Good evening, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm night of Saturday, March 7, 2020? I'm doing well, as it wasn't that bad at work today, but I still have a nine hour shift tomorrow from 1-10 PM, so that'll probably be a hassle. And tomorrow's the start of Daylight Savings Time, so everyone'll lose an hour of sleep. So I'll probably be grumpy for the next few days. In other news, I plan to do some more reading on Star Wars: Legacy of the Force; Sacrifice this Monday, and it'll be good, even though it's written by Karen Traviss. Oh, and I'll watch the 3rdepisode of Season Seven of SWTCW, and it'll be great, despite the changes I'm sure Disney and Lucasfilm will make from the original draft. Well, I'd better get started on the chapter. Wish me luck, and may God be with us all in these difficult times.

(Monday, March 9, 2020 Addendum.) How are you all doing today? I'm doing well, as I got through my nine-hour shift last night, as it was remarkably slow, which was a relief. I guess people are finally waking up to see how bad Disney has become. Oh, and I'm gonna watch SWTCW: Season Seven's latest episode soon, as I haven't watched it, even though it isn't the same as the original draft from five years ago. I just hope the rest of the Bad Batch Arc isn't changed, as I liked it better as before. And I've managed to write about 1,100 words so far today, and I still have eight hours left in the day. In other news, I have school tomorrow, and have to get back into the swing of my typical routine, so I'll have less time to write for a while. I'll also need to charge my laptop now, as it's low on power, and I'll need it for school tomorrow. Well, I think I've spent enough time rambling, as I need to rest for a little while. Have a blessed day, everyone!

Ten Minutes Later

Within the Halm Sector

In the Katana Fleet's System

Onboard the KatanaFlagship

"Guys, we got an incoming Imperial Star Destroyer and it's preparing to launch fighters and gunships." Adrina warned the two New Republic leaders, "but I have an idea. They'll be vulnerable the moment their hangar's shields come down. I say we ram another Dreadnaught into their exposed underside, and blow it to kingdom come before their reinforcements arrive."

"That's an excellent idea, Adrina," Cham replied, "We'll provide you with what support we can spare."

Closing the holochannel, she turned to her captain, who was already interfaced to the Katana Flagship's systems to try to find a Dreadnaught for the strategy.

Seconds later, Echo's eyes shot wide open, and he satisfyingly grinned, "Found two dreadnaughts that can fit the bill. One's weapon and shield systems are all that are up and running, but the other's engines are functioning at about 90% capacity."

Adrina eagerly smirked. "Then we'll thin their starfighter ranks a bit further, and deal with another Star Destroyer. Oh, this is becoming a happy day for raining down destruction on those Imps."

"Let's focus less on your penchant for destruction, and more on getting the job done so we survive the crime syndicates on the way, let alone the court-martial by the New Republic if make it that far."

Ten Minutes Later

Onboard the Anya Kuru

"They think they can fool us with such a rudimentary tactic." Aaron quietly scoffed. The moment his teams intercepted the powering up of two unmanned Dreadnaughts, he foresaw how the enemy would plan to destroy him and cripple his flotilla in one fell swoop.

Before he could bark orders to counter the strategy, his sensors officer reported, "Captain, we've got about three dozen signatures exiting hyperspace at Sector O-9! They're not any of ours, nor do they belong to the New Republic or Black Sun."

"Then whose are they?" Aaron quickly demanded.

"Data's coming through now, Sir. It looks like a mismatch of old Confederate and GAR capital ships and frigates that were supposed to have been reported missing in action or decommissioned."

"Sir, we're reading that the New Republic is leading one of their stolen Star Destroyer against us. Looks like their ship, the Tislera's Memory, is trying to take us out."

So the Jedi have more tricks up their robes than I first thought. I may have underestimated them.Aaron mused before he observed the tactical screen, and knew what he had to do to salvage this mission. He saw the wide variety of capital ships, four of each Acclamators and Venators, Munificent-class star frigates, Lucrehulk-class battleships, and twenty-two frigates and escort cruisers from both pre-Imperial militaries.

Fully aware that the Bloodfinneeded an additional hour of time before its systems were fully restored, Aaron ordered his bridge crew, "Call off the attack, and order all units to regroup towards Point 0.1 before reaching out to Moff Mors and Grand Moff Trachta. We need a new strategy if we're going to survive this escalating battle."

Five Minutes Later

Onboard the Chalk's Lethality

"How the karkdid Zann make it here with over six hours to spare?!" Nick swore at Echo.

