Good evening, everyone! How are you doing on this warm night of Friday, March 20, 2020? I'm doing all right, but worried about the affects the Coronavirus is having on the world and the people. I have heard troubling things from friends about its effects on my country, and they are very disconcerting. But I have hope that things will return to normal within a reasonable amount of time. In other news, I'm getting closer to finishing Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, as I finished Sequence Seven last night, and got 90 Gamerscore points for it and a few other achievements. I've also been working on my first draft of my paper, and have made good progress on it so far. So, have you all watched the newest SWTCW Season Seven today, because I have, and I'm hopeful that it gets better from here? But I now see that I should have reversed the roles of Trace and Rafa Martez in my story in order to keep them in character. Well, I just finished revising it, and will correct it momentarily. Oh and have you heard that Ahsoka Tano will be included in the second season of The Mandalorian? I hope they do her character justice, as, quite frankly, I'm sick of Lucasfilm and Disney ruining the franchise for their own monetary gains. And I saw the next chapter of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations online a few hours ago, and it was stellar. I look forward to the next one in a month. I certainly didn't see Amado's betrayal in such a drastic manner. So, I'd better get started on the chapter, as I have to go to bed in two to three hours. Wish me luck, and May God protect us all in these difficult times.

(Saturday, March 21, 2020 Addendum.) Hey, everyone! How are you doing on this warm evening? I'm doing well, as I had a good time with my brother, did a little yard work with my mother, read a good chunk of Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights, and wrote over 1k words today. I still have over two hours before I go to bed, so I can write a bit more. I hope everyone's okay from the Coronavirus, as my theater is still shut down, and the world is in a pretty bad place right now. I will pray for all those afflicted by this virus, and hope that a solution will present itself soon. Well, I'd better get back to writing the chapter. Wish me luck, and God be with us all in these troubling times.

Ten Minutes Later

On Serroco

Deep Within the Catacombs

Now this is a battle! Rahm Mahc mentally proclaimed while bashing in the skulls of two cultists. Ahead, he spotted the shape shifting Krayt Dragon chomping and spitting out one of his battle droids, and the sight of it made the Colonel's blood boil. However, instead of charging it head on as he normally would, he rolled a pair of plasma detonators under its belly.

In the seconds before they blow however, the monster swept its tail with unnatural control at the explosives and sent them detonating away in the air. The shapeshifter hadn't even been facing him, and it'd still reacted!

"Lord Bahl'al!" Mahc commed, "We're gonna need a new strategy to take this thing down! I'm not sure even we have the firepower to just blast him."

"I don't want him blasted; I need him alive to talk!" Bahl'al commed back, "But I have a plan to do that."

"What do you need?"

"Every available soldier we have to hit Anguis with everything you've got. No matter what, keep it distracted."

Mahc acknowledged and quickly commed his men and droids to get into position while he sent a few more disposable assault droids to keep the shifter in place. Within thirty seconds, they were ready and let an avalanche of fire fall. Anguis roared in pain, bunching his carapace to absorb the impacting plasma as it prepared to charge.

Before it could, Bahl'al rolled from the shadows onto its back and began hacking away at its exposed scales. In response, hardened bone sprang from his back and into the dark apprentice's helmet with such force, it shattered the trans-parasteel glass vizor.

"Did you really think I have the limitations of other shapeshifters?!" Anguis cackled, "I will feast on your bones, worshipper of the False Emperor!"

"Burn," Bahl'al snarled as he slammed his fist into the creature's eye. Anguis began to laugh again, even growing gundark arms to throttle the Sith Apprentice, when suddenly it began to scream. Ahead, Bahl'al poured Force Lightning through his fist into the tenderizing flesh, smoke billowing out sickeningly from its warp skull. In another moment, the socket exploded in a sinew of bone and blood.

Mahc directed his men's fire at this weakening point, the entire head of the dragon soon melting under the barrage. Desperately, Anguis tossed, turned and buckled to save itself before tentacles suddenly sprouted from its head. Before Bahl'al could escape, they seized him and started to drag him into its salivating mouth.

Immediately, the Troopers were forced to disengage as Bahl'al was used like a human shield.

