Good morning, everyone! How are you doing on this cool day of Monday, January 27, 2020? I'm doing well, as I worked on a bit of homework over the morning, and I have a bit more to do today. But I figured I could take a bit of a break, and start on Chapter 14 of my story. I'm also having a great time watching the Nickelodeon show Big Time Rush on Hulu. Man, that show was the best ten years ago, I laughed so hard during most episodes. And I've read a bit more of my Donald Trump book, and it's really impressive. I really hope God works through him in the country, just as we need to do God's work in all that we do, which is something that I really struggle with a lot. Anyway, I've finished my romantic chapter on Tau and Ahsoka, but I have to wait until it's revised before I publish it as its own separate story. I hope you're all having a good day, because I look forward to seeing this chapter complete. Oh, and I heard some sad news yesterday about NBA star Kobe Bryant and his wife and daughter dying in a helicopter crash, and it had my sister devastated. I feel terrible for the rest of the family, and my sister because she's very sensitive to death. Well, I guess I'd better get started on the chapter. May God be with us all in these troubling times.
(Tuesday, January 28, 2020 Addendum.) Hey, everyone! How are you all doing on this cool day? I'm doing well, as I had one of my classes this morning, a delicious Philly Cheese Steak for lunch later on, and worked on homework for a little while before I started to work more on this chapter today. I hope to get at least a thousand words done today, as I have one more class today before I can go home and rest from work. So, have you all heard about the latest Palestinian peace attempt by the U.S. and Israel? I gotta say that it's pretty bold and unforeseen, but I hope that it works, for everyone's sakes. Oh, and just so there's no confusion or misinterpretations, both presidents agreed to the idea, and are working to try and deescalate tensions in the Middle East, which will, I pray, bring a little more desperately needed stability to the region. Anyway, I'd better get back to writing, as I have about 600 more words to write before I reach a thousand today, and less than three hours to get it done before my second class. Have a blessed day, everyone!
(Wednesday, January 29, 2020 Addendum.) Hey, everyone! How are you doing on this cool afternoon? I'm doing pretty well, as I did some homework, helped my mom out with some shopping before having lunch, and published the first smut chapter in my new interlude story. I'm quite proud of the final product, and look forward to writing more in the next few months or so. Oh, and I'm close to finishing my Donald Trump book, and then I think I'll read one of my last two Assassin's Creed novels before reading a book for school, and then resume Star Wars for a bit. Well, I think I've rambled on enough for now. Time to get back to writing. Wish me luck.
Thirty Minutes Later
On Vermund
Within the Uriel Estate
"How's your courting going, son?" Ventis teased his son after Elias got back.
"It's not courting, Dad. I was just there for her when she needed a shoulder to cry on."
"I know. I could sense the emotions pouring off you two on her ship. I even kept your uncle from calling you until Eltariel calmed down, but I can tell that there is something special growing between you two. I'm impressed with how fast things improved after your first meeting."
"How would you know? You were being prepped for your cleansing ritual."
"Benjen told me."
Elias groaned. "Man, that guy loves to blab doesn't he?"
"He wants to keep me in the loop of my children, and I thank him for that. He also told me that Satele and Rebecca are patching things up, and that Lily is bonding well with her cousins."
"Glad everyone's getting along well." Elias griped.
"Don't worry, son. I think you chose well with Eltariel." Ventis consoled. "I can sense a lot of positive changes in her after spending time with you, so keep it up. You're both a good influence on each other, and can help give each other peace after your traumas."
"Slow down, Dad. Don't forget, she's on a personal mission and I can't stand in the way of her. Besides, unless she decides otherwise, she's immortal, and I don't want to force anything on her."
Ventis nodded approvingly at that. "Then just take it one step at a time, and be there for her when she needs it. Leave everything else in the hands of Iluvatar."
"I'll try, Dad." Elias yawned, "I'd better get to bed. We've got negotiations to begin in less than two days, and I'm sure they'll need everyone's testimony alongside Master Kenobi to get your the sector's support."
"A valid point. I should probably get some sleep too. I figured I'd go check on Daniel and Connor's Hamon training. A holocall just seems too impersonal when they're learning a new Force discipline."
"Cool. I'll come with you to see how my brothers are doing." Elias paused, "Hey, do you think Eltariel would like to join us?"