"I've triangulated their trajectory, and he used a little-known route that connects Hypori to much of the Mid Rim. If I had to guess, he fixed up the production facilities for his own use." Echo suggested. "But what I don't get is how he saw through my false transmissions. I cross-referenced every transmission, and-"

"Forget about the explanations for now, Trooper. We can worry about how he fooled us all later! Send out a transmission to Generals Skywalker and Kota, and let them know that the situation's rapidly deteriorating. At this rate, we'll see ourselves in a four-way brawl if Xizor shows up ahead of schedule."

"Sir, the lead Venator is sending an open transmission across the system." A communications officer reported.

"Put it through. Let's see what the enemy's first move is." Nick ordered before the image of both Cham and a young white-haired man appeared, a cold smile on his face as he spoke with an upper Anaxian accent.

"Well, well, this is a surprise. My agent warned me that the New Republic leading this recovery operation on the Katana Fleet was, for once, way ahead of the game, but he never guessed the Imperials would act so quickly, or that he'd be captured and chained like a common beast when his true loyalties were uncovered. And he certainly didn't know that thelegendary Nick Rostu and Cham Ssyndulla would be leading the Jedi's recovery efforts."

"But it seems that my agent was captured before he could finish his work. I will say this to Echo: if you're listening to this transmission, you are certainly way smarter than the average clone."

"Enough, criminal!" Cham spat. "You cannot hope to steal even one of these cruisers!"

"And I suppose both yours and the Imperials' inevitable reinforcements will save the day, Or, you're waiting for the competition in that Black Sun Underlord, that pompous Falleen Xizor, to give me such a defeat that'll humiliate me, am I right?"

"What do you want, Zann. Are you just gonna stand there gloating like an idiot, or are you going to make your demands?" Nick demanded.

"Yes, you're right. Time is money, and both are in high demand these days. You know what I want: the rest of the Katana Fleet that you haven't gotten your hands on, and my best agent returned to me, alive and well. Oh, and while I'm holding all the cards, I want your capital ships too. Fulfill all of these demands, and I'll let you all fly away to fight another day."

"You must be smoking some pretty heavy chemicals if you think we're going to just give into the demands of an upstart crime boss." Echo spitefully replied. "We're going to beat you, Zann, and nothing you say or do will drive us out of this system until the job's done."

"Hah! That's pretty funny, coming from the man who helped me find this prize to begin with." Tyber reminded the ARC Trooper deserter. "But none of us have time for this. I hope you have no regrets, because this system will soon be your graves. Farewell."

After Tyber closed the transmission, Nick asked Echo, "Urai Fen is locked up tight and can't get away, right?"

"Don't worry. I've got the Talortai's body flooded with more than enough sedatives to keep him in a coma for at least a week, and he's chained up better than a Rancor. He won't be getting out at all."

"Good. You think Tech's virus can do a better job on this fleet than on Harcourt's?" Cham quickly interjected.

"Yes, Sir. I don't know how upgraded their repurposed GAR ships are, but their CIS ships are still using the same data wavelengths from the last war. I think it'll work very well, and they'll never see what's coming." Echo promised.

"Then stop boasting, and get to work before they launch their fighters on us!" Cham snapped.

Meanwhile, Onboard the Inquisitor

20 Hours From The Halm Sector

"This is a completely unforeseen development, Captain." Trachta simply said after Aaron finished warning him.

"What can we do to stop them? I've only got four Star Destroyers and their escort craft in my fleet, and we can't hope to beat this syndicate in a straight up fight against this many enemies." Delian griped.

"Then we'll simply buy their loyalty." Trachta replied, "I've had my eye on this cadet's career over the last four years before he discharged. It was impressive, despite his criminal record."

"Sir, he's a criminal," Aaron protested, "worse, he's a fugitive of the Empire and is working against our interests. He should be taken into custody and thrown into the pits of Kessel."

"I would normally agree, but this conflict is growing desperate. The Emperor already has plans to build an alliance with Black Sun. I do not see why we couldn't do the same here, especially if it means securing the rest of the Katana Fleet."

Aaron shook his head, "With all due respect, sir, he'll betray us eventually."

"I know. When he does, he goes to Kessel and we confiscate his syndicate's assets. Tyber is bold and ingenious, but his organization is too small to risk us hunting him. He'll play the part. Now, I'll see about securing communication with him."

Ten Minutes Later

Onboard the Venator-class Star Destroyer Aggressor

"That's a generous offer, Grand Moff," Tyber smiled, "a privateer's commission to operate against New Republic shipping. Especially to such a disgraceful Cadet as myself. You must be really concerned about losing the Katana Fleet."

"We are, and you should be as well," the cyborg replied, "the New Republic does not forget or forgive, and they will hunt you for this."

