Good afternoon, everyone! How are you doing on this warm day of Monday, February 3, 2020? I'm doing well, as I did a bit of homework and had lunch with my mom and uncle before I got to work on this chapter. Oh, and tomorrow's my mother's birthday, so I hope she has a blessed day tomorrow. I also finished a future chapter in this story last night, and I'm looking forward to what I write next in both of my current stories. Finally, I finished the Trump book (a great read, by the way) so I've gotten started on Assassin's Creed: Heresy. Also, I have to be at school all day tomorrow, which means I won't be able to write as much as I'd like, but I will try to get this bit done by Thursday. I hope you're all ready for the next chapter, as it'll have plenty of action and suspense to come. Well, time to get to writing. May God be with us all in these troubling times.

(Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Addendum.) Hey, everyone! How are you doing on this fine afternoon? I'm doing well, as I did a bit of homework, and am now able to write for a couple hours before my second class for the day. I also found out that I won't have to work until Saturday night and Sunday afternoon to night, so I have more time to write and work no homework and projects. Good for me. So, later tonight I'll try to read some more of Assassin's Creed: Heresy, and then I'll do some more writing. Wish me luck.

One Hour Later

Within the Uriel Estate

Obi-Wan smiled as he received the Palpatine's complied list of future assets meant for High Command. It was a considerably large file. "Well, you two have certainly been busy."

"To be honest, I'm surprised we got done this quickly," Tau remarked, "shifting through decades of history, military and political logistical records, and even some pop culture thrown in there… well, I thought we were going to be at this for weeks."

"Oh ye of so little faith," Ahsoka giggled as she pecked him on the cheek.

"Still," Obi-Wan mumbled as he rubbed his beard, "this will take a considerable amount of time to shift through, and Command will likely want a summary of the immediate assets we can take advantage of."

"Already provided, Obi-Wan," Ahsoka replied, indicating an executive summary with bulleted subfiles, "those contain schematics for military hardware in Tau's era currently in prototype stage, Jedi candidates, enemies that can be recruited to the cause, potential threats, and undiscovered trade routes. We hope that should be satisfactory."

"Impressive work. I suppose Edaan's memories and libraries proved invaluable to you." Obi-Wan observed while he reviewed the data, starting with the Jedi.

First, there was Empatojayos Brand, king of the undiscovered world Ganath and among those that saw the final demise of Palpatine.

The next name he recognized: Jedi Master Ranik Solusar, who had served at the Battle of Geonosis. He'd also been the stir of great controversy within the Order, as he'd sired and trained a son named Kam. By Obi-Wan's estimation, he would've been about twelve years old now.

Others were some he knew of, but not greatly. Sullustian Jedi Master Darrin Arkanian and his former Padawan Corwin Shelvay. Jedi Knight Halagad Ventor, and the Jedi Padawan Codi Ty who had been excommunicated after his participation in an unauthorized mission to kill General Grievous.

His eyes then scrolled down to a subfile, which contained the location of a group of Padawans sheltered by the renegade Clone HOB-147 and Jin-Lo Rayce, Jocasta Nu's Padawan. Obi-Wan pulled up Rayce's file, surprised to find he'd become the head of a group called the Agents of Ossus; dedicated to preserving Jedi history.

He then scrolled down to the rest, listed as soon to be born. These included Kyp Duron, Streen, Kirana Ti, and Kenth Hamner.

He moved onto the military hardware section. Many of these were future designed space craft, such as the X-Wing, B-Wing, the Slayn & Korpil fighter-bomber, the Nebula-class Star Destroyer, the Starhawk-class battleship, and the Dac shipyards' Viscount-class Star Defender.

Others were land vehicles, many of them tanks used by the Rebel Alliance later modified by the New Republic and Galactic Alliance.

The next section contained references to undiscovered trade routes. One in particular was between Dac and the undiscovered world of Hast, which contained a covert shipyard that had been the site of a major battle after Endor.