"NOW, FEED ME!" Anguis shrieked as he shoved the apprentice into its mouth with the intent to chew him to bloody ribbons.

"As you wish," Mahc heard Bahl'al said as he unleashed a torrent of lightning directly into his jaw. Howling and burning, Anguis threw Bahl'al away from him. The moment he did however, Mahc fired a single rocket into its still open mouth and blew it across the room.

There, smoking in ruin, the great monstrocity slowly reverted back to its original form: a slobbering mass of bloated gray fat and muscle that was only barely humanoid. There, it trembled and quake in pain and fear.

"Pathetic," Mahc cursed.

"I'm going to kill you and present your skulls to Khorne!"

Mahc's response was to kick him squarely in the face. While there wasn't a mouth present, the satisfying crunch was enough for his want to kick his teeth out. After, he quickly cuffed his arms and legs with special binders to block his Force connection. Then he landed another kick at him.

"I need him alive, Mahc," Bahl'al said as he approached.

"After being cooked, burned and blasted, I think a kick to the face is appropriate," Mahc chuckled, "punk deserves to be knocked down a bit."

"Perhaps, but I think the sergeant should have kicked him in all honesty," Bahl'al also aimed a boot at his face, and Anguis cringed away, "this… thing was responsible for his current state as it were."

"I never took you for poetic justice."

"There's much you don't know about me, Colonel. Just as we don't know much about him," he grabbed Anguis' lumpy face, his other hand balling with lightning, "you're not Clawdite or Shi'ido. What are you?"

Mahc got the feeling that the creature was grinning, despite having no facial features to do so. "Wouldn't you like to know."

"I will," Bahl'al said nastily, "I'm going to take my time with you. You're going to beg for death."

"Please. There is nothing you could do the freaky Slannashis couldn't come up with."

"Another question to ask, then," he then curled his blazing fist and punched him, the shock knocking him cold, "bag him and tag him. I have more specialized means to put on him."

"With pleasure, sir. Mahc said, before adding "Perhaps it would be a good idea to contact Commadore Thawn and ask him if he or his people encountered this species."

Bahal turned to him, his dark eyes shining through the broken visor with a knowing look, "Great Minds think alike, Colonel. I will do so when we get back to the ship. In the meantime, capture who you can, exterminate the rest. With their leader bound, these cultists should be quick work."

"I was almost expecting you to order a rehabilitation effort."

"Given what I was told about this threat, Colonel, there is no coming back. They sold their souls. Now, they will face the consequences."

"I understand, but what about the Stereb?"

"I have a plan for them, Colonel. Just focus on the battle at hand." Bahl'al explained before turning to his subordinate, "Shield Captain, I'll need a squad of your best Guardsmen to accompany me back to our command center. We need to stabilize the prisoner's condition before he dies from his injuries."

"I will divert Theta Squad to cover your withdrawal, Lord Bahl'al. But respectfully, I would advise you to place him in one of the stasis chambers onboard the Dungeon Ship we requisitioned from the Emperor's personal fleet before treating him. You would not want him running loose in your command center if he awakens while recovering."

"Yes, that is a very good point." Bahl'al considered while hoisting the comatose Anguis on his shoulder. "Very well, we will do it your way."

Ten Minutes Later

Within the Julevian System

Onboard the Gauntlet

"The Xipototec have escaped again." Vader gravely told Kimmund and Sloan while he stared out into space through the Star Destroyer's bridge.

"How, my Lord? We have tightened our security across every one of Sernpidal's cities and spaceports to the point that even a bar brawl couldn't escape our notice. And if they made an attack for a ship, then surely you would have sensed it when they, made thralls of their victims." Kimmund questioned.

"I believe the answer is in the question, Commander." Sloan answered. "Perhaps they found a naïve captain that was willing to take them off-world, or they knocked out the ship's crew in preparation for rebuilding their armies."

"Either situation is possible, but neither is acceptable, Captain." Vader reminded the woman before sighing in defeat. "I will warn the Emperor of their escape, and we will consider what options we have."

Twenty Minutes Later

In the Halm Sector

Within the Dreadnaught-class Heavy Cruiser Peremptory

"All right, Captain Slayke! That's the last dreadnaught. All six are ready for hyperspace." Trace enthusiastically told the privateer.