"I don't know, you'll have to ask her. You two do have your little thing going, after all."
"I'll do that tomorrow. She needs a little time to process everything she's learned tonight."
Ten Hours Later
On Nelona 30th
Onboard the Second Chance
"Rafa, are you sure you want to do this?" Ahsoka apprehensively asked.
"This isn't the time for stupid questions, Ahsoka!" Rafa scolded her. "I want to get my sister out of Black Sun before Xizor gets us killed, or worse, claims either of us for his harem of slaves, and you need whatever payload you're strike force is trying to claim. Get us immunity and a decent job in your New Republic, and I'll convince her to join your mad cause, and transmit you the entire configuration of Xizor's fleet while I'm at it."
She then grinned. "Oh, and congratulations on your wedding to Tau. I hope my sister and I can meet the man who claimed your heart after the Bonteri guy rejected you."
"Lux didn't reject me," Ahsoka growled, then her eyes widened, "hold on, how did you-?"
"It wasn't hard to figure out. You were wearing an engagement ring when you guys declared your New Republic."
"Wonderful. Anybody else know?"
"Of course not. Now, about my offer?"
"Done. But how are you going to convince your sister and crew to join up with us?"
"I should be able to convince Trace easy enough, but I can't say the same of the crew. I'll just have to play it by ear."
After transmitting the data on Black Sun's fleet to the Second Chance, Rafa bade them farewell, "Wish me luck."
"Well, that ended better than I expected," Tau said across the room, "think she's telling the truth?"
"About what? Black Sun or our marriage?"
"Both."
She sighed, "Rafa is rough around the edges, but she's never lied to me. I don't want to say she's too honest for it, but she is."
"I'll take your word for it, dear. Still, this is an embarrassing day for Republic Intelligence. A mole honestly would've been better than a common mercenary hacking our communications."
Ahsoka nodded, "We'll need to contact Anakin and the rest of the fleets, and review the data with them before Black Sun gets to the Katana Fleet."
One Hour Later
Onboard the Remember Raxus
34 Hours From the Katana Fleet
Rex was the first to voice the obvious Intelligence failure. "How the hell did this happen!?"
"We don't know, and neither does Rafa or Trace." Ahsoka answered. "Only Xizor and his top lieutenant know the information, and that wasn't in the intelligence Rafa gave us."
"Well, assuming the intel your friend gave us is accurate, we now have a complete picture of the Black Sun fleet's capabilities." Rahm pulled up a map of the Underlord's fleet.
It was composed of ten Interceptor-class frigates, ten AEG-77 Vigos and Conqueror-class assault ships, thirty Gozanti Cruisers with fighter racks attached, twenty IPV-1 System Patrol ships, along with two dozen various large bulk freighters for whatever salvage they suspected the New Republic was after.
Of course, the biggest problem was the salvaged and heavily modified Lucrehulk-class battleship, the Fortressa, which served as the Falleen's mobile flagship and starfighter carrier for this battle.
"That's still not gonna be easy for us to hold them off while salvaging the fleet." Kal added.
"Not necessarily." Tech, a member of Clone Force 99 advised the Mandalorian colonel before continuing, "I've been working on a computer virus that can infect an enemy ship's mainframe and turn it against friendlies. It's still a prototype, but it should be complete enough to work on a field test."
"And you think an untested virus can stop an expanding crime syndicate's fleet from swiping our prize out from under us?" Cham doubted.
"Stop? No. The virus isn't ready to infect a whole fleet yet." Tech acknowledged. "But against a handful of ships, it can slow them down enough for us to steal at least most of the dreadnaughts."
"I agree," Anakin nodded, "Look, it's risky, I admit, but it could be what we need to tip the advantage towards our fleets. Especially since we have the Imperials closing the net on us as well. And Tech is the best hacker I've ever fought with. If he says he can do it, I believe him."
"If that fails, then we cannot let either Xizor or the Emperor take this fleet." Tau countered. "Gentlemen, if it comes to it, take the damn ships and ram them down their throats."
"Hopefully it doesn't come to that, sir," Rex replied, "let's develop a plan and see if we can catch these 'malfaiteurs' with their pants down."
One Hour Later
In Hyperspace
On the Alexi Garyn
40 Hours From the Katana Fleet
"You told her everything?!" Trace hissed to her sister.