The final section was titled "Hostile Xenos," and contained files on a pair of expansionist alien species from the Unknown Regions, the Yevetha and Ssi-Ruuk, both of whom launched invasions upon the galaxy during the New Republic's early days.

"You know, the Jedi could use a new archivist, and you both seem quite qualified," Obi-Wan said facetiously.

"Pass," Ahsoka replied, "I have no intention of ending up a snobbish old maid like Master Nu."

"Oh dear, now I have that image in my head," Tau groaned, "excuse me, I need to shower and maybe purify my brain a little. Master Kenobi, you should have everything you need for the next war meeting."

With that, he left. "How is he doing?" Obi-Wan asked.

"He's okay, I guess. Burned out, really," Ahsoka sighed, "to be honest, so am I. I actually miss being on my honeymoon. Everything was simpler then."

"That I understand, and In many ways, I envy you. I never got to where you are now."

"With Satine?"

"And Siri," Obi-Wan whispered, remembering the two loves of his life taken in the War, "but you two are good for each other. Never forget that."

"Oh, I don't plan to," she giggled, "not when I'm going to have twins."

"Yes, and I have a considerable amount of credits tied up into that."

"Say what? There's a pool for my children?"

"Well, yes. Only a small percentage of Togrutans can interbreed with humans and the results are always unpredictable."

"Har har. What's your bet?"

"One for each."

"Well then, I hope they don't disappoint. Speaking of which, how are Daniel and Connor doing with their Hamon training?"

"Well…" Obi-Wan mused.

Thirty Minutes Later

Within the Great Lake Champion

"Well, they're doing much better than I thought." Johnathan observed as the two half-brothers faced the final obstacle: a barrier of solid glass that would shatter upon the slightest impact.

"That's if the glass doesn't kill them upon breaking." Elias rebutted. "Honestly, what good is Hamon against broken glass? I thought it was to be used against supernatural creatures, not broken furniture."

"A Vampire uses whatever comes to hand." Deonn countered. "Including shattered glass. Better to prepare for the worst than be ready for nothing at all."

"Oi, keep it down up there! It's hard enough to concentrate without y'all chatterin' all the time!" Connor screamed at them. Both his and Daniel's entire bodies were covered in sheens of sweat, and if their flickering Hamon was any indication, they looked as if they were about to give out.

"Dany, we're gonna need to do this together!" Connor warned Daniel, who was now struggling to hold onto the slick wall, "Can't hold on much longer!"

"I know! I have an idea! Follow my lead!" Daniel replied, preparing all of his remaining Hamon to charge right through the glass. Connor smirked after he caught onto his brother's recklessness, and charged his Hamon to follow suit.

"Tell me they're not gonna go full speed ahead!" Ventis griped.

"Give them credit, Ventis. They're crazier than Benjen was when he passed the test," Elisheva amusingly commented, "and sometimes, such brazenness is a necessity in our fight against the monsters of the galaxy."

"If can just as likely get them killed," Eltariel replied.

"Yes, but that is the same for all risks. Now, be silent for them."

Suddenly, Connor and Daniel yelled as they unleashed their stored Hamon, leaping up into the glass well and smashing through. Astoundingly, the glass did not even leave a single cut on them, and their momentum carried them all the way to the top of the tower but just shy of the flat top.

"Force Push, now!" Daniel shouted, and the two Jedi threw back a telekinetic wave that sent them high into the air and landing them right in front of their families. They collapsed with the effort, the last of their energy gone as the others rushed to aid them.

"How'd… how'd we do?" Daniel whispered, too tired to talk any louder.

"Excellent. Both of you." Elisheva beamed with pride for her students. "You both made it in seven hours and thirty-five minutes, topping your Uncle Benjen's record of eight hours. I'd say that you both passed your second phase of training with flying colors."

"'Second phase?'" Connor panted, "What gobshite is the third phase?"