"I really gotta hand it to you, kid. When you say you can fix up a dreadnaught in under fifty minutes, you certainly deliver." Zozridor commended the young woman.

"What my sister lacks in cynicism and self-defense skills, she more than makes up for in skills with mechanics." Rafa joked, earning an amused eye roll from the younger Martez, before she hesitantly asked, "So, we good to get going to the New Republic? This battle is getting a bit too hairy for my liking."

"Nice try, but there's no way that you're taking the easy way out of the job this time, sis. We're staying until the last dreadnaught is out of here. We owe it to Ahsoka and her husband." Trace warned Rafa.

"She's right. Look at it this way, Captain Martez: If you can't handle a major offensive against the Empire and its criminal stooges, then how are you going to handle being a privateer for the New Republic? Consider this a test for when you take on missions on your own." Slayke reasoned

Rafa did a double take. "Wait. Ahsoka Tano is married?! To the Emperor's son?! When in the blazes did that happen, and why didn't you tell me?!"

"Because we were working for Black Sun, and I didn't want Xizor to find out?" Trace nervously chuckled before begging both captains, "Could you keep that a secret, please? I kinda promised them I wouldn't breath a word of this to anyone."

"Don't worry about me, Ms. Martez. My lips are sealed. I wouldn't dream of giving this knowledge to Tau's devil of a father, or any of his demented lackeys." Slayke promised before he explained, "And besides, I already knew about their marriage. I saw the engagement ring on their hands when they broadcasted the Declaration of a New Republic. Nice speech they made. Very inspirational."

"I'll keep your secret too, Sis. Last thing I need is the guilt of ratting you out, or having Ahsoka or Tau beat you up for divulging their marriage to us." Rafa vowed. "Now have your team come on back, and we'll get to work on the next batch of Dreadnaughts."

Five Minutes Later

Onboard the Fortressa

Seeing another six Dreadnaughts disappear from the sensors added another knot of cold fury to the Black Sun Underlord's disposition, and he sternly growled out to his repair crews, "How long until the fleet's systems are back up and running?"

"No more than ten minutes for the Fortressa, but the rest of the fleet is ready for combat, Underlord. And, I believe we can open the hangar doors so our- I mean, your, fighters and transports can launch." The head technician reported.

The Falleen Underlord ordered his bridge's crew, "Have everything we can spare launch now. I will not have Zann and his upstart cartel one-up us in our partnership with the Empire."

Meanwhile, Onboard the Aggressor

"Sir, Commander Fen and his stolen fighter have landed in Hangar Bay Three, and our doctors are bringing him to the medical bay to purge the sedatives from his bloodstream." The XO reported.

"Good. The minute he's cleared, have him report to the bridge. We'll need his prey-sensitivity to predict our enemy's strategies."

"I'm sorry, 'prey-sensitivity?' Is that some kind of Force-Sensitivity?"

"No. I'll make it simple for you. As a master veteran hunter from his millennia of fighting, Urai can quickly learn how his prey thinks, and can then predict their strategies and moves accordingly." Zann patiently explained.

"I see. That sounds like a useful skill to have as a warrior and commander."

"Indeed it is." Tyber agreed.

His communications officer reported, "Sir, our teams have another fifteen Dreadnaughts coming online. They've completely severed their connection from the Katana Flagship, and will have them to the rendezvous point within thirty minutes."

"Excellent. What about Xizor and his fleet? Are they finally getting off their rocker and taking the fight to the New Republic?"

"Every ship but the Fortressa's combat-ready, and they're launching everything available ship at the enemy. Looks like they're eager to get back into the game."

I'd expect no less from that pompous prince. Tyber inwardly chuckled.

"Sir, we're receiving a transmission from Moff Mors. She's wants us to spare several teams worth of commandos and a capital ship for a raid. Her crew located the Katana Flagship, but they need unconventional help with securing the cruiser since it's deep in New Republic territory."

