Hey, everyone! How are you doing on this warm evening of Friday, May 8, 2020? I'm doing well, as I was just able to get Chapter 26 published and managed to write a chapter in an upcoming arc, so it's been productive. And I got paid today for my first payment from work in over a month, so that's good for me. In addition, I've been reading a bit, so I finished two books in two days, so that's excellent. So, what did you all think of the finale for SWTCW? I thought it was mostly good, but that scene where Ahsoka and Rex bury the Clone Troopers was heartbreaking. However, I felt that Maul pulling a Galen Marek on the Venator's hyperdrive was too much. All in all, this season was enjoyable, but flawed in many ways. And, in a related topic, xxTheTruMan196 revised their Legacy of Jarik Shan V3 two days ago, and I can pleasantly say that it was a remarkable piece, vastly improved from the original draft. Well, I'd better get started on my 27th chapter, as I've only got around 3-4 hours left in the day. Wish me luck, and May God be with us all in these trying times.
(Saturday, May 9, 2020 Addendum,) Hey, everyone! How are you doing on this warm day? I'm doing well, as I have nine days until school starts up, and I'm busy writing up a storm while I still can. But I must confess that I've watched a professional video on YouTube that has me worried about the Coronavirus and the