"Field application."

"No!" Ventis exclaimed. "You are not throwing them at Force Vampire!"

Elshiva gave him a look of bewilderment, "If you mean a Strigoi, I am not vindictive or stupid. No, they will be hunting Tuk'ata hounds with nothing but their Hamon, a few rations, and the clothes on their backs."

"Oh kill me now," Daniel groaned, "I've seen what Tau's pet, Butch, can do. You really want to send us at that those things with just Hamon?"

"A what?" Connor asked, trying to keep his breathing steady.

"Sith Hounds, Connor; creatures the ancient sith created through alchemy." Johnathan informed him, "pretty nasty bunch meant to fight Jedi like yourself. Don't worry, you will have a few days to rest up."

"Joy," Connor grumbled.

"At least, you aren't sending us after a Terentatak or a Leviathan." Daniel wheezed, as he placed a hand on his side.

"Am I the only one who heard that your friend has a pet hound?!" Deonn demanded

"Yes, he does," Ventis sighed, "but he's domesticated and trained."

"And you didn't think to tell us this?" Elisheva cursed, "Wait, he named the beast 'Butch?' What kind of name is that for a Sith monstrocity?"

"He inhereted Butch, along with the name, from his brother, Edaan. Look, Elisheva," Ventis gestured to his sons, "I appreciate what you're teaching them, but wouldn't you agree that this is moving things too quickly? Even Jedi training is more methodically paced than this."

"You have your methods, Ventis, and I have mine. Exposure and necessity are the greatest teachers, not merely repetition or technical application. What good are those when you are not thrown into the moment, where everything except the most basic instincts are thrown out?"

"Uncle, I understand where you are coming from, but Master Uriel's methods are effective and have produced some of the finest hunters the Ordo has ever seen." Deonn said

"Yes, but I also imagine the failure rate is probably just as high."

"That is the point," Elisheva answered with a smile, "better they fail here than die in the hunt. Only the strong can survive in our trade."

"How very Sith of you." Ventis said.

"If you call being pragmatic Sith-like, then you have a very construed sense of what a Sith is. For example, I am going to compromise with you. I will allow you to observe your sons hunt, and you will be permitted to aid them if, for whatever reason, they are unable to complete their mission."

That took Ventis by surprise, but he took what he could get. "Fine, I accept that."

"Another thing Ventis. If I was a Sith, failure here would mean death. My students, whether they succeed or fail, tend to get out of here alive." Elshiva said.

"I get the point," Ventis snorted, "Connor, Daniel, are you sure you wish to continue?"

"Yeah, Da," Connor nodded tiredly, "we are. And for pity's sake, stop hoverin' over us. I got this far without ya."

Ventis' eyes narrowed, "When you've spent decades being the meatsuit of the spirit of your psychotic doppelganger, Connor, you can talk to me about hovering."

"I didn't mean it like that."

"Sure," and he spun on his heel and left.

Connor bit his lip behind his mask, "I really made a blunder of it."

"Yeah," Elias drawled, "you did."

He then took Eltariel by the arm, and they parted as well. Connor just shook his head at his own stupidity, especially what he was going to have to do next...

Thirty Minutes Later

On Varon Orbital Command

After the Tau finished his presentation of the major historical points taken from his memory and Edaan's notes, the matter of council came to the most concerning point: the soon-to invade Ssi-Ruuk and Yevetha.

"Our forces are already stretched thin, and were still in the middle of a great organizing process," Garm began, "simply put, we cannot afford to have yet another front to deal with."

"But if we do nothing, we'll have to deal with them later," Kota countered, "when we're not currently in a stalemate with the Empire, or when they are in the middle of their own reorganization. We have to deal with them now, before they become a threat."

"The Ssi-Ruuk are the more pressing threat at the moment," Tau elaborated, "the Yevetha won't attempt their genocidal campaign for at least twenty years. However, you are both correct. They are a threat, but we don't yet have the means to deal with them ourselves."

