Good afternoon, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm day of Wednesday, April 8, 2020? I'm doing well, as I worked on two future chapters in another arc later down the line, and they turned out very well. I also have been reading a big WWII history book, and it's very heartbreaking with how much evil resulted from the bloodiest war in all of human history. And I've been watching the latest episodes of SWTCW, but I'm rather displeased with how the latest batch of episodes have turned. I wish that they kept the original draft with Nyx Okami, as that is better than the current slow pace of the episodes featuring the Martez sisters. And the way they tried to portray Luminara in that last episode just… wow. Man, Star Wars has really fallen so far under Disney and Kathleen Kennedy's leadership. Why can't they just continue the original Expanded universe alongside this new one, as it's nearly been SIX KRIFFING YEARS since it was stabbed in the back. I don't know if I can take much more of this madness. Wish I didn't offend some people, but I just want the old ways to continue.
In other news, a lot of political matters have been popping up, including how the Prime Minister of Great Britain has been hospitalized and placed in intensive care due to the Coronavirus. I really wish that we can have a return to normalcy soon in the face of this mad pandemic, but I won't get my hopes up. Well, I'd better get started on the chapter, as it won't write itself, and I'll have homework to worry about soon enough. Oh, one more thing. I'll be a bit busy for the next few weeks with several projets for the spring semester of my college. And I'll be taking a class in the first half of the summer semester, so I'll be unable to write a good deal of the time. Anyway, back to writing. May God be with us all in these troubling times.
(Thursday, April 9, 2020 Addendum.) Good afternoon, everyone! How are you doing on this warm day? I'm doing well, as I had class today, did some homework, and exercised a bit before I worked a bit on this chaper. I've got almost a thousand words in it today. I also wanted to tell you all that Penguin Random House is having a VirtualCon on April 24, and it's having a Star Wars Q&A that day. I took the liberty of putting a question in their Facebook post so I could appeal for a revival of the Legends timeline. I know it's a snowball's chance, but I just have to try. It's certainly better than wallowing in sorrow every day. Anyway, I'm gonna go for now, and have some dinner before I get back to writing. Have a blessed day, everyone. Oh, and the British Prime Minister is out of intensive care, so he should be all right soon enough. That's good to hear.
Ten Minutes Later
Aboard the Plooriod Bodkin
"Hey, Captain! The Empire and their allies are beginning to withdraw, but they're deploying two wings of bombers and a fighter escort!" A Mon Calamari tactical officer warned Zozridor.
"While their capital ships are preparing to withdraw?" Slayke remarked while walking over to the woman, "Show me their trajectory."
"Yes, Sir." The officer quickly typed to pull up the computer image, and Slayke clenched his fists in anger over seeing their intended path.
"Good work, Ensign." Slayke commended her before turning to his comms-officer, "Put me through to Syndulla and Rostu. I know where they're going."
Two Minutes Later
Aboard the Tislera's Memory
"They've gotta be getting desperate if they're trying to blow up the last fifteen dreadnaughts." Nick insightfully said. "We have their trajectories, and I've got five fighter squadrons still in reserve. With our combined forces, we can stop them before they even come close to destroying our prize."
"Good. I'll contact Skywalker and reposition him to support our squadrons."
"He won't be alone. I'll be joining the fray in the Havoc. We've just finished sweeping the Katana clean, and it's clean." Nym added.
"Can't stay away from a good battle, can you, Nym?" Slayke joked.
"Hey, after years of sitting on a throne and leading a major pirate operation, a guy's entitled to a bit of action every now and then."
"All right, everyone, enough. We're at the endgame now. Let's make sure we come out ahead in this one, because it's only gonna get harder from here." Cham sternly reminded everyone.
Ten Minutes Later
Onboard the Fortressa
"Why are you just now telling me that my niece is alive and captive by the New Republic, and why did you not try to rescue her from their prison?" Xizor growled to a fully recovered Urai.
"I didn't know we had formed an alliance with the Empire," Urai replied, "and I was sedated at the time. It was a miracle that I was able to escape at all, and at least you know that Savan's still alive. Now you can plan a rescue operation once we escape."
"He's right, Xizor," Moff Mors said, "as painful as it might be, you have to let her go for now. We don't have the time and resources to mount a rescue operation to save her. But the Jedi won't kill her, they're too moralistic for that."