"A fair point, but the galaxy's becoming a chaotic place. Will they have the time or need to hunt me down?"

"Cham Syndulla is commanding the force, yes?"

"Ah," he conceded, "that man can hold a grudge. So, I assume that this Letter of Marque comes with a pardon?"

"Wouldn't be much of a commission if it didn't," Trachta deadpanned, "which will be rescinded, your assets confiscated and you and your associates jailed on Kessel should you break the terms of your contract."

"Tsk tsk, am I so untrustworthy?"

Trachta's glare answered that. "What's your answer?"

"Can I think about it?"

"No time. What's your answer?"

"Well, it seems I don't have a choice. If I do come work for you, which I assume considering your lofty position in Intelligence, what happens to my Consortium?"

"Nothing. It will remain as it is so long as its efforts do not interfere with the Empire's or my affairs."

"I see," Tyber nodded thoughtfully, "and the fleet? Well, what remains of it?"

"You receive a small portion as a down payment. So, I may assume your answer is yes?"

Tyber took a moment to think about where this would lead. He'd come here looking for an easy score, not to be caught in the middle of a brawl or draw the attention of hunters like Cham and Trachta. If he rejected his offer, he would have to close down his operations and go dark. That meant revenue and reputation lost, assuming he wasn't found and murdered in his sleep.

On the other hand, working for Intelligence would broaden his reach and make his business untouchable to other enterprises. There was also the obvious benefit of getting some of the cruisers without needing to fight everyone. Besides, it would only be a temporary partnership.

The moment he found his way out with all the valuable assets and secrets he could find, he'd take it.

"My answer is yes, Grand Moff. I assume you have orders for me?"

Delian answered, "The New Republic has created a computer virus that's wreaked havoc on Captain Harcourt's fleet, and they will eventually use it on you and everyone else contending the fleet."

"Zann, we have a situation with the fleet!" The Aggressor's XO quickly warned him, "Seven of their droid brains are going haywire with trying to destroy every ship in close proximity, and five others are priming their self-destruct sequences."

"Every Confederate ship we have is infected with this virus?" Zann asked.

"I'm afraid so. It just hit all of their systems at the same time, and we didn't have a chance to activate any of the firewalls. And the New Republic is launching bombers as we speak."

"We can help purge your systems clean. Captain Harcourt collected data on the virus, and can apply it to your fleet." Trachta offered.

"I would appreciate any assistance you can offer… preferably before my fleet is put out of commission and you lose your prize."

One Hour Later

Within the Varon System

Onboard Varon Orbital Command

"That man just gave the Empire an entire fleet and army's worth of reinforcements in the form of a major crime syndicate, never mind a corrupt and merciless commander that can get to places the Imperials can't?! How could he- what kind of double agent is Trachta to give the Empire such a decisive advantage against us?!" Mon shrieked about the turncoat grand moff after he ended the burst transmission.

"The kind that's trying to keep his cover alive, Minister." Kal gruffly reminded the Chandrilian. "At least he warned us about the alliance, and gave us all the data he had so far on the Zann Consortium. If the intel pans out, it'll be a big help in shutting down a big chuck of their operations. "

"But still!"

"Mon, don't forget we made an alliance with the Hutts," Garm reminded her.

"Tau did that without consulting anyone. Just like this damn Grand Moff!"

"Minister, what's done is done." Bail replied, "Besides, another criminal syndicate in the wild working against us is more dangerous than one under Trachta. This way, we know what he's up to."

"Something tells me that this "Tyber Zann" is not that stupid." Rahm muttered.

"I agree with Master Kota," Wullf interjected, "which is why we must secure an alliance with the Teutonic Sector, never mind the Chiss Ascendancy. We will need allies in the future."

"Especially allies that are not of dubious origins."

"Pardon the interruption, sirs," an aide interrupted, "but Master Shaper Nagme has requested an audience with us. She says she and her people have completed the terraforming agent that can revitalize a planet's poisoned ecosystem within six months, and she wishes a planet to test it on."

"How did she create it so fast?" K'Kruhk wondered, while Tholme looked thoughtful as he had an idea.

"Tell her she can have one in two days. It'll give her time to recheck her work for any potential errors. That should be enough time to get General Skywalker up to speed on a new mission."

"What mission could be more important than recovering the Katana Fleet? They've still got one hundred and thirty dreadnaughts to save, and I'm still forty-eight hours away from helping them." Rahm questioned from his flagship as his fleet traveled to try and help the efforts.

