Hello, my loyal fans. First off, thank you so much for whoever wrote the second review for my story. It means a lot to me that a few people are willing to comment on my work, as it helps me keep going in the overwhelming fog of uncertainty that is the future of the Star Wars Expanded Universe, what with Lucasfilm's near-complete focus on their new canon. By the way, I am currently on Star Wars: The Old Republic: Revan, I am over half of the way done with it, and I am enjoying it very much, as it covers a great Star Wars legends: the legendary characters Revan and Meetra Surik. Oh, and I found a BRILLIANT video on Youtube about the EU movements across the Internet that is made my Matt Wilkins. It is called "Giving Up", and it is a powerful motivator to wanting to bring back the Expanded Universe, at least in a lesser capacity, as, I regret to say, there's no feasible way for the people in charge of Lucasfilm to completely go back to the Expanded Universe. Now, with at least three chapters left in this story, what do you say that we get started? By the way, if any of you readers out there have any ideas for the next story, feel free to comment in reviews and emails, as long as they are constructive.

Day 45 of the Shadow Alliance's Formation

Onboard the Chimeara, in the Shogun System

Mirta Gev was putting her brain into overdrive right now. She was contacting all of her comrades and allies in Daala's invasion force, and, through the elaborate use of code phrases and old Mandalorian proverbs, had so far mangaged to recruit two thousand wariors to her soon-to-be deserting army. And dozens more were joining her new cause every hour. Now comes the hard part. She thought as she walked to the bridge of the Chimeara in order to speak with Daala about the invasion that was a short two days away.

As the guards double-checked her identity as a precaution for potential assassins infiltrating Daala's ranks, she took a deep breath behind her helmet, praying to the manda that her plans would not be discovered, otherwise she, her two beloved children, and all of the soldiers under her official and unofficial commands would be slaughtered.

After three minutes of waiting outside the command bridge, the guards cleared her for speaking with the admiral, and opened the doors to the bridge. Mirta quickly nodded at the two guards and proceded into the room to see Daala going over logistics with the captain of the Chimeara, Tors Remal, and Moff Porrak Vansyn, the only Imperial leader with a substantial force to back Daala and her insane schemes, when the three of them noticed Mirta waling towards them. Quietly dismissing the captain and moff, Daala fully turned to speak with Mirta, saying, "Captain Gev, this is a surprise. Shouldn't you be preparing your soldiers for the assault?"

"Actually, that's what I came to talk to you about. I want my men and I to lead the frontal assault. I want to redeem myself in your eyes, and I figured that by leading the first wave is a good first steo towards doing that."

Daala's eyes widened briefly at this request, but she quickly regained control and said, "I think that I can accommodate your request, Captain. But, may I ask what caused this change in mood?"

"I realized that what the Jedi was saying was ridiculous, and that you're, no matter how flawed you may be, are the best chance my people have for regaining our former place in the galaxy." Mirta explained, not believing how ridiculous that that sounded, and hoped that Daala bought it.

After mulling it over for a minute, and realizing that Mirta had just handed her the perfect excuse to get her killed, Daala agreed, saying, "Very well, Mirta. If you wish to redeem yourself in everyone's eyes, then who am I to deny you the chance? You will lead the forward assault onboard the Raptor with Assault Group Teda."

"A Venerator-class Star Destroyer as my flagship. Thank you for your generosity, Admiral." Mirta said in thanks, all the while plotting ways to cause damage to Daala's fleet before she left her insanity behind.

"You're welcome, Captain. Now, if there's nothing else, I have a hundred reports to go over by the end of the hour, so, goodbye." Daala simply said.

Mirta nodded and quickly left the bridge.

Well, looks like it's time to move forward with the plan. Mirta thought, relieved that Daala appeared to buy her story, and ready to prepare to leave a lasting present behind for Daala and her forces.

