Good afternoon, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm day of Monday, February 17, 2020? I'm doing well, if a bit busy due to studying for school and a midterm for tomorrow, and from work the last two days. Last night, I worked from 1-10 PM, and I was exhausted. I'm just lucky I had some sugary snacks to keep me awake and on my feet until I got home. So, I published Chapter 16 last night, and I'm very pleased what Squasher and JSailer did with the draft. Oh, and I finished the first character interlude for another bunch of tie-in material, and I'm quite pleased with what I've done with the guy. Also, I finally finished all the DLC for Assassin's Creed: Odysseya few days ago, and I just plowed through the last of Assassin's Creed: Heresy. Now I think I'll change gears, and read the novelization for the Assassin's Creed movie before I read a bunch of historical books. I really need to get started on those, as I have at least a hundred books to go through. Well, I'd better get started on the chapter, as it won't write itself, and I have about seven hours left in my day. Wish me luck, and may God bless us all in these trying times.

(Tuesday, February 18, 2020 Addendum.) Hey, everyone! How are you doing on this warm day? I'm doing well, as I did my midterm today, but I'm a little nervous about it, as it was fairly challenging. In other news, I did some homework, and now I've written about 1,200 words in the chapter so far today, and I still have two and a half hours left before my second class of the day. Oh, and I got my work schedule for the week, and I only have to work this Saturday from 12-6. That is good news, because I could use a little break from the 9-hour Sunday shifts. Well, I'd better get back to writing for a little bit, as I want to get at least 1,500 words in before class. Wish me luck.

Thirteen Minutes Later

0759 Hours

Within Director Yularen's Office

"Thank you for coming so quickly, Jedi Ryal." Wullf told Vega as he came into his office, "you look like you just got out of the shower."

"Actually haven't taken one yet, sir," Vega panted, "caught me in the middle of prescribed workout, but you said it was urgent."

"It is, have a seat," he pulled up a holographic image of an Outer Rim sector adjacent to Mon Calamari.

"What is this, sir? I don't recognize the system."

"I doubt you would. This is the Lothal sector, only colonized a few centuries ago where civilization meets the wild north. The only reason it's come to my attention is that the Empire has an interest there."

"How so?"

"There's been a heavy amount of military and industrial activity there for several months now. At first, I thought it was just routine patrol duties, but now the activity there has skyrocketed. Entire fleets are moving in and out, and my sources say that a number of industrial centers recently established are pulling out record tonnage of resources almost daily."

"That just sounds like a resource rich planet, and this sounds like a kind of strip mining operation."

"It would seem that way. However, this changes things," he began pulling up profiles of various high-society men and women Vega did not recognize, "these are members of the Imperial Archaeological Guild, specifically the branch attached to the Inquisitorious. They have been arriving in-system for weeks at a time and are under constant guard.

Vega leaned forward, his attention clearly captured, "What are they looking for? Some kind of relic?"

"Tau believes they're looking for a Temple," Wulff elaborated, "specifically one that may contain a Force Nexus."

"Does he know what else is inside?"

"No, the Temple and the surrounding area suffered a catastrophic detonation some 14 years from now. Officially, the reports suggest a mining accident."

"And unofficially?"

"I think they didn't like whatever they found there and took extreme measures to eliminate it. And I want you to find out what it is before that happens again, without being compromised."

"So I have fourteen years to do this mission?" Vega jested

"More like three months, at the most. High Command is worried that due to its location, the Empire may use Lothal as a staging ground for a northern assault, quite possibly against Mon Cala itself. They'll be launching an offensive there, but Tau wants to ensure there aren't any surprises."

"I understand. Plus, I'm sure the order doesn't want a lost temple to fall into the sith's hands… but there's a problem."

"And that is?"

"Me, sir. You need someone who can be discrete, and I'm basically the opposite of that."

"That's actually why you're going, Mr. Ryal. Your primary concern will be investigating the Jedi Temple, and potentially dealing with whatever caused the Imperials to nuke it in the first place. The rest of the sabotage mission, as well as getting you on the world, will be handled by the rest of your team."

"So, if there's a monster there, you want a monster killer?"

"Precisely," he then handed him a datapad, "This contains a list of contacts and safe houses there, as well as falsified accounts and ID's."