No wonder she needs our help. If we get that flagship, then the rest of the Dreadnaughts will be within our grasp. A perfect chance to prove our worth to Trachta's masters, and to score a few more opportunities to spread my consortium's influence across the galaxy. Tyber smirked as he agreed, "Tell her that I'll have my best teams of mercenaries and my most trusted commander assist her with this operation."

"Once that's done, get Commander Sykes up to speed on his new mission."

Five Minutes Later

Onboard the Katana Flagship

"It's good to see you again after all these years, Colonel." Echo saluted Rex while the latter's teams went to familiarize themselves with the layout of the flagship dreadnaught.

"Echo, come on. You don't need to address me like that. I'm not your superior officer anymore. And there'll be time for catching up after we escape this mad battle." Rex reminded the clone cyborg.

"Right. Of course." Echo awkwardly agreed before he received a warning through his cybernetic implants, "Change of plans! We need to prepare for a full-scale assault on this ship! Zann, Xizor, and Mors are sending a combined force for an attack to try and take the flagship."

Rex quickly commed Jesse, "Captain, get everyone ready to prepare for a three-pronged assault on the double! Then contact General Syndulla to see what ships and manpower the fleet can spare to protect the flagship."

"Rex, there may be something within the armory that can help us defend the ship." Echo suggested. "I found references to old antipersonnel walkers in storage when I was linked to the ship's systems. They might still be functional."

"Good find. Take a squad of my men and some of your crew with you, and see if you can start them up. I'll get everyone else ready for the fight."

Five Minutes Later

In Orbit Above Sernpidal

Onboard the Gauntlet

"So, the Xipototec have once again slipped through our grasp." Sidious mused. "But you may consider yourself fortunate this time, Lord Vader. I have just finished conferring with the Prophets, and we sense that they will not make another major offensive against us anytime soon."

"What would you have me do, Master? If we leave them to their own devices, then they will rebuild their army, and return to full strength. That would be disastrous for the entire galaxy."

"I agree, but in these dangerous times, we must prioritize accordingly. Especially with the New Republic and my wayward descendant on the rise, and the Teutonic Sector on the verge of joining their war. Never mind the many supernatural threats which are crawling out from under their rocks."

Sidious sighed, "For now, we must focus on replenishing our broken ranks, and Grand Moff Trachta has made great strides in that regard through recruiting Black Sun and the Zann Consortium."

Vader felt an undercurrent of doubt and mistrust at the mention of those two criminal establishments, which Sidious picked up on, "Do you disapprove of the new strategy, Lord Vader?"

"No, my master. I am well aware of the dire straits the Empire is in, and I fully understand that we must take drastic measures if it is to survive. What concerns me about this strategy is whether or not we can truly control such vast levels of corruption, or are we just setting ourselves up for failure further down the road, just as the Old Republic did when it invited the corporations into the Galactic Senate over a century ago." Vader explained.

"Do not compare this situation to those idealistic fools," Sidious hissed, "I am well aware of the criminal cartels' true plans. As much as it disgusts me, for now we must adapt accordingly and forge new alliances if we're to survive. But rest assured, when the time is right, we will destroy them and seize their power and resources for our own."

And who's to say that they don't have the same idea? Vader sarcastically mused before complying, "I understand, and I will comply with your strategy. But I still stand by my opinion regardless."

"Very well. Put out an alert to all garrisons in the region, and then return to Imperial Center. There is no more you can currently do out there."

"What of Lord Bahl'al and Grand Moff Trachta, Master? Will they be able to complete their missions on their own?"

"Those two are more than capable of completing these missions, which have already borne much fruit for us. Bahl'al has just reported back from Serroco, and he has captured the cultist leader within the catacombs, while his forces are routing the bulk of Anguis's army. In addition, he even came up with a rather ingenious plan for the cloners of Kamino to rebuild the planet's population from the Chaos cults' rampage."

He gestured offhandedly, "As for Trachta and Moff Mors, they are holding their own against the New Republic, and has captured over a quarter of the Katana Fleet for us with Xizor and Zann's help, even with the interference of Captain Slayke and Nym. Besides, you would never make it in time to help secure the dreadnaughts."

"Then I shall carry out your orders, Master." Vader promised before the ruling Sith Lord ended the transmission, allowing him to contact the Outer Rim Moffs to warn them of the Xipototec and their threat to the galaxy.