"You underestimate them, Moff Mors. They publicly humiliated Tarkin before executing him just to set an example. And do not forget that they are allied with the Hutts and Mandalorians, who will not share their squeamishness."
"Would you risk your entire fleet, even all of Black Sun, for one operative, Prince?" Xist protested, earning a hateful stare from his Underlord, "You cannot afford to divert from the operation now, not with our alliance with the Empire at stake. But once we escape the system, I will put every resource I have towards rescuing her and will give you my life if I fail in this task."
"You would strake your life on those words, Vigo?" Xizor coldly repeated.
"I would, my lord."
"Then you have two precisely months to fulfill this promise, or I will personally execute you." The older Falleen warned, before calming down enough to cordially speak to Tyber and Delian, "My apologies for that unprofessional display. It was unbecomiong of me."
"It's understandable, Underlord. You're not the only one to have family taken from you. But at least yours is still alive." Delian sympathetically said.
"Nevertheless, it was completely unprofessional. I will finish the recall of my remaining forces and prepare for our retreat."
"Forgive the interruption, commanders, but our bomber squadrons are under attack. A TIE Advanced x1 and the Havoc are leading a New Republic wing to cut through our defenses. They've already destroyed a squadron's worth of fighters and bombers each, and we've only destroyed one Dreadnaught." An aide walked up to Delian.
"They'll never finish the job in time." Delian growled. "We have to recall them now, before we lose even more pilots."
"Agreed. Time to cut our losses before we lose more than we've gained." Tyber concurred, with Xizor nodding in agreement.
Ending the transmission with Delian and Tyber, Xizor ordered Xist, "The moment you enter hyperspace, I want you to begin conceiving a plan to rescue my niece from the New Republic's clutches."
"Yes, my lord."
Meanwhile, On Vermund
Within Pro Consul Carrick's Mansion
In the Dining Room
"You're going after the Nazgûl with Eltariel?! That's a suicide mission!" Ventis exclaimed.
"I know, but-" Elias started before Tau cut him off.
"Elias, the Nazgûl are Sauron's deadliest servants, and have the power to turn others into thralls of their evil. Never mind how Eltariel's been fighting them for millennia, and you don't know the first thing on how to fight them. Are you sure about this course of action?" Tau recalled from his own battles with them from his time on Arda.
"I am. I promised Elatriel I'd help her save Talion from his enslavement, and I intend to keep that promise." Elias resolutely answered.
Ahsoka sighed at that. "I can't say I blame you. You want to help the woman you care deeply about liberate slaves from a terrible evil. It's romantic, but still insane."
"You certainly don't lack the heart of an Uriel." Benjen added.
"And I can see why you chose Elatirel as your future wife," Odo said offhandedly as he sipped at his wine.
Both human and Elf blushed furiously at that. Before they could vehemently deny the commendation, Kaiden spoke, "You're not going on this mission, Elias. It's suicidal for a two-man team."
"Don't care, Kaiden, I'm going. And you are not gonna stop me-"
Kaiden held up a hand. "Let me finish. I meant that you weren't going alone. I have a squad of ex-Imperial Army troops that need a new assignment, and liberating slaves is up their alley."
"Then if Kaiden's going to help, I'll be tagging along with all of you." Satele added. "No way am I going to let my husband go off into the abyss without me."
Eltariel's head slumped in her hand. "A few days ago, I would have been completely against your offers to help, for I thought this was my burden to carry alone after my family's destruction at the hands of Sauron and his servants. All my raids against their ghastly strongholds only served to solidify that foolish belief."
She shook her head. "But now I can see that, even through all the pain life and evil can deliver upon you, there are bright joys to be found within them. And more importantly, I learned from Elias and his kin that there are good, noble souls throughout the galaxy that would help a person in their darkest hour, not for vengeance or glory, but for the purest reasons of all: compassion, empathy, and love."
She took Elias' hand, smiling gently in a way that made the man blush. "For that, I thank you, Elias Keller."
Elias kissed her hand gently, smiling. "Don't worry about it, Ellie."
"'Ellie?'" Ventis asked, "You gave her a nickname?"
"Um, yeah," Elias stammered, "yeah, um… oh, hey! I think dessert is ready!"
One Hour Later
Aboard Varon Orbital Command
"The final Imperial vessels just left the system, and we're bringing the last of the dreadnaughts online. We'll have them ready for hyperspace in no more than two hours." Rex reported to High Command.