Vega looked at him suspiciously, "You set this all up just for this mission?"

"I didn't. Governor Ryder of Lothal did. He's an old Republic loyalist and it didn't take much to recruit him."

"And we're sure he can be trusted?" Vega asked skeptically.

"The majority of the information we have on Imperial activities in the sector comes from him and I've run them through the Agency's usual checks. So yes, I trust him."

"I see. Who will I be operating with for this mission?"

"You will be primarily working with Captain Jaing, though the Order has requested that Eeth Koth and Micah Aphra accompany you."

"Jaing?" Vega asked, just as the man in question walked right into the room, "Oh."

The Jango Fett clone nodded with the ghost of a smirk. "Hey Vega, looks like puberty's hitting you harder than usual."

"Says the guy who went through it faster than normal," Vega scowled, "didn't know you became a spook."

The last time Vega had seen him was on Coruscant two years prior, after the 501st Trooper had defected alongside his superior, Captain Jane Mallory, during the campaign over Arda.

"I did and it's done me wonders," Jaing's smirk grew, "though I've heard your… augments, haven't done you any favors with-"

"Enough," Wulff snorted, "this affair has no place for any personal animosity between you. So I expect you to stow it."

Jaing immediately stiffened to attention. "Yes sir, animosity stowed, sir."

"At ease," the director sighed, "after Jaing receives his transformation sequence, you and the rest of your team will go over the mission details."

Vega interrupted him, "Transformation? You mean like when Obi-Wan went undercover as Rako Hardeen during the Clone War?"

"And just how do you know of that mission?" Jaing suspiciously asked.

"Master Billaba and Tau told me," Vega deadpanned, before requesting to Wullf, "there is one other individual I think should be involved in the operation, Director. His name's Adegan, and he's the Shard I bonded with during our time in the Unknown Regions. He'll be of assistance when we run into Inquisitors or whatever monster the Imperial's will run into."

"And just how can a talking crystal help us against a trained Jedi hunter?" Jaing doubted.

Vega pinched the bridge of his nose, resisting the urge to snap at Jaing. "A Shard has the ability to bond with inanimate objects and radiate what is basically a mini-nexus. That is how the Iron Knights came around. The Shards were able to take control of modified droids."

"So you're going to stick the talking crystal in a droid?"

"He already is, Jaing. He's bonded to my droid/suit hybrid… you'd know that if you read my file."

Jaing was about to retort when Vega saw him catching a look from Wulff, so he simply said, "I'll re-read that section then."

Vega turned to the NRI Director, "How long do we have to prep?"

"A standard week. You'll inset via a smugglers route, and from there you'll be on your own. With the current state of the galaxy, we don't have the means to get another team to you. So, avoid detection if you can. Be discrete."

"Can we rely on Governor Ryder for support?"

"As I said, the current galactic state is making things difficult. Ryder informs me that through back channels that the ISB has him under constant surveillance."

"So maybe," Jaing answered, "there is obviously the question of Chelli. Micah will be gone for a prolonged period."

"With respect, Captain, this is war," Wulff retorted, "fathers absent from homes for months at a time is nothing new and she's being taken care of."

"Besides, we don't want a kid potentially getting hurt at the Jedi temple or ruining our cover in the capital of Lothal," Vega added, "so she stays."

"Of course I just thought that I'd bring it up, considering what I read about Aphra. He'd likely bring it up."

"As I said, Captain, she's being taken care of and she's been made to understand the gravity of the situation… without breaching clearance protocol, of course."

"Ah yes, of course." Vega chuckled slightly, earning unamused glances from the others, Vega cleared his throat, "Sorry, just a funny thought. Never mind."

Five Minutes Later

On Varon

Within the Mallory Household

"I don't like this, dad."

Micah sighed as he kneeled down to her level. "I know, Chelli, but I have to go. To be honest, I don't really think I have a choice."

"I don't want you to go, though."

"I know, and I know I promised I wouldn't leave you either," he took her hand in his, "but we're at war, and I'm needed. I have to go."

The sight of his little girl tearing up nearly broke him. "But what if you don't come back?"

"I'm going to, little Boop," he smiled, "even if the Emperor himself tried to stop me, I will come home."

He pulled her into a hug and held her tightly. "That much I promise, little Boop. I swear it on your mother's soul."