Meanwhile, On Vermund

Just Outside the Mansion of Pro Consul Crawford Carrick

"I feel so uncomfortable in this." Elias grumbled as he pulled at the ill-fitting straight suit.

"How do you think I feel, Elias? I feel completely naked without my armor or any weapons." Eltariel blushed, running her hands over the light blue gown Elisheva had provided her to "appear presentable for the first time in her life after millennia of guerilla warfare."

"Well," Elias chuckled as he ran his eyes over the tailored form, "at least it fits you pretty nicely."

He got a slug in the arm, but he laughed it off. "What about Connor and Daniel?" He asked Ventis, "Are they not invited?"

"No, and they're still resting from training," he replied as he clipped his lightsaber onto his belt. Eltariel shot him a curious look and he shrugged, "Sacred Jedi symbol and all that."

"Seems more like a fashion statement to me. It really brings the look together." Elias commented, "Like a good rug tying a place together."

"When were you an expert on fashion?" Benjen asked

"I used to bowl with a crazy vet, a death stick addict and a slacker. All they ever talked about was fashion, specifically how rugs tie together rooms. Also how thugs broke into the addicts house to rob him and urinate on his rug."

There were no words for that, and Elias shrugged. "I have some fun stories I could tell you about my life on Lothal."

"I thought you were just a sergeant in the defense forces?" Ventis asked

"So I can't have a hobby outside of that?" Elias retorted.

Before more could be said, the great oaken doors opened, and the two Pro Consuls and Crawford's personal escort and staff were there to greet them.

"Welcome, and come in, everyone!" Crawford enthusiastically greeted the assembled New Republic group as he and Odo de Maloy ushered them into the retired Grand Admiral's foyer.

"I hope you all like the accommodations. I'm something of a history buff." Carrick explained as their breath was taken away by the vast architectural display. Such artifacts ranged from ancient Old Republic uniforms and weapons, the statues and paintings from the many wars between the Jedi and Sith before the Ruusan Reformation, and ancient but well-preserved documents written on films.

"I'd say the rest of your collection would put a lot of libraries and archives to shame, Pro Consul Carrick." Tau answered.

"Well, I don't know if it beats Imladris' archives and paintings, or even those of Minas Tirith, sir," Eltariel politely countered, "though it could be my lack of knowledge of your people's history. Nevertheless, it's all rather impressive."

"Thank you, both of you. If those cities' collections are as impressive as you say, I just might have to see them for myself someday. But just for tonight, you all can call Odo and I by our names. First or last will do. This is supposed to be a meeting between friends, not another diplomatic summit."

"If that is what you wish, then we will oblige you, Mr. Carrick." Ahsoka obliged him.

"Ah! You must be Tau's beautiful wife, Ahsoka Tano. Or is it 'Tano Palpatine' now?" Crawford jokingly teased the Togruta. "Many of our people followed your career and exploits throughout the Clone War, and many young boys had a crush on you before the war ended."

"Naturally, we were enraged over your unjust treatment at the hands of that Sithspawn Tarkin," Odo commented dryly, "with respect to Master Kenobi, that never would've happened under my watch."

"I won't deny that," Kenobi replied simply, "mistakes were made and are being corrected."

"Only way mistakes can be corrected," Carrack smiled, "and I'd like to offer the Teutonic Sector's congratulations on your marriage and your impending motherhood."

"So, you did find out." Ahsoka lamented.

"Yes, we did," Odo said curtly, "I would have to be dead and cast to oblivion not to sense that you were carrying, or the worry your husband has. I recognize it too well."

"You have children?" Ahsoka asked.

"Many, and they have many more. All are great Jedi Knights."

"All?" Tau asked.

"All. My wife and I raised them well." Odo said a slight smile of pride tugging at his lips

"Well, that's good to hear. I do have to request that you will keep this all quiet. I don't want my ancestor finding out about Edaan and Ashla."

Carrick just chuckled and casually threw his arms around the couple, "You needn't worry about that, the likelihood of such things reaching the empire are very slim. Not many people in the sector care for them anyway and no common travelers aren't allowed in this part of the planet without the proper paperwork."

