, she walked alone, entering a lift and riding it to the twelfth level, whereupon she exited and then strode down a corridor and came to a portal. She opened it via the Force, then closed it behind her and waved a hand causing the room to be dimly lit. In the center of the room, a small cylindrical unit about one metre high stood before her. Another wave, and the unit was bathed in a pale blue light, the top opened and the chamber rose into view, showing a developed human fetus, about halfway through its gestation cycle.
"Good afternoon, my darling daughter. Your father and I have decided to call you Yas'meena – the one who will unite our twin societies: Lianna and Hapes."
Valles placed her palm on the chamber, causing a slight reddish tinge in the light. The fetus seemed to move in response to the Force stimulus. That's right. A queen of two worlds you shall be … and maybe much more.
She gave her unborn daughter a bit more gentle stimulus, while indicating her maternal affection. A few more minutes, then Valles lowered the chamber back down into the cylinder of the incubator, stood and watched it a little longer, then left the room and doused the lighting. Only a few more weeks until I can hold you, my precious child.
Coruscant – ground level near "Co-Co Town" District – 1 ABY 0 months, 25 days
Deep in the bowels of Coruscant, far from the Republika 1000 block and the new Imperial Palace and Government Center, a dark-complexioned man of older age was awaiting the arrival of a contact. He stood on the street waiting for her and for the most part, few wanted to bother or trouble the man as he was of sufficient size and wore a look of malice on his face. Clearly, he had seen many things over his 73 years of life, but he was still in good physical condition and could handle a blaster with the best of them.
Soon enough, the lady appeared, wearing a luxurious dark cloak over something like a skin-tight cat-suit, also in black. Her raven hair descended about halfway down her back, and she had a dashing look and her manner was brusque. Her facial features, however, were obscured. Seeing him, she gestured to an alley-way and he followed. When they came to a halt, she spoke.
"So, Mister Menoway, do you have what I was looking for?"
He nodded, then opened his coat and pulled out a small crystal, one with a pinkish hue. Saying nothing, he handed it to her. She looked it over.
"Can you perhaps get more of these?"
"Not around here. This one was hard enough. Do you have my payment?"
She pulled out a satchel from inside her cloak, opened it, and gave him a few hundred-credit chips. Eyeing them for a second, he seemed satisfied and put the money in his pocket.
He smiled. "Nice doing business with you, madam … Lizza, was it?"
She gave him a crooked smile. "And you, sir. We will meet again …"
Lizza turned and swirled her cloak as she left the alley and disappeared into the Coruscanti depths. Menoway counted his credits and headed for his local watering hole. If the sight of Lizza triggered any memories for him, he didn't consider it. There were other things on his mind.
Coruscant, high levels, Federal District – 1 ABY 0 months, 27 days
Elsewhere in town, Luke Skywalker and Hedala Fardi were sitting down to dinner with Reema Andujah. They were at an upscale restaurant that featured elegantly-prepared fare for discerning tastes. Luke was at this time a rising Padawan in the Order, and he had come up as an apprentice to Ahsoka Tano shortly after he had decided to leave his home on Tatooine and join the rebellion against the Empire. After the first Death Star had been destroyed in a joint action between Shaak, Ahsoka and himself, he happily threw his lot in with Ahsoka as his first mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, perished on the Death Star during an encounter with Darth Vader – who of course was later revealed to Luke as his father, Anakin Skywalker.
Hedala Fardi was the daughter of a smuggling family that lived on the Outer Rim world of Thabeska. Discovered by Ahsoka to be Force-sensitive at age 4, Hedala kept her abilities a secret as best she could while Ahsoka would visit to look in on her. When Hedala turned 13, Ahsoka returned to Thabeska and met with her father Reza Fardi. They decided it would be best for Hedala to go to Alderaan so as to better hide her Force sensitivity from Imperial agents such as the Inquisitorium. Some eight years later, Ahsoka and Hedala would reunite on Alderaan, where Hedala was reintroduced to Ahsoka by Princess Leia Organa.