"I don't want you to go," Chelli cried in his shoulder, and he held her as his own tears fell.

'Force,' he thought bitterly, 'what have I gotten us into?'

One Hour Later

On Sernpidal

Within the Capital City's Spaceport

"Yes, you heard me, Ronan! The city's lost! Order a full-scale evacuation of the rest of the planet, launch a complete bombardment, and get some air support and shuttles down here to cover our retreat! We're getting slaughtered out here, and Vader's barely holding out against two of the ringleaders!" Kimmund quickly ordered the vice admiral.

He heard a growl, and with desperate reflex spun and blasted off the head of an approaching zombie. More appeared, but he calmly replaced his depleted tibanna gas cartridge and engaged.

This had been the situation for them for hours now. They were holding up barely, but a strong enough rally and they would be finished. Even Vader was barely contending with the Xipototec. They just wouldn't fall, no matter how many injuries he inflicted on them.

Above all, Kimmund feared for the Empire. If they didn't stop the enemy here, they would grow and spread until everyone was dead or enthralled. Something had to be done. He caught sight of Kars, their leader, and prepared to overcharge his weapon. Before he could, another of aliens called Tupac appeared and backhanded him.

Blinding pain flooded Kimmund's mind as he was sent flying, his weapon crumbling to pieces. If he hadn't been wearing his armor or been a Clone, he would've been dead.

Tupac mentioned as much. "You are a tough one for a human. A blow like that has killed even the mightiest of the Massassi."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"You should, I love a challenge."

"Alright then," Kimmund groaned as he got to his feet, drawing his sidearm and a vibro-knife, "I'll give you a challenge."

Tupac smiled at him, strangely. He turned a moment and ripped a pole sign from the ground, rending the metal down till he had his own knife readied. Kimmund was glad he was wearing a helmet, the sight absolutely terrified him. But he held his ground as the alien beckoned him.

"I will give you this human. Despite the fact you stand no chance, you continue to fight me. Therefore I shall grant you the honor of eternal rest. On my word you will not become a mindless thrawl."

"Well… that's a small comfort."

"A good death is its own reward."

"You have no idea how right you are."

Before Tupac and the commander could rush each other, Tupac was suddenly sent flying as a plasma grenade exploded at his feet. Kimmund saw his personal squad take aim at the Xipototec, led by his XO.

"Commander, go! Help Lord Vader! We'll hold him off." The XO shouted while he and his squad opened fire on Tupac, turning his attention towards the eleven Stormtroopers.

Damned fools! I thought I trained them better than to charge straight to their deaths!Kimmund cursed, but he knew they were right and he ran like hell across the battlefield towards Lord Vader.

With the last Xipototec preoccupied with a platoon of Stormtroopers on the adjacent side of the spaceport, Kimmund prepared to launch two grenades at Vader's main adversaries.

"Sir, move!" Kimmund commed Vader, the Dark Lord immediately seeing what he was doing and inhumanely zipped out of the way. Before the Xipototec could realize what was happening, the grenades were flying and detonated right in their faces.

Kars and Xipil were sent hurtling like fireballs, burning but very much alive. Yet Vader did not afford them the chance to recover. Kimmund watched him gesture with his hand, the sound of their snapping audible before he unleashed a powerful Force Blast that blew them right out of the spaceport.

"NO!" the remaining Xipototec shouted. A look of fury covering each of their faces; abandoning their prey as they charged at the two Imperials with all their remaining minions.

Just then, the orbiting Star Destroyers began their orbital bombardment of the city. They began just outside the spaceport, and several TIE Bombers and Imperial gunships blasted away at the enemy forces. Shuttles and troop transports appeared soon after to begin picking up the remaining Stormtroopers.

Moving with both urgency and military precision, the remaining platoon of Stormtroopers with Vader and Kimmund close behind departed the doomed city in order to ensure no unwanted passengers hijacked their ride.

Kimmund hoped that this would be the last they'd see of the aliens. Somehow, he doubted it.

Five Hours Later

On Nelona 31st

On Serocco

Within the Catacombs, in the Imperial Command Post

"Well, I never expected a battle to surpass Geonosis, but here we are," Rahm ruefully chuckled as he studied the tactical maps of the Stereb catacombs, "how in the Nine Corellian Hells did a handful of cultists get just about an entire planet's population to join their mad cause?"