"The Outer Rim world of Honoghr," Tholme answered suddenly, drawing all eyes to him, "it suffered ecological devastation thanks to a Separatist Bioweapon. Its inhabitants, the Noghri, became personal assassins in service to Darth Vader and Grand Admiral Thrawn. If we send Skywalker there with the means to restore their world, we will secure us a race of covert killers."

"An excellent idea, Master Tholme," Bail nodded, "we should inform him of his next mission."

Fifteen Minutes Later

Onboard the Remember Raxus

In Hyperspace

Three Hours From the Katana Fleet

"I can't believe I forgot about the Noghri!" Anakin face palmed his helmet after Tholme and the rest of NR High Command briefed him on the next mission.

"Sir, you actually tamed an entire planet of warriors… but then forced them into indentured servitude?" Rex disbelievingly asked.

"That last part was the Emperor's idea, Rex, and I knew it would backfire against him somehow, someday. I just never imagined that they'd find out and kill Thrawn over it, let alone serve Leia for over three decades as bodyguards."

"And you can go to convince them to ally with us, in exchange for revitalizing the world through Vong biotechnology." Tholme asked.

"That shouldn't be too hard. They'll recognize me by smell. And I can keep my promise to them."

"What would you do after that, sir?" Rex asked, "Or perhaps more accurately, what will we do with them?"

"They were assassins and bodyguards in Tau's timeline," Tholme smirked, "I don't see why they couldn't be here. I've read the reports. One in particular named Khabarakh managed to infiltrate a wookiee city undetected and even proved strong enough to fight his way off."

"That all sounds fascinating, but let's focus on getting the Katana Fleet before we start patting ourselves on the back for the next mission." Anakin said, "We can plan this out once the Fleet is ours."

Meanwhile, On Vermund

1305 Hours

Within the Uriel Estate

Inside the Library

"You want me to come with you to the dinner?" Ahsoka repeated Benjen's request in utter surprise, with Tau sharing a baffled look of his own.

"Yeah. I think it'll be a good experience for the two of you newlyweds. It'll have great food, excellent company, and a chance for you two to experience every day comforts leaders rarely get to enjoy, especially people of your unique backgrounds." Benjen confirmed before he grimaced, "And, Pro Consul Carrick told me that the rest of their delegation knows of your impending parenthood, so Tau not bringing his pregnant wife would be considered rude by our standards."

"Who told them?" Tau asked, a note of irritability in his voice.

Ventis sighed pinching the bridge of his nose, "You are not exactly subtle, Master, and these people are married and have children of their own, and Master Molay is not an idiot. He would have sensed the babies' presence as soon as Ahsoka was in his vicinity."

"Indeed." Benjen nodded, "all I did was just confirmed it after Elisheva contacted them to complain about your friend Butch. She used rather colorful language to try and get them to kill or banish your hound, and it accidentally came out through her rant."

"So now the entire high command of your sector knows about our expecting twins?" Ahsoka shakily whispered, before steadily resolving, "I'm going to kill Elisheva for blurting it out, and then I'm gonna swear your leaders to secrecy. And who even told her about Edaan and Ashla to begin with? Was it Ventis, or his kids?"

"I will not answer that question," Benjen calmly answered, "nor are you going to make demands of the Council. If you wanted to keep your pregnancy secret you should have stayed home. And if you are so worried about the Empire finding out, don't be. None of the council will betray your trust."

"How much do they know about me specifically?" Tau asked, "Considering that's the point of the dinner?"

"I don't know yet. If I had to guess, Molay sensed you lying through your teeth when you called yourself Palpatine's son. But when he finds out the truth, he'll understand. The others might be a bit harder to convince but they trust Molay's judgment."

"Then I suppose we'll just have to trust in their discretion for that one. But that can wait," Ahsoka dismissed Benjen, "my husband and I need to go over his database for more useful intel for our superiors when we get back."

"Very well. Dinner will be served in four hours. Don't be late, and bring your best attire." Benjen exited the room, allowing the two Palpatines to sigh in relief.

"Well, this isn't how I saw the day going." Tau reluctantly admitted, "And you lied about looking through databanks."

"Was I that obvious?"

"I'm your husband, I know when you're lying."

"Ha," she then grinned, "I think you can guess what I want."

"Dear, you're turning into a fiend."

"No, I'm just being pragmatic. Once our kids come along, we won't get many opportunities. Hell, even our duties don't make that easy."

"Yeah but that again? Wasn't our honeymoon enough?"

Ahsoka started laughing, leaving him confused. "What?"

"I'm not talking about sleeping together, Tau. I just want a few hours to relax and meditate."

"Huh," Tau mused, "I really couldn't tell. I've seen that grin before when you want to get under covers."