One Hour Later, at Kyrimorut, Mandalore

"And you're positive about this?" Goran asked the hologram of Jaing Skirata.

"Not entirely, but it's a safe bet, given how Mirta's usually so cautious of Daala and Belok's schemes. Anyway, you'd better prepare for some much needed reinforcements, and I'll be joining them, since I can't stand working for that demagolka Daala anymore."

"I hear you, Jaing. At least it'll be good to have more of the Mando'ade back on our side." Goran said.

"Let's hope so. Anyway, I'd better get going, as I've got to prep my squad on this turn of events. See you soon." Jaing said before ending the holonet call.

I have got to get this news to Mand'alor. Goran thought as he brusquely walked to the command center to inform Boba Fett of this turn of events. He arrived to see Boba Fett, Venku Skirata, Jedi Masters Corran Horn and Barratk'l, and Adari Thayn who was representing the interests of Edaan's underworld allies, sans the Hutts, along with Azzim Anjilic Atirue representing Hutt interests in the Mandalore System, Emperor Jagged Fel, Grand Moff Ephin Sarreti, and Moff Garreter representing Imperial reinforcements, as Jaina Solo Fel was helping to integrate the Five-Hundred-and-First Legion into Mandalorian ranks, Admiral Gavin Darklighter, Commodore Kral Nevil, Senator Janek the White, and Governor Leon Saresh representing the covert Galactic Alliance interests from Kuat, Rothana, and Dac, Turr Phennir, the Supreme Commander of the Confederation forces that were considering joining the battle, Hapan Agent Trista Zel, the leader of the Hapes Contortium fleet in orbit above Mandalore, and finally, Aristocra Chaf'orm'bintrano, better known to the larger galaxy as Formbi, speaking on behalf of the Chiss Ascendency, in hologram form.

"All right, now that everyone's assembled, let's-" Boba said before seeing Goran walking towards him. He then said, "Yes, Beviin?"

After Goran quickly whispered the news that Jaing had relayed to him, Boba nodded in thanks for the intelligence before getting back to the meeting at hand saying, "It lloks like we may receive some much needed reinforcements. According to the reports sent by my triple agent, one of Daala's best captains, my wayward granddaughter, Mirta Gev, is preparing to defect to our side."

"Not that I'm doubting your source, Fett, but how do you know this for sure?" Corran said, skeptical that a longtime ally of a Sith Lord would just switch sides just before the start of the final battle for Mandalore.

"Because, Master Horn," Boba said with just a hint of disdain in his voice before continuing, saying "Mirta personally requested to lead the forward assault and, according to my source, she spoke with Edaan Palpatine and Armand Vorn before speaking with Daala, and was heavily affected by the two of them. Also, she's moving all of her loyal followers to the front of the fleet, and is covertly putting her best men onboard of Daala's Lictus-class Dungeon Ship, the Gorgon's Revenge. The most logical conclusion is that she's preparing to take control of the ship and have it jump with the rest of her forces."

"But can we trust Mirta after all of the time she's spent under Vestara Khai's employment?" Gavin said, still skeptical of the whole matter due to a significant majority of their forces being mercenaries.

"From all of the reports from our captives, Mirta's been a professional soldier and leader, and doesn't approve of many of Daala and Belok Rhal's more… aggressive tactics." Venku said, deferring to his leader's judgment, who, despite his past grudge against Boba for not helping the Mandalorians up until thirty-five years ago, had proven himself an effective Mandalore, and restored the Mandalorian people as a force to be reckoned with up until the Second Mandalorian Civil War.

"What about Vestara Khai? Ever since we arrived in the system, we've been searching the entire sector for her, but have come up with nothing." Barratk'l said.

"We have to consider that she's not in the Mandalorian Sector anymore. She may have just been bait to lure us into a quagmire that would weaken the galaxy for Sith invasion." Turr Phennir gravely said.