"Of course, I did. It's the right thing to do," Rafa declared, "and this is the only way we can escape Xizor. Escape this life."
"But she's- I mean you- I- I can't believe you now!" Trace practically screamed. "When the crew, especially Boushh, finds out about this underhanded deal, they'll tear us apart and bring our remains to Xizor for him to make an example of."
"We'll deal with Boushh when the time comes," Rafa replied calmly, "and the rest of the crew doesn't like Xizor any more than we do. We do this, we might even get our own privateer status."
"'Privateer status?' I always knew you were a dreamer, Sis, but I never knew you were this delusional."
That final word made something in Rafa snap. She slammed her sister into a wall, growling, "Listen, you cynical witch, and you listen good. I have followed your lead all my life like a good sister, and it is because of you that we are working for Xizor. You, who pushed away every good friend and opportunity we've ever had because of your stubbornness or outright prejudice. You who would rather have us be criminals than something legitimate. Something good."
"I-"
"Shut up, I'm not finished!" Rafa snapped, jutting a finger in her face, "I am done following your lead. I am done being a petty thief working for scum. I am done being a good sister. I want a life, and if I have to go through you to get it, so be it. Now, do as I say and pass the word."
Rafa left Trace alone and stunned, stomping away with a smile on her face. That had felt good.
One Hour Later
In Hyperspace
Onboard the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Arcann
12 Hours From the Serocco System
"And you're certain these new droids of yours can aid Lord Bahl'al in his pacification efforts?" Admiral Coburn distastefully pressed Colonel Rahm Moch.
"I do, sir," the head of Advanced Weapons Division replied, "the TaggeCo Z-X3 battle droids have passed every lab test they've been conducted with flying colors. While they will require a field test, they are a supplement, not a vanguard. They are there to assist the three Royal Guard companies in Lord Bahl'al's siege on Serocco. I myself will be accompanying them."
"Colonel, this mission could go disastrously. I feel that your presence-"
"Is necessary, sir. It wasn't long ago I was tearing B2's apart with my bare hands. I am of use in this fight, it nothing else than to ensure my battle droids do their job. And should this field test fail, I am fully prepared to accept the consequences personally."
"Relax, Colonel, your head's not going to a chopping block anytime soon." Barton replied, "How many combat droids do you have ready to go?"
"A company, Sir."
"Very well. If they perform to your expectations, I will personally speak to Lord Bahl'al and the Imperial Department of Military Research on your behalf. Until then, good hunting, Colonel Moch."
Moch nodded as the transmission cut out. Now, he had to finish his modifications to his personal Zero-G Assault Armor. Beyond its need for later in this battle, he had other ambitions that would be fulfilled. But first, his droids and suit would need to win the coming engagement.
Meanwhile, In Deep Space
Within the Bimmiel System's Outskirts
Onboard the Bloody Baron
"We've got a lot of signatures exiting hyperspace. Multiple configurations." Former Stormtrooper Commander Keller warned Sarcev.
"Seems Tau's new friends have arrived," Sarcev mused as he left his meditation, "prepare all stations, and keep the hyperdrive active in case we have to make a quick exit."
Approximately fifty different ships of various sizes and configurations, several of whom appeared to be ancient in design, appeared in the space ahead. This was followed by the appearance of six holograms. Sarcev recognized them as the Olpaka fleet deserters Tau had told him about: Ubese admiral Riordan, Quarren admiral Briol Ri, Twi'lek admiral Pooja Tarkona, Colomi commander Medrid,, and Zeltron captain Vivian Danu.
The Zeltron Captain Vivian Danu was the first to speak, giving Sarcev a look over with a flirtaseous look in her eye. "So, you're the handsome reformed Dark Jedi we're going to be working with. If you're as competent as you are good looking, then we ought to have a lot of fun together."
"Really, Vivian? You had to flirt with the guy the first minute you meet him? And I thought you had at least a sliver of shame." Riordan jokingly rebuked.
"Ah, leave her alone. She's been without a man ever since her husband was killed by one of Dooku's Dark Acolytes, so she's desperate for a man to warm her bed." Pooja added before everyone laughed in amusement.
"What is happening here?" Kravous, an Iridonian bounty hunter asked.