Kal narrowed his eyes. "What are you proposing then, Tau?"

"Something risky, but if accomplished will deal with both the invaders and tie up Imperial resources for the foreseeable future."

"Oh no," Berch groaned, "please tell me you're not thinking of giving the Empire this information."

"Not the Empire, Berch. Bahl'al and his allies."

"As if that's an improvement," Mon Mothma sighed, "Tau, Bahl'al, despite his 'honorable' dealings with you before, is still an enemy to this Republic. Regardless of his misgivings with the Empire, that is still the case."

"I know, but that's exactly the point. Bahl'al isn't Palpatine, and had refused his orders several times because they were not practical at the time. What that shows me is that Bahl'al's loyalties may not be to the Emperor, but instead to the Empire itself."

"Or to himself," Berch replied, "you're putting a great deal of faith in one man's ability not to betray us."

"Betray us with what, Berch? The Ssi-Ruuk and Yavetha are as much a threat to him as they are to us. Their xenophobic nature would make it difficult for Bahl'al to turn them on us, as I am sure you were going to suggest."

"Yes, but what if Bahl'al does nothing with this intelligence?" Kal suggested.

"As Kota said earlier, we'd have to deal with them eventually, and that's the same for the Empire. Either they can strike them now, or we deal with them at an inopportune time. I imagine Bahl'al would, judging by his previous actions, take the former option."

"You assume Bahl'al would be the one giving the order," Wullf countered, "the Emperor is the one we have to contend with in deciding to deal with these invaders. And most assets report rumors that their relationship is deteriorating."

"All the more reason to give Bahl'al this intelligence. I know grandsire very well. He cannot stand rivals, either martial or intellectual, and I firmly believe that if given the opportunity, Palpatine will do whatever he can to undermine Bahl'al."

"So he sends him to another front, far away from his Empire," Obi-Wan concluded, "where Bahl'al might potentially be killed or at the very least politically weakened."

"Exactly," Tau nodded, "which will tie up Imperial resources, remove a competent player from the board and worsen the divide between the Sith."

"Or this whole thing could blow up in our faces!" Berch exclaimed.

"There is another troubling factor," Mon Mothma added, "the Imperials may resort to extermination to deal with these two races. Despite what they will do, no species deserves that. If the Vong can reform, so can they."

"I mean you're not wrong, and this way we will actually prevent them from doing things that lead to their annihilation in the first place."

"Regardless, I am not comfortable attempting such a reckless attempt at manipulation, not when billions of lives could hang in the balance."

"We will table this discussion for later," Bail Organa concluded, "for now, we need more intelligence on Bahl'al's movements, activities and motivations before we proceed with such an operation."

"I may very well have that potentially covered." Tau said, "I have a volunteer who's willing to infiltrate Tython undercover."

"Who?" Obi-Wan asked.

"I'm not going to say, Master Kenobi. If word of his or her identity were to be leaked, this operative's life would be forfeit. Their secrecy is absolutely necessary."

"It sounds like it already is, considering he or she is going into the heart of Sith territory." Berch said.

"Let me put it to you this way, Berch. If this operative's identity remains a secret and their cover story remains intact, then the likelihood of their mission's success remains a probability. But the moment their identity is revealed, then the chance of them being discovered becomes a dangerous possibility."

"Is there anything about this operation you can disclose?" Yularen asked, "Is there anything my office can do to help?"

"In a month's time, I will reveal to you and a small number of your operatives the extent of this operation. In the meantime, we will need a network to pass along information from Tython itself."

"That will be difficult."

"You have a month, Director. However, should this operation be successful, we will gain not only intelligence on the Empire and Sith, but also on the Chaos Cults and Bahl'al's operations on Tython itself."

"I accept this," Wullf nodded, "I will see about constructing this network. Chief Organa, do you approve of this operation?"