Hedala had been working in the Royal House of Organa as an intern in Queen Breha's court and she jumped at the chance to work and learn under Ahsoka as a young woman in her early 20s. She and Luke eventually found themselves working together in Ahsoka's employ and gradually began to have feelings for each other. They made a striking couple, with Hedala's flowing blonde locks and bright emerald eyes making her an object of desire for many young men, while Luke possessed the same magnetic charm that his father had shown a generation earlier. Shortly before Shaak's ascension to the Imperial Throne, Luke asked Hedala to marry him and she agreed.
Reema Andujah was a Force-sensitive orphan that grew up in the rough-and-tumble atmosphere of the Coruscanti underground. She was not accustomed to trusting very many people as she feared what might happen to her, but one day her Force abilities were detected by onetime Jedi Padawan Jin-lo Rayce and Reema found herself with the chance to train and become someone important. Things started looking up for her when Shaak and Ahsoka visited Chandrila and saw her training with the others in a group of inexperienced Force adepts called the Agents of Ossus. Reema soon became a Padawan of the Order and her progress was swift with Maris Brood as her master. Shaak also was impressed with her and she was soon on the fast track to becoming a Knight and a full-fledged Member of the Order.
More recently, Reema found herself transplanted with Ahsoka as her new master and she found herself working alongside Hedala. She resisted this at first and was resentful of Ahsoka, whom she felt had overstepped and forced Maris to go along with the decision. As Shaak ascended the throne of the Galaxy, Reema found herself making the acquaintance of Valles Santhé, and the two struck up a friendship, with Valles revealing her true identity as a Dark Side Force adept and one with great power. Reema felt gratified to meet someone who truly seemed to care about her. So this particular evening saw Reema happy to break bread with Hedala and Luke and she found herself being outwardly supportive of their forthcoming wedding. After finishing the meal, Reema asked for the server to bring a bottle of an intoxicating liquor to their table, along with three small glasses. She proceeded to pour a small amount into each and then asked for a toast.
"To Luke … and my good friend, Hedala. May you always know happiness together."
The three raised their glasses into the center and clinked. Luke took a small sip of the beverage and found it rather strong.
"What … is this … Reema?"
The Coruscanti laughed. "A small treat from our home … to you for a celebration. To partake of the Detanka is a privilege usually only for the rich and powerful. Long ago, it was a dream of mine to someday raise a glass in joyful celebration with my friends."
Hedala sipped some and found it delicious. "If I have too much of this, my head won't be able to think straight …"
She turned to Reema and smiled. "Thank you very much, my friend, for sharing with us your custom and this amazing beverage."
Reema beamed. "My sincere pleasure, Knight Fardi."
Hedala continued. "I think you will soon become a Knight as well. I will give Maris and Ahsoka my recommendation."
"Thank you, Hedala. That means a lot to me."
"Could I ask you one thing? It's been bothering me a little."
"Go ahead."
"Reema, a while back, when we had a duel together back on Felucia, you insisted on checking the intensity levels in the training sabres. I had the feeling you didn't trust me, and that was troubling. Why did you do that?"
Reema sighed for a second, then her look brightened. "It was not that I suspected anything from you, Hedala. You are a woman of honor, I can see that. But this was a custom I first learned from Master Jin-lo when I joined the Agents of Ossus. We always checked our sabres to show good faith toward our opponents, because these were also our team members. It was a way of building trust."
Hedala nodded slightly. "I see. In a way, that makes sense. Reema, forgive me for being suspicious of you. We should work together. It will be my honor to stand next to you."
Reema stood and motioned for Hedala to come close. The two then embraced tightly.
"You are forgiven, Knight Hedala," she said with a chuckle.
"In fact, I would like to ask you to be my maid of honor at my wedding."
Reema blushed slightly. "Seriously? I would be most pleased to be there and stand up for you."
She turned to Luke, who had also risen and came to stand next to his fiancé. "You are doing quite well, to marry such a lady as this."
Reema picked up her glass again. "A toast to Luke and Hedala – may they have a wonderful life, and always be together."
Luke nodded. "Don't I know it!"
All three clinked glasses, then sat down. Fueled by the Detanka, they continued to converse long into the night.
To be continued …