"I think they're joking with each other as part of keeping themselves in good spirits, and to keep morale up for their soldiers." N-K Necrosis answered. Sarcev nodded. The reanimated corpse of General Grievous, and his one true friend, still had much to learn about social cues but he was improving.
"Apologies for the unprofessionalism, gentlemen," Quarren Admiral Briol Ri explained, "however, we have just escaped Olpaka territory and no doubt have prices on our heads. I think you can excuse us. Now, I believe we have matters to discuss regarding our command structure."
"Yes, but where are Admiral Shoore and his soldiers? I would have thought they would be here by now." Sarcev wondered.
"He'll be arriving in approximately five hours and thirty-four minutes, assuming no delays occur." the Colomi Commander Medrid calculated. "He's taking shuttles to get here, so he's traveling at a 50% slower speed than the rest of us."
"Noted. We were discussing this matter on the way here, and the majority of us believe that the most practical and efficient way to manage this private fleet is to act as an oligarchy of sorts, with every commander having a vote in which operations to take on." Blood Carver commander Kar Vakier added. "Of course, you, Vivian, and Shoore would each have a vote in this manner, regardless of your complement's size."
"That strategy makes a lot of sense, and would prevent one person from gaining too much power. But it could lead to great discord among our forces, and divide us into various factions, just like the Galactic Senate in its final decades." Sarcev remembered.
"That's precisely what I concluded, which is why I proposed having the power concentrated in a much more focused manner, with having Shoore as Supreme Commander, and the rest of us serve as advisors to him with the power to veto his decisions if he proposes an idea we don't agree on." Medrid agreed. "He does have the most experience leading fleets, and knows more about the Knights and this region of the galaxy than every one of us, so he can help us find their weak points and hit them in the most effective manner."
"Perhaps it would be best to wait and have this discussion until after Shoore arrives. He ought to be a part of these deliberations in person, since it wouldn't be fair to him to thrust this on him until he gets a say." Pooja suggested.
"A sound idea, Admiral." Sarcev concurred. "In the meantime, perhaps we ought to get to know each other better and compare our respective strategies and tactics so we can better prepare for when we begin working together on missions."
That's only if the New Republic's idiocy doesn't blow up in our faces. He silently added, telepathically ordering Keller and Kravous to keep all systems ready to hightail it out of the system in case the negotiations turned against them.
One Hour Later
On Vermund
Within the Great Lake Champion
"So, this is the lake where your children are learning this 'Hamon?'" Eltariel asked Ventis while gazing upon the majestic body of water surrounding the island, the gentle tides reminding her of the lakes she used to swim in her more innocent years.
"I guess." Ventis answered.
"You've never been here before?" Eltariel asked.
"I have once, a few weeks before I was taken. I barely remember it honestly."
"Um dad, this might be a bit of a stupid question," Elias began uncomfortably, "but did you ever learn this 'Hamon?' Like Uncle Benjen did?"
Ventis shook his head, "No. Benjen and I never discovered our Force potential until we were adults… thanks to the Sith and Janek."
Elias noticed Ventis shiver as he answered. He moved to embrace him, but he held up his hand.
"I'm alright, Elias," Ventis answered, "If I cannot rely on myself for my memories, then there isn't much point at all."
"I know the feeling," Elias replied, chuckling as he smelled the fresh pine. Eltariel looked at him oddly, and he explained, "I'm just thinking of my home on Lothal. It smelled like this place. My squad loved it there."
"Maybe someday you can tell me about them." Eltariel bade him.
"Later, but we need to find Daniel and Connor." Elias turned to his father, "Your Jedi senses picking them up yet?"
"They're about two kilometers to the west. If I remember correctly, they're at…" Ventis' expression suddenly became cross, "What is Elisheva doing?!"
Ventis bolted, and Eltariel and Elias struggled to catch him. Eventually, after Elias was out of breath, they came across a large structure with a bizarre substance pouring off its sides like a fountain. Elisheva, Deonn and Jonathan stood on top of the pillar, the walls completely covered in what Elias guessed to be oil.
Gazing down, Elias saw Connor and Daniel ascending the pillar. "Okay, someone wanna tell me how this is possible? Why and how are they climbing up an oil covered pillar?"
"Elisheva!" Ventis called down, "What the hell are you doing with my boys!?"
"Good to see you're back on your feet so soon, Ventis." Elisheva called back. "And I'm merely providing my two advanced students a chance to apply their training in a life or death situation."