"Actually, I think that you're not far off, Supreme Commander Phennir. My people's contacts have come up with nothing either, and we have contacts in every sector of the galaxy. But, more to the point, I think that this was a trap for Edaan specifically." Azzim explained. After those last words were said, everyone turned their heads to look at him quizzically. Before anyone could question his estimation of his friend, he continued, saying, "Look at what Edaan's accomplished on his own: he united the forces of three Black Sun Vigos, the entire Hutt Grand Council, and the forces of the late Xasha Xizor on his own, not to mention all of the favors that he's called in. It was the beginnings of an army unseen since the end of the Yuuzhan Vong War, and the Sith and their 'Dragon Lord' may have wanted to remove the board of a potential threat, so what better way to eliminate him by sending him to a warzone between two very deadly armies that would probably destroy him? I doubt that they anticipated Edaan allying with the loyalists, so they had to rely on Daala and her forces to do their dirty work, which meant that they had to accelerate their campaign and invade Mandalore before they were fully prepared."

Everyone seemed to take in Azzim's words, and Fett broke the contemplation by saying, "You may be on to something, Azzim. But we'll have more time to worry about the Dragon Lord's plans once we've beaten Daala and her forces. And on that note, can we expect aid from each of your governments?" Fett said, referring to Turr Phennir and Aristocra Formbi.

"Admiral Traest Kre'frey is ready with a Bothan fleet of ten Bothan Assault Carriers to aid the Jedi, the Adumari are sending a weapons shipment to Mandalore that should be in the system within the day, and the Corellians are sending two of their Dreadnaughts to bolster your forces, but Fyor Rodan is holding his defenses in reserve, since he thinks that this is just a Jedi power grab. I'm working on bypassing him, but it will take some time, which is something that we don't have much of." Phennir said.

"And with Jedi involvement, the Ascendancy is holding back their fleets, since we're all wary of Jedi intervention after Tenupe." Formbi said. But before anyone, except the Mandalorians, could call him out over a twenty-year grudge, he said, "However, since I command the Empire of the Hand, and the Empire of the Hand has good relations with the Galactic Empire, I should be able to assemble a sizeable fleet within a few weeks. If you can manage to hold out long enough to receive those reinforcements, that is."

"You just worry about getting us that fleet, Aristocra. The rest of us can hold our own until you arrive. I wouldn't be surprised if we win this war by the time that you arrive." Venku confidently said; a sentiment shared by many in the room as they nodded in agreement.

"Now then," Boba said, bringning all eyes and ears on to him as he said, "can we get back to the reason that we're all here?"

"Agreed. My people are anxious for a good fight after Falleen, and the rest of the Hutt clans are eager to get this war over with." Azzim said.

And with that, the war council began.

One Hour Later

With the war council over, every commander went to handle his or her assigned duty. The diverse fleet would take up defensive positions above Mandalore, while the soldiers would be placed across the planet within and around the major cities, including Sundari, Keldabe, and Kyrimorut. Command of the combined forces of the Shadow Alliance would go to Boba Fett, Gavin Darklighter, Azzim Anjilic Atirue, Adari Thayn, and Corran Horn, given their experience with commanding people of different backgrounds.

Not knowing when there would be a respite from the war preparations, Corran Horn contacted the Jedi High Council to inform them of the situation. Needless to say, they were not pleased with the outcome.

"It's a shame that Boba Fett wouldn't accept any more Jedi aid. We'll just have to hope that the forces that Edaan and the others have gathered are enough to win this civil war." Luke somberly said, echoing the thoughts of everyone at the council meeting, which included Ben Skywalker, as well as Leia Organa Solo and Han Solo.

"Yeah, but what else did you expect from a guy who's had so much negative experience with force users?" Corran replied, surprised that he was defending Boba after he killed a number of Jedi that only he knows how many in his long career.

"True enough. I'm more concerned about Azzim's theory that Vestara appeared to lure Edaan into a trap. It implies that there may be a spy in the Jedi Order, and there's no telling who it may be." Ben said.