Out of the two hundred dreadnaughts from the full Katana Fleet, the New Republic only successfully recovered one hundred and six in total. The Galactic Empire captured an exact seventy, while the final twenty-four were destroyed throughout the course of the battle.
To call it a victory would be unwise. Though the New Republic had acquired more ships and gained the allegiance of two privateer fleets plus causing significant casualties, the enemy had likewise a sizable portion of the fleet and their own allies. It was a victory, Rex concluded, it was a hollow one.
"Very good. You and Colonel Rostu did well under the circumstances." Bail commended the two fleet leaders.
"It would have gone much smoother if that idiot Echo hadn't hacked our communications. Thanks to him, the Empire now has two galactic criminal powers in their disposal." Cham seethed. "But I will admit that he prevented this from becoming a total disaster by calling Slayke and Nym to help us. I can see how they earned their reputations."
"Speaking of us, how many dreadnaughts are Slayke and I getting for our assistance? I'd say we're gonna need at least five each to help bolster our fleets, now that the Empire has us high up on their most-wanted list." Nym bluntly demanded.
"Right to the point. I like that." Kal chuckled.
"You'll each get six dreadnaughts for your efforts" Garm answered "but we sincerely hope that you'll stay with us as privateers for our government. We're going to need good people on our side with a knack for the shadier side of society, especially if we're to counterbalance the Empire's criminal element."
"Of course, I'll stay around. My fleet is entirely comprised of fellow Republic and anti-Imperial partisans, and we'd all be honored to fight by your side. I'll even take the soldier's pay and commission to help out the war effort." Zozridor enthusiastically answered.
Wullf nodded. "Thank you, Slayke. We'll need officers with your strong heart and strategic mind to help us take the fight to the Empire. We'll work out the formal rank and integration of your forces later. For now, though, we'll have you and your forces get two weeks of R&R in our territory. You've more than earned it."
"My men will appreciate that. They've been fighting almost nonstop alongside me since the Empire took power, and they could really use a little down time."
Nym shrugged. "Guess I'll stick around too. No sense in fighting a war on three fronts all by myself. But I'll work as a privateer and offer my base on Lok as a deploying center for New Republic fleets. I'm sure you can make good use of it."
"That's very gracious of you, Commander Nym. But a question remains: what are we going to do about Echo and the Martez sisters?" Rahm questioned, "We need to figure out a suitable punishment for the ARC Trooper for his blundering into our affairs, and the sisters were a part of Black Sun for the last four years. We can't just let that go unanswered."
Rex answered that. "Commander Tano already promised the Martez sisters a commission as privateers for us and since they helped save ten dreadnaughts from the Empire's grasp, I'd say they've more than earned their keep. Never mind how they captured bounty hunter Boushh for our interrogators, all the while hacking into Black Sun's databases for a treasure trove of intel on the criminals. As for Echo, he proposed a plea bargain for him and his crew as reparations for messing up our operation."
"Plea bargain? What kind of bargain?" Mon suspiciously asked.
"He and his crew are offering to take on the most dangerous high-risk reconnaissance and sabotage mission for us for a full standard year, in exchange for us finding a way to liberate and recruit their friends trapped on Bracca as indentured engineers-turned scrappers, into our naval program. And, as an added incentive, he mentioned how one of those scrappers is a Jedi Padawan named Cal Kestis, who's trapped on the junkyard world."
"That's all he wanted?" Rahm questioned. "How remarkably simple, yet noble at the same time. Well, I know we could use an operative of his skillset under our payroll. He could be a valuable addition to Yularen's Intelligence. And we'll need talented engineers in our workforce for our own arms race."
"We can discuss this further once our fleets return with the remainder of the Katana Fleet." Turning to the five holograms, Bail ordered Cham and Nick, "The minute the final dreadnaught is hyperspace capable, you two will withdraw to your strongholds before the Empire has the chance to retaliate against your prople. And take four dreadnaughts with each of your fleets to help bolster your system's defenses."
He turned to Rex and Zozridor, "Take the rest of the fleet towards Varon, and make all due haste. We can't afford to lose our prize just after we claimed it. Rex, give Captain Slayke the coordinates for our capital world."
Finally, Nym was advised, "I would recommend you prepare to fortify your defenses of your strongholds for inevitable Imperial reprisals, as well as prepare a backdoor for your escape if a defense proves untenable."
"You don't need to state me the obvious, Organa. I've been dealing in war decades before you were even born." The Feeorin reminded the Chief of State.