"Life or death!?" Ventis snapped, "You're supposed to be training them!"
"I am training them, Ventis. Real life is not a school where failure is met with a pat on the back. Life and death are very real things, and I instruct accordingly."
"By having them climb a 200 foot tower covered in oil? I don't even see repulsors down there should they fall!"
"Life and death, Ventis. Life and death."
"Mum, stop it!" Deonn snapped before he called Ventis, "Uncle, me and Johnathan are here to ensure they don't die! You don't need to worry!"
"It's a 200 foot drop! I don't care if you're there to catch them!"
"Uncle, they haven't reached the fifty foot mark yet!" Jonathan assured him, "They'll be okay."
"Oi, da!" Connor shouted, "Stop yer belly-aching! Yer bloody distractin'! This is already hard enough!"
"I am not happy about this!" Ventis shouted, "Get out of there."
"Hell no!" Connor shouted back, "It took me three bloody tries just to get this far! I am gettin' to the top by today, damnit!"
"The record is three days, Connor!" Daniel replied, "Ventis, we're fine, do not interfere!"
"Ventis!" Elisheva called, "I propose a compromise! You come here and you help catch them should they fall!"
"...fine," he hissed.
"Wait, how are we-WHOA!" Elias yelped as Ventis grabbed him and Eltariel, leaping from the cliff to the tower in one solid motion, "Dad, there were bridges-"
"I am making a point, son," Ventis sighed as he strode over to Elisheva, "you have a lot of nerve, woman."
"Yes," she smiled, "that is why I was chosen to instruct your sons. I sense a dark future for them, especially Connor."
"What the hell does that mean?"
"You'll have to ask him when he reaches the top. I only can sense glimpses of things," she then gestured to Elias and Eltariel, "ah, and you must be another of his sons. I also suspect that is your Elven girlfriend Benjen told me about."
"SHE IS NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!" Elias snapped.
"How dare you make such an accusation!" Eltariel growled, "I ought to challenge you to a duel for that!"
Elisheva just chuckled at that, "Children, you remind me of myself and Benjen when I was your age… and yes, Eltariel, I know you're immortal. But I think we can agree that you have far more in common maturity wise with Elias than you do me."
"You have a sharp tongue, Elisheva," Eltariel replied, "I imagine it's gotten you into trouble in the past."
"Yes, and my life hasn't been boring because of it. Ah, Daniel has passed the first barrier."
"Aye, Mum, and at Connor's about thirty minutes behind him!" Johnathan shouted to his mother.
"Good. At this rate, they might even be able to break Benjen's record of eight hours."
"I thought you said the record was three days?" Eltariel asked.
"That's my record, dear," Elisheva grinned, "I didn't have Benjen's drive then, though your sons seem to have that in spades, Ventis."
"More than you know, Elisheva," Ventis sighed, "more than you know."
One Hour Later
On the Alexi Garyn
37 Hours From the Katana Fleet
"Rafa?" Trace gently asked while knocking on his sister's cabin door, and continued, "Can I come in?"
"Why bother asking? You'll just barge in." Rafa replied.
"Fair, I'll give you that," Trace sighed as she opened the door, seeing her sister on her datapad, "What are you doing?"
"Calling in every favor I have and trying to hack headquarters' database for some of their most sensitive files."
"I take it you're covering your tracks?"
"Yes," she replied bluntly, looking up at her, "with the algorithms Ahsoka helped me code."
"I see."
She stopped and snorted, "What do you want, Trace?"
"I want to say I'm sorry, and that you're right."
That stunned Rafa, and Trace took the opportunity to pull a chair over. "I know, I swore I'd never say 'sorry' to anybody ever again, but I needed to say it. I know we're in a bad spot right now, and I know that's because of me. But all I've ever wanted was to protect you."
"I don't need protection, Trace. And to be honest, I think this has more to do with your pride than me."
"That's fair too," Trace sighed, leaning back in her chair, "I'm a stubborn wench, sis, but it always to protect you, and I mean it. I swore when our parents died that I would look after you"
Rafa sighed, "I don't doubt your sincerity, sis, but you will end up leading us into death at this rate, or as concubines to Xizor."
"I know, which is why I want to help you."
Rafa's eyes widened and then narrowed, "You do realize that means helping Ahsoka and her husband, right? Helping Jedi? People you hate?"