Bail looked between them and sighed, "I approve."

"Thank you. One other thing, I've just recalled another name that was not put on the list provided to this council. There is a Jedi Padawan named Ydra Kilwallen Sibwarra on the Wild Space world of G'rho. In my era, the Ssi-Ruuk killed her and took her son captive."

"G'rho? That's a Chandrilian colony. I have many contacts there that can safely extract the-" Mon recalled before Tau abruptly cut her off.

"No, wait. I misremembered the records. She's on Chandrila right now with her husband. They will give birth to Dev three years from now on G'rho."

"And you're certain she's there?" Wullf asked.

"I will consult the records, but yes," Tau sighed, "seems I'm still on archival duties."

"That Jedi Archivist position is still open-" Obi-Wan began with a smile, but Tau cut him off.

"Mention making me a librarian again and your beard is forfeit."

That earned a laugh from everybody at the council.

Meanwhile, On Vermund

Within the Great Lake Champion

"How precisely did you decide that those two were ready for such an advanced test so quickly? It took me ten years to fully grasp my people's advanced techniques and another five before I began my mission." Eltariel questioned Elisheva as they headed back to the shuttle with the fully loaded supplies.

"As I said to Ventis, they're the most advanced students I've ever had. And they have their own trials to undergo when the leave Vermund." She then quietly added, "Rather like you, I imagine."

"And what exactly did your father-in-law tell you about his guests this time?" Eltariel complained.

"Nothing on you. I just simply have eyes and senses, and I've noticed the way you two act around each other."

"It is nothing like that," Eltariel denied, "we are merely friends."

"And emotional confidants?"

Eltariel turned away from her, and Elisheva's smile grew. "Tell me, when you return to Arda to face the forces of evil there, will you bring Elias with you?"

"I… I don't know. Where I'm going, I'm not likely to survive."

"And you don't want Elias to die? You prove my point then, and the dark places you go, you may need him at your side."

"I will be the judge of that," Eltariel replied as to left for the shuttle.

One Hour Later

In Deep Space

Within the Mid Rim

Onboard the Tislera's Memory

"I heard the legends, but I never thought we'd ever help find the Katana Fleet." Gobi Gile said in awe upon seeing twenty of the fleet's two hundred dreadnaughts drifting away in space.

"Neither did I, old friend. That's why we need to hurry and begin the recovery efforts before our enemies arrive." Cham Syndulla ordered, "Pok, are your teams ready for their mission?"

"Don't worry, General. We'll have the first fifteen dreadnaughts operational and on their way to Varon within the next four hours, max." Pok promised.

"Good. Isval, what is the status of the Haruun Kal flotilla? They should have arrived here long before we did."

"They had a greater difficulty evading Imperial patrols, but they report they'll be here in thirty minutes, max, and they'll bring plenty of equipment and manpower to help accelerate our efforts."

But that Colonel Rostu better make up the lost time by getting us at least a hundred more dreadnaughts for our fleet, or I'll have choice words for that lousy schutta.

Ten Minutes Later

In Hyperspace

Approximately 15 Minutes From the Katana Fleet

Onboard the Chalk's Lethality

"And your bosses are willing to offer me a full commission by establishing my own private investigation unit for your New Republic?" Lorz Geptun, a former agent of Republic Intelligence, skeptically asked Nick.

"Only as long as you remain loyal, Geptun." Nick clarified. "Let me make this perfectly clear. I know how you think, operate, and how you've double-crossed everyone who ever hired you. But my superiors know of your talents and pro-Jedi sympathies, and want to give you a chance to do some good for the galaxy."

"Relax, Rostu. You know I don't break a contract when I take it on, and I always give it my all. Besides, even I can see why you need my help. The post-war era is not going to be pretty, and you a trained police force to manage it. You need the best you can get, which is obviously me."

"You have an inflated sense of importance."