As for the two Neimoidians, Blox spoke up, "And my sister and me? We did risk a lot by coming to your aid here, after all."
"You'll both be granted marques for your affiliation with us, provided you follow our rules of conduct." Giddean warned them.
"We shall accept your terms, Senator Danu. We were sick and tired of the Trade Federation's avarice weighing our options down throughout all these years, and this is the perfect way to help redeem our species' reputation." Luxa Hatha, Blox's younger sister, readily said.
Two Hours Later
Onboard the Perilous
"You did well to root out the traitor in your staff, along with securing the Empire much of the criminal network, Moff Mors." Sidious commended Delian. "Though it is a shame that we could not secure the majority of the Katana Fleet, we still managed to come out ahead. For that, I will overlook that failure on account of factors outside of your control. You have redeemed yourself for your past failures."
"Thank you, your Highness." Delian gratefully bowed. "I live to serve the Empire. It's… it's all I have left."
"Yes, your wife died in a hovertrain accident during the chaos of General Gentis' coup. A tragic loss for many citizens. You have my sympathies."
Delian had years of practice hiding her emotions. She was glad, because the insincerity in the Emperor's voice made her boil with rage. Calmly, she asked, "What are my orders, my liege?"
"Take the recovered dreadnaughts to Kuat and Rendili for a complete refit. Following that, you will report to Imperial Center for a full debriefing and reassignment. The Empire still has use of a capable leader such as you. However, use discretion. I fear there are still traitors embedded within Imperial High Command."
"Are you certain of this, my liege? Who would still betray the Empire after all the defections we've suffered?"
"That is what we must find out. The New Republic reacted to your arrival far too quickly to be mere coincidence. We must root out these traitors and use them to our advantage. I am trusting you to keep this a secret. Trust no one."
"I will make sure your faith in me is not misplaced, my liege." Delian swore before the Emperor closed the halo channel.
Meanwhile, On Varon,
2100 Hours
Within the Mallory Household
I don't care what either Dad or the New Republic say! I'm going to help him on his mission, and nothing's going to stand in my way. Chelli vowed as she packed the last of her clothing into her suitcase.
"Where are you going, Chelli?" A young male voice asked from behind, making the young girl yelp in shock before she turned around to see Ernite Mallory standing just outside the door.
"Ernite! Uh… what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in bed by now?" Chelli shyly defleted the question with one of her own with a blush on her face.
"Shouldn't you?" He countered before deducing, "You're going to try and help your dad on his mission, aren't you?"
Failing to come up with any lies or excuses with her crush, Chelli sighed before rambling an admission, "Yeah. I just got a bad feeling about his job, and I want to be there for him after and I wasted too much of my time hating him when I should have just talked to him. I don't want to lose him like I lost my mom, and-"
"Chelli." Ernite interrupted before smiling, and he handed her a white ring with many ithilien runes embedded within. "It'll help you sneak aboard the ship your father's going on for his mission."
"How can a ring help me there? There's two Jedi on the team, and they're very good at finding people."
"This ring is magical, imbued with powers from my homeworld. It has the gift of making a person invisible to all senses, and it can even block a person from a Force sense." Ernite explained. "It's based off of-"
"The One Ring. My father and I have been reading on Arda's history." Chelli finished, "I'm really sorry for all your people had to suffer from that."
"It's okay. God works in strange ways, but it all worked out. My family is safe here, and my mom and dad have a baby soon. And he gave me a good friend in you and all the other kids. Now get a good night's sleep. Your dad leaves with the others in seven hours, and you'll need to rest up, so you don't miss it. Good luck."
"Wait." Chelli bade Ernite. "Why are you helping me with this? You'll get in trouble when your parents find out the truth."
"I know, but I don't care. I get how you'd want to help a parent in a scary mission, and I don't want you to lose your family, just like I nearly lost Lily and Mom to… Sauron so many times." Ernite shivered at the mention of the Dark Celestial's name.
"It's okay. You don't have to say anymore. But, well, there's something I need to do." Chelli leaned over and pecked Ernite on the cheek. "Thanks for helping me out. I owe you."
"Oh… It- it's no problem. Just be careful." Ernite bashfully reminded her before he left the room.
One Hour Later
On Vermund
Aboard the Second Chance
"Well, looks like this was a productive day for all of us, dear." Tau calmly told his wife as they prepared for bed. "At least we got more dreadnaughts and two new fleets to add to our navy, and your friends are safe. But the implications for the Empire's alliance with Xizor and Zann are very disturbing."