"Don't rub it in, Sis."
"You never did tell me why you hate her so much."
"I…" she shook her head, "I don't hate her personally. I don't even entirely hate the Jedi, at least not in the way you think. I don't hate them as people, but I hated what they stood for. I hated how they'd become the dogs of the Senate. I hated how they were part of the system that led to monsters like Xizor, and get people like our parents killed. That's why, sis."
"I'm a be honest, sis… it's a bit weak to hate a group for the political situation they inherited."
"Maybe, but hate's what gave me what I needed to keep us alive. But here we are, indebted to a monster like the one who left us orphans. I won't say I'm wrong about what I believe, but I will admit that I have led us here… and I think you're the one to get us out."
Rafa didn't quite know what to say to that. "I guess we should try to convince the crew to join us."
"Already done. They've agreed to help us."
"Then why didn't you lead with that?"
"Because I had things to say and apologies to make. If I started with saying 'I did what you said because you grew a spine and shoved me into a wall,' would you have accepted my apology?"
"Heh, probably not. Wait, did you say everyone? Including Boushh?"
"Oh, Boushh's being taken care of, don't you worry. Though the crew want their cut"
"Done. Anything else I should know about?"
"We're probably gonna die doing this?"
"I figured… I wonder if we should find a way to just leave the crew behind."
"If we're going to be privateers we're going to need a crew."
"Fair enough," Rafa nodded, "once I send this data to Ahsoka, I'll help you finish prepping the ship for battle."
"Sounds good," Trace replied, walking to the door.
"Trace?"
"Yeah?" she asked, turning around. Rafa smiled.
"Thank you for listening."
"That's what sisters are for, sis," Trace smiled back, closing the door behind her, "it's what they're for."
Meanwhile, In Deep Space
Within the Tingel Arm
Onboard the Gauntlet
"My Lord, we have a report coming from the Julevian system." Captain Sloan informed Vader. "The all-points bulletin you issued for the region worked perfectly, and a picket ship just picked up the Imperator just entering Sernpidal's orbit. I've taken the liberty of keeping the ship ready for immediate departure. We can jump to hyperspace in approximately ten minutes, and we will arrive in approximately three hours and forty-five minutes."
"Very good, Captain. Give the order at once, and have Vice Admiral Ronan order the system's garrison to only observe and report from a distance. We cannot have the enemy slip past us until we can find a way to contain and destroy them."
Gazing out into the void of space, Vader resisted the urge to reach out and confirm their location. He was willing to bet they would be able to sense his proximity to the world, and flee before he had the chance to hunt them down.
Fighting his pride, he wished that he had additional Force-Sensitive help for this mission, not mattering if it was Bahl'al or even the Jedi. He knew that Sidious's foolishness was clearly shining through once again if he thought Vader could handle four Xipototecs when he struggled against a newly-created facsimile of one with several Force users backing him up. This was a sentiment that Sloan and Savit carefully shared with him after learning of their new orders.
'If Bahl'al makes his move against the Emperor soon, then he'd better let me know in advance. I grow weary of the old man's stupidity.' Vader vowed as he waited to have his fleet enter hyperspace.
And that's a wrap on the latest chapter of my story! So, what did you guys think? Do you think the Hamon training was too accelerated, or would you have done it differently? I don't know much about it, so I just winged it. As for the rest, I put Rahm Moch and several other EU references in this chapter to allude to future opportunities and problems for the New Republic. I hope you liked them, and I look forward to exploring them more in the future. So, did you all like my romantic chapter on the Palpatines, because I'll write more like that as time goes on? In other news, I'm so excited for Season Seven of SWTCW, even though I wish it could be released at once on DVD and Blu-Ray instead of the current arrangement. Oh well. Hopefully it'll be released on there soon. And, sorry if I get the Martez sister's interpretations wrong from the show, but I wanted to include them sooner rather than later, so I put them in as is. I hope you don't mind. So, the Battle for the Katana Fleet is going full-steam ahead, and a whole lot of other stuff is happening too. I know that a lot of action and suspense are gonna follow in the next several chapters. To warp this chapter up, I hope you're all doing well on this cold night of Wednesday, January 29, 2020, and I hope you all have a blessed night. May the Force and Iluvatar be with you all, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!