"I believe one of our local guides can shed some light on that question." Bahl'al turned to allow a Stereb elder to approach the group, and he introduced the bulky woman, "Gentlemen, this is Senator Lelan-Dar, former Matriarch of the Stereb people. She was here when the planet fell under Occisor's control, and has been leading the local resistance ever since."

"The cultists came about a year ago, preaching about the advent of four noble gods and how they would deliver us from our squalor if we pledge our allegiance to them. My people didn't think much of them at first, but they were persistent. They began to win converts."

"How?" Kota, the Imperial Royal Guard's Master Instructor, asked the senator.

"At first, through the ways any religion does. Charity, good works. But once they gained a following, they began bribing or outright seducing officials. Soon, most of our government was under their sway. They even began a crusade against the criminal underworld to secure them even more followers."

"Then why in the blazes did you not contact Imperial Sector Command?" Bacara growled.

"I tried, but by then it was too late. My colleagues were either cultists themselves or were so tied to them they dare not move against the Cult. And to be blunt, this world has no strategic value. Even if you did come, I wager most of the populace would have sided against you."

"Why?" Bahl'al asked.

"Ancient history, but we were devastated by the Neo-Crusaders with atomic fire while the Old Republic did little more than watch."

"We are not the Old Republic, Senator."

"To many, you're worse. The Cult played upon these sentiments, and they launched a coup backed by a popular uprising just three months ago. They targeted every level of administration and government with such brutal efficiency that the planet fell over night. We've been reduced to guerilla tactics just to stay alive. But that changed a few weeks ago."

"How so?" Bacara inquired, crossing his arms.

"A new commander, a shapeshifter they rumors say, took over and the attacks on our strongholds intensified. The few spies I have say that he answers to a Dark Jedi named Occissor."

Rahm saw Bahl'al stiffen uncomfortably at the name, and the senator noticed as well. "I take it you know him?"

"We both do," Kota answered, "he's crazed terrorists who's run a reign of terror throughout the Outer Rim. We knew he was the head of a cult, but we had no idea it'd spread this far or fast."

"Is that why you've come? To hunt this Occissor?"

"I was here looking for his lieutenant, the shapeshifter," Bahl'al answered, "is he and his master still on-world?"

"Only the Shifter, m'lord," The Stereb senator reported before continuing to brief the Imperials on the state of their defenses, and prepare to go on the offensive against the enemy.

Five Hours Later

Within the Halm Sector

In the Katana Fleet's System

Onboard the Chalk's Lethality

"All right. Team Sigma's bringing dreadnought number forty-three online now." Nick reported to Cham as he heard his team's reports. "And Echo's team found the Katana Flagship. They're awaiting your approval to bring it online."

"Good work. But order him to wait until we have a few teams to support them. I won't let that idiot loose on the flagship all by himself," Cham replied before Echo appeared on the hologram, and Cham cursed in Ryl before growling out, "What now? Are you hacking our communications again for pure sport?"

"No, General. I'm calling to inform you that NRI Force 99 and I might have figured out a way for us to take down both Black Sun and the Zann Consortium when they arrive."

"Elaborate," Nick ordered.

"Tech told me that he's working on a computer virus to turn an enemy ship against its friendlies, but the design was incomplete and he could only get it to affect a few ships at a time. However, thanks to my cybernetics, I'm confident I can perfect the design before the criminals arrive."

"That's just the kind of news we needed to hear." Nick commended, "But will it work against Imperial frequencies?"

"No. Their cyberwarfare frequencies are much more powerful and adaptable than criminal groups, and I helped the Republic upgrade their own before the war ended. But this'll still give us a much-needed edge."

"How long do you need before you can complete this virus?" Cham pressed.

"If I can fully commit to this project, then give me up to five hours. My first mate, Adrina, can handle the salvaging operations in my absence. She's got a knack for tech."

"And how long do we have before Zann and Xizor arrive?"

"If my altered transmissions from their agents are correct, we've got about ten hours for Zann and another fifteen for Xizor. But the rest of your forces will make it a couple hours before Xizor does, so we can deal with the Zann Consortium on our terms."