"Well…" she stroked his arm, "I wouldn't mind a little of that after dinner. I just want to use the time we have as best we can before the twins are born."

Her hand went instinctively for her womb, and Tau did the same. "I know. It's hard to imagine that things would end up like this. You wanna know something? There are times that I just want to lose myself in you forever and forget about the galaxy. Just like on Varon."

"Maybe someday, husband. But not today."

Meanwhile, In Deep Space

Near Ord Cestus

"Vlad's been elected what now?!" Shoore shouted after hearing the report from his surrogate brother, Rosti Tey, one of his top agents still embedded within the Knights of Olpaka.

"You heard me, Shoore. Karamazov's just been elected by the Grand Council as the Supreme Commander of the entire army, and is planning a major offensive within the next four months. Looks like you were right about his newfound powers. Well, that, or the entire Grand Council's lost a massive chunk of their collective sanity."

"If only the second option was possible." Shoore lamented, before advising his friend, "You sure you and the others don't want to join us in our merry company? It's like a crazy family, but way safer than staying in the company of that monstrosity."

"It's tempting, brother, very tempting. But it isn't the right place for all of us right now. We can do more good for you and the others by acting as your eyes and ears in the Vlad's army."

"Then keep a tight vigil against his spies. No telling what tricks that Force Vampire has up his sleeve now. Good luck, my brother." The two family members bade farewell before Sarcev walked up to him.

"So, what do we do, Commander? I still have my previous contract to take care of, and it'll take at least another month."

"But you're certain the Jedi will come here to seek out the Empire? Given the purge they've enacted against their order, such a course of action would be most unwise." Medrid inquired.

"He's looking for his wife and unborn daughter in the hands of a Chaos cult, and he'll take any risk to save them from his demented half-brother, so I'd say that the odds of that happening are high."

"Then the course is set. You'll stay on Ord Cestus for the next eight standard weeks, and await the Jedi's arrival. He will maintain his force there as a listening post for us, and to acquire work for us throughout the adjacent sectors." Shoore ordered his subordinate.

"Thank you, Commander." Sarcev gratefully said. "I'll head to the planet within the day's end, and begin lining up jobs for all of you. Don't get yourselves killed while I'm stuck on the ground."

"Was that your attempt at a joke?" Vivian jested before the rest of the commanders laughed at the sad attempts of humor.

Two Hours Later

Within the Katana Fleet System

Onboard theAggressor

"Status report." Tyber ordered his ship's captain.

"We've lost the Defilerand Deriardfrom another batch of suicide runs, but we're closing in on another twelve dreadnaughts that the Jedi haven't been able to reactivate." The Duros answered.

Over the course of the last five hours, the Zann Consortium and its new patrons, with the help of the latter's reinforced fleet under the disgraced Moff Mors, had managed to capture forty-five of the Katana Fleet's dreadnaughts. The tradeoff was losing five of their capital ships to ramming runs from repurposed Dreadnaughts. Another three were knocked out of commission for the duration of the battle.

Still, they were steadily pushing the New Republic fleet back, and were quickly gaining a substantial portion of the enemy's prize for the Empire's usage.

"Good. Inform me of any changing developments, or when we manage to find the Katana Flagship. We find that, we can assure our shared victory with the Empire."

"That's if we survive the confrontation with Black Sun and the reinforcements the Jedi have coming our way." The XO warned her commander.

"We'll force Black Sun to the bargaining table, and deal with the Jedi when the time comes. For now, let's focus on the battle at hand." Tyber advised the woman before returning his attention to the tactical screens, and saw the New Republic fall back while he continued to search for the Katana Flagship.

Well, I think that's the perfect place to end the chapter! So, what did you all think of this introduction to the Zann Consortium, and their unholy alliance with the Empire? It'll certainly make the New Republic's recovery mission a lot more difficult. I just hope that Squasher and JSailer like it, as it was a spontaneous decision of mine. And I plan to include the Noghri in my story soon, because if they can win their allegiance and save their world, then they'll become a valuable asset to the New Republic's war effort. So, how are you all doing on this warm day of Tuesday, March 10, 2020? I'm doing well, as I got Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights through the mail, and I can't wait to read that after I finish Star Wars: Legacy of the Force. But I must let you know that I'll be busy the next seven days with homework, and I'll have to work this Saturday and Sunday, so I'll have my hands full for a while. Well, I'd better get this chapter to Squasher and JSailer. Oh, and they already have a bit on their plate, so I don't expect this chapter to be published for a while. Have a blessed night, everyone. May the Force and Iluvatar be with you all, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!