"One matter at a time, Master Skywalker. Right now, we need to focus on getting as much aid to Mandalore as we can in the time that we have left." Kyle Katarn said.

"I don't think that you can get anymore aid to Edaan's Shadow Alliance before Daala's forces arrive." Said Sintas Vel, who just so happened to be walking into the communications room at that moment. "The assistance that you and everyone else have given us should be enough to turn the tide in the civil war."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Sintas. Let's just hope that Edaan and all of Daala's prisoners get back safely." Han said in a tone that caused Sintas to raise an eyebrow, and Corran to inwardly cringe at Han's remark and the inevitable conflict that would ensue.

"And just what do you mean by that, Captain Solo?" Sintas angrily asked.

"What I mean, Sintas, is that we have to anticipate that Mirta may not be planning to liberate Edaan and the prisoners, but she's trying to rise in Daala's ranks to gain power." Han cynically said.

Corran sensed the anger radiating off of Sintas in waves, and he stepped back a couple of steps to avoid getting in-between the two rogues.

To Corran's surprise, she remained calm as she said, "I think that we don't have to worry about Mirta, Han. What I think that you should instead focus on searching for the mole in the Jedi Order." Those words caused everyone to look at her as if she had grown a second head.

"What do you mean, Sintaz?" Saba Sabatyne asked.

"What I mean, Master Sabatyne, is that only a handful of people knew about Edaan's mission, and most of those people were Jedi, which implies that there may be a leak in your organization." Sintas explained.

"She may have a point, though I am reluctant to admit it." Leia said, surprising everyone present, esepecially Sintas. Before anyone could call her out for this, she continued, saying, "Look at the facts: we haven't seen a sign of Vestara for over two months. That implies that she may know that Edaan is going after her, and she's going to ground with the Dragon Lord. And, besides for Edaan's underworld allies, only the Jedi were aware of Edaan's plans until he arrived at Mandalore and allied with the Loyalists. That implies that Sintas and Azzim may be right. We need to investigate this theory on the off chance that they're right."

Luke nodded his head in agreement as he said, "I agree. We can't run the chance that there's a mole in the Order. We need to investigate everyone who was there when Saba, Voort, and Edaan agreed to the compromise for his mission."

"If there's nothing else, everyone, I'd better get back to helping everyone prepare for the invasion. Luke, can you give Mirax, Valin, and Jysella my love?"

Luke nodded at Corran's request. With everything out of the way, the Jedi Council sent their farewells for Corran and ended the HoloNet call.

Well, I'd better get back to work. Corran bleakly said as he went to tell Barratk'l, Jaden, and Seha of this turn of events.

And, that's a wrap! Wow, I can't believe that it only took me three days to write this chapter. So, what did you think of all of the Expanded Universe references that I included in the story? Be honest, as I value your constructive criticism. Anyway, I wanted to tell you that I purchased the two new Star Wars comics that came out today: Star Wars #20 and Star Wars: Han Solo #1 (of 5), along with the Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year Five #12 issue as well. I am sorry if you don't approve of my choice, but I feel that, with a little tweaking, I can fit a majority of the comics and stories into the original timeline, and I'm just desperate for more Star Wars stories. Speaking of Injustice, I am disgusted at how depraved Superman and most of his allies have become, asides from Flash, Shazam (Captain Marvel), and, for now, Cyborg and Raven. Oh, and if you're in the mood for some excellent fanfictions, look at the ones that I've listed as my favorites on my page, as they are better than mine, and I enjoy them very much. By the way, since I've written this chapter, I've finished Revan and Deceived, and I am about to start Star Wars: Red Harvest, a horror story, and I don't normally go for those. Anyway, if you have anything to say, feel free to send me a review of email, as long as it's respectful, of course. Have a good day, May the Force Be With You, and Long Live the Expanded Universe.