"Though I must say calling the Emperor your 'Ancestor' is peculiar," Odo replied.

"Well, you wanted to know the truth. Sheev Palpatine isn't my father. He's my great-great grandfather, and I'm not exaggerating that point."

Carrick and Odo looked at each other and back at him. "You have proof to back that up, right? I mean it's not impossible but he's only sixty-seven years old." Carrick pointed out

"Yes, I have files and mountains of data. But I can at least provide a long explanation here and now."

"Then we'll take it. Odo and I are masters of reading people's faces for even the smallest tell."

"Fair enough. What would be the best room to hold all of us while I tell you quite an unbelievable tale of my brother, my creation, and my arrival in this era?"

"That would be the library. I'll have my staff bring us some refreshments while we hear your story." Crawford answered, before repeating, "I'm sorry, but did you just imply that you're a lab creation, and a time-traveler?"

"Hey. I told you it would be unbelievable." Tau simply shrugged his shoulders.

Ten Minutes Later

Within the Katana Fleet's System

Onboard the CEC YV-666 light freighter Hound's Tooth

400 Kilometers From the Katana Flagship

"So, you want me to help Black Sun and the Empire kill all opposition within the main dreadnaught, aside from any high-ranking officers onboard for the Imps to interrogate. That about sums it up, boss?" Bossk asked his current client, Tyber.

"Precisely." Zann confirmed. "Expect heavy opposition, and don't get carried away. There'll be some of the New Republic's best soldiers onboard that dreadnaught, and who knows what inner defenses they'll have ready for you once you attack."

"Don't worry about me. After my last encounter with them, I know better than to underestimate any Jedi lackey. I've got the firepower and skills to fulfill the contract." The hunter promised.

"Good. Contact me the minute the flagship is secure, or don't come back at all. Zann, out." Tyber warned the young Trandoshan before the bounty hunter piloted his ship towards the target.

Twenty Minutes Later

Onboard the Katana Flagship

Within the Armory

"Excellent work with that find, Echo. If enough of these walkers are operational, they'll certainly help with our defense." Rex commended his brother after he presented him with the first fully functioning All Terrain Personal Transport.

"Well then, we're in luck. We've currently got six walkers rearing to go, and another four will be ready in about five minutes." Echo reported. "Your men are already gotten the hang of them. If I had to guess, I'd say the design was the template for the AT-XT."

"Good. Have the first six of them strategically positioned throughout the dreadnaught at these coordinates." Rex then transmitted to Echo a holographic map of where the walkers were most needed, before he continued,"Once the other walkers are functioning, get them to the hangars quickly. We've got fifteen minutes at most, before the Imperials and their allies board us." Rex ordered him.

"We'll make it with time to spare, Colonel." Echo promised before Rex ended the holotransmission, and ordered his team, "We've gotta get moving. Get those walkers ready for Rex's squad immediately. Then we'll have to hurry on those other walkers. We'll need them for the fight ahead."

Well, I think that's a good place to stop this chapter. So much happened here, it's rather impressive that I got it done so quickly. What did you think of this one, with the battle between Bahl'al and Anguis, the meeting between the NR and Teutonic Sector's Pro Consuls, and the imminent action between the NR and Galactic Empire's allies? I will have Rex and Echo lead the defense of the Katana Flagship in a similar manner to what happened in Dark Force Rising, per a request by CT7567Rules to have a chapter with plenty of Clone Trooper action. In other news, how are you all doing on this dreary day of Monday, March 23, 2020? I'm okay, as I finished Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights yesterday, and began a good book with a spiritual aspect of the 2020 Election. Let me tell you, a lot is on the line with that election, I pray that the American people make the right choice. Oh, and I need to let you know that, as of now, I'm going to slow down my writing a bit so that Squasher and JSailer can work on their own projects, and start revising my other character interludes and my 2nd Tau/Ahsoka smut piece. And, my sister doesn't have school until around May 15th, so that doesn't' bode well for the rest of the country and the world's economy. Well, I'd better get this chapter to Squasher and JSailer for their look over. May God be with us all in these troubling times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!