"Not all, you're just easy to read. Regardless, I'm intrigued. Where do you want me to meet your superiors? Varon, perhaps?"

"How do you know about Varon?"

"I hacked a Hutt lord's transmissions to find out where his son, Mika Anjiliac Chiera, was going after a meeting with Tau and his Shadow Alliance. That was a terrible name for a confederate government, by the way."

"On that latter point, we agree. I'll transmit you a one-time usage set of clearance codes to get through the blockade. But if you try something, you won't even make it to orbit."

"I'll behave." Lorz replied before he signed off, leaving the colonel to shake his head at the mess he just invited into the New Republic.

One Hour Later

Within the Julevian System

Onboard the Gauntlet

"My Lord, Sir we're approaching Sernpidal ahead of schedule. But I'm afraid there's a terrible complication." Captain Sloan informed Vader and Vice Admiral Ronan. "The garrison commander is not responding to our hails, and we've lost contact with almost all units within the command center and capital city."

Then our quarry must have moved their plans forward. They're fast and efficient, I'll give them that. Vader mused before Savit incredulously roared,

"How in the blazes did they take over the whole damned city so fast?!"

"I don't know, but they might not have. For all we know, they could have just severed all communications to make us think the city's lost, and overreact by bombarding the whole city." Sloan speculated.

"She is right, Vice Admiral." Vader agreed. "I can sense the Xipototec on the planet, along with most of the city's population. They are attacking the garrison as we speak, so we must retaliate while there's still time. With every victim's life force they drain, they grow stronger and become an even greater threat to the entire galaxy."

"Then what is the best approach to dealing with them? We cannot afford the time it takes to deploy the army, and every second we delay results in more of our people dying."

"Which is why we will move light and fast for this operation. I will take a company of elite Stormtoopers down with me to the surface, and we will secure the city while you and the fleet flush them out with a strategic bombardment." Vader explained.

He then turned to Savit with a warning glare, "I want minimal civilian and military casualties, Ronan. We cannot afford to lose anymore assets to carelessness, nor play into the Jedi's propaganda campaign."

"I understand, Lord Vader, and I will inform my gunners to take the utmost care in selecting their targets."

Meanwhile, Onboard the Remember Domino

25 Hours From the Katana Fleet

You have got to be kriffing kidding me! The captain slammed his left cybernetic hand on the console, as he had figured out which of his two crewmembers betrayed him, not only to Black Sun, but also to a new up and coming criminal organization called the Zann Consortium.

He couldn't believe that he didn't see this betrayal coming. Both the Falleen Savan, now known to him as niece to Black Sun's latest Overlord, Xizor, and Uria Fenn, lieutenant to the Zann Consortium's founder, Tyber Zann, were closed off with time, but he thought they would open up after time.

But now he knew whom his internal enemies were, and the beginnings of a plan were forming in his mind to deal with them.

But first, he had to take a terribly dangerous risk if he was to have his ship make it to the Katana Fleet sooner than their enemies, and excise the traitors from his crew before they could do any more espionage for their masters.

He only hoped that Rex and General Skywalker would forgive him for his stupidity when he saw them again, and allow him to get his friends out of the Scrapper's Guild operation on Bracca, including a Jedi Padawan and his friends and girlfriend, and safe into the New Republic's better employment.

Well, I think this is a good place to end the chapter. And just in time too, because my laptop's close to running out of power. So, how are you all doing on this warm day of Wednesday, February 5, 2020? I'm doing well, as I did some homework and work on a couple projects before finishing this chapter, and I'll do some more later on. And I did the treadmill this morning, so I got some good exercise in. Oh, and two comics are coming out in the next two weeks, so I'm excited for those. Finally, my 25th birthday's at the end of the month, so I'm both excited and nervous about that date. I'd better get this chapter to Squasher and JSailer for reviewing and revising, and mentally prepare myself for the next romantic chapter in my one-shot collection. May the Force and Iluvatar be with us all, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!