"Sounds like they're just following our lead," Ahsoka reminded him before putting a hand on her womb, grimacing.
"You okay?"
"Yeah," she nodded, "Tau, we need to talk about your origins and what Maloy and Carrick told us. If we come forward with your lineage before the Teutonic Senate, it would give us a key ally against the evils coming, while putting us and our family at risk by radicals."
"And if we don't, then it'll eventually blow up in our faces when the truth comes out, never mind how it'll jeopardize our family and everything we're working towards. If they even believe the truth, that is."
"I know. But I guess we'll just have to trust in God to guide us on the correct path when we continue the summit tomorrow. How are Connor and Daniel recovering from their ordeal?"
Tau shrugged, "They'll be ready for the next phase of training the day after tomorrow. I just hope Ventis can keep his wits about him when they face off against a pack of Tuk'ata hounds."
Butch perked up at the mention of his dark counterparts. Tau warned him, "No, you can't go with them, buddy. The people here don't look kindly upon you and your brethren, and Connor and Daniel need to do this on their own. Besides, these hounds aren't friendly like you, and will try to kill you if you try to interact with them."
"Sorry, boy." Ahsoka patted him on the head before pulling her husband into a searing kiss, and sultrily reminded him, "Now, I believe we still have a night of fun ahead of us, and you owe me for that bad joke about Elias and Eltariel."
Grinning like a madman at the implications, the two Palpatines lovingly held hands as they entered their shared cabin, and locked the door behind them, leaving Butch to whine in disappointment before Celebion came up from behind him.
"Come on, buddy. Let's leave the couple alone. They're gonna need this quality time after all their hard work." The Dúnedain Ranger consoled the sentient hound before promising, "I'll get Benjen to give you a nice juicy slavb of meat if you come with me."
That pulled Butch out of his bad mood, and he barked in enjoyment before following the Ranger, just as the locked cabin was consumed by moans coming from the loving couple.
Meanwhile, Within Pro Consul Carrick's Mansion
"Are you two trying to pull a fast one on us?!" Lana incredulously demanded of the two Pro Consuls.
"No, my friend. It's all true. The Yuuzhan Vong, the fallen Celestials and their monsters, mad cults with supernatural powers and horrific ways of corruption, Tau's heritage, and the reality he came from." Odo confirmed. "The question that remains is, what do you think our best option is?"
"Surely you jest, Grand Master." Quinn spoke. "If these threats are real, then the Sith may be the least of our worries, as we cannot hope to take them all on our own. We must convince the Senate to ally with the New Republic."
"That won't be too hard. Even the most thickheaded of our peers should see how the benefits outweigh the risks, never mind the prospect of utter annihilation." Hawke piped up.
Crawford shook his head, "But how are we to best explain this information to the Senate? If we unveil Tau's lineage to the public, there's no telling how they or the galaxy will react. And we'd be putting his family at risk."
"We trust in the Force, Crawford." Odo resolved. "We will discuss this tomorrow. Meeting adjourned."
Ending the holotransmission, Odo rose from his seat and bade Crawford farewell, "Thank you for dinner. The occasion was memorable."
"Good. I doubt we'll get many chances for these kinds of events once we join the war. Take care, Odo." Crawford added before the Grand Master left to return to his shuttle.
Well, that ends the battle for the Katana Fleet, and so much happened in the chapter, a lot of it very romantic. So, what did you all think? Were the characters believable enough, and do you like the pairings I've made between them? Just for the record, I would not have had Delian still be a lesbian due to my own beliefs, and not feeling that it was necessary for the novel she starred in, but I remember something Squasher said to me about not altering too much, and I decided to honor it. So, how are you all doing on this warm day of Friday, April 10, 2020? I'm doing well, and I hope that you all are staying safe out there with the virus. I heard that my state might be stuck in quarantine for another month and a half, so that's bad. Oh, and I watched the latest episode of SWTCW: Season Seven, and it was much better than the last three. I hope the last four can build upon the momentum. And I got the Epic Collection of Conan the Barbarian today, so I'll get started on that once I finish my WWII book. And, I read two amazing chapters in my favorite stories by Lord Exar Kun and Iron117Prime this morning. Well, I'd better go for now, as I want to get some reading done, and then work on homework tomorrow. May God be with us all in these troubling times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!