'That's if the Imperials don't arrive ahead of schedule and add more fuel to the fire.'Nick pessimistically thought. "Get to work on that virus, and have your crew link up with ours to restart the Katana flagship. We're gonna need every advantage we can get if we're gonna succeed against all the crime syndicates and Imperials."

One Hour Later

On Vermund

0758 Hours

Within the Capital City

Inside the Octagon Command Center

"All right, I can sense that all my people are assembled for the summit. Let me give you all a brief rundown who's there, and how things will commence." Benjen warned Obi-Wan and his delegation, consisting of Eltariel who acted as a liaison for Arda, and Ventis and Tau.

Ahsoka, per Benjen's request, agreed to stay behind for at least the first phase of the negotiations. In his own words, she wasn't needed there yet.

"They'll have both Pro Consuls, the elected leaders of the Teutonic Sector, leading the delegation, and they'll be the ones with the most clout. One's the Grand Master of the Order, and the other's currently an admiral in our sector's navy. They each would have given Windu a run in the grim department."

"I see," Obi-Wan nodded, "and the rest?"

"The Majority and Minority Speakers of the Assembly, They're both staunch traditionalists that value their independence to the brink of fanaticism. The rest are from the Concilium Militaris. I suppose their equivalent would be your Security Council."

"So they run the military?" Tau asked.

"No, they merely advise the proconsuls. Still, they are senior officials and do take pride in the Sector Military."

"So, how will this proceed?"

"They'll let you say your piece first and consider their merits. Afterwards, they will adjourn to evaluate where matters stand. Above all, it is crucial that you maintain a calm and collected disposition. These men can be vicious, and it is imperative that you do not stoop to their level."

He then considered something and added, "And don't bring up the Mandalorians or Sith unless they do so. We Teutons have a long memory."

"We understand. Thank you for your warning." Obi-Wan nodded as they approached the door that held the leaders of the Teutonic Sector.

Benjen paused them a moment. "Once we go through those doors, I am merely an observer. But know that I'm rooting for you, especially you, brother. May the Force be with you all."

He then turned to the head of security. "We're ready. You may permit us in."

"We'll need to scan them for weapons first, Lord Uriel."

The delegation acquiesced, even Eltariel reluctantly. They raised their arms and allowed for a full body scan. Detecting no weapons on everyone, the guard captain nodded. "You're clear. You may enter."

With that, the doors opened, and the team entered the room to begin a historic summit. Here, they would determine whether or not the New Republic would gain a legendary sector as an ally for the wars to come.

Well, I think that's a good place to leave off the story for now. What did you think of the approaching Katana Fleet battle, and the Teutonic Sector about to begin their summit? Oh, and the Lothal mission has been one I've planned for some time, but the decision to include Eeth Koth and the Aphras was a recent touch. And the Teutonic Sector's form of government was inspired by the Roman Republic, and was the idea of JSailer and Squasher. I hope they like my first draft, and I hope you all enjoyed it. I hope to get it out in a week, as they're busy with plenty of their own work, and my first character interlude. So, how are you all doing on this cool night of Wednesday, February 19, 2020? I'm doing well, as I have read over half of the Assassin's Creed novelization, and it's a really good read. And, I've done some homework, and bought Dragon Age: Blue Wraith #2 today. It was a good read, and I look forward for both the final comic in a month, and the short story anthology on March 10. In other news, I'm revising my 2ndromantic chapter between Tau and Ahsoka, as my first draft was woefully lacking. I should be done with it by tomorrow or Friday. Oh, and in more exciting news, the first episode of SWTCW: Season Seven comes out in two days, and I'm so looking forward to them. Well, I'd better get this chapter to my friends' for them look over, and so I can read a bit. May the Force and Iluvatar be with you all, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

(Friday, February 28, 2020 Addendum.) Hey, everyone! How are you all doing on this cool night? I'm doing well, as I've been taking it easy with school and work for a while, and I'm on spring break for the next 11 days. And I've been playing a bit of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, and plowed through a good portion of Sequence 4. And I've been reading a good Johnny Cash book. Oh, and I've been working on a bunch of character interludes, already almost done with interlude 4 out of 5. And I've started collecting the Naruto Shippuden and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations box sets. They're really good. Well, I'll be publishing the revised chapter soon, so I apologize for the wait, but there were delays due to other concerns. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you all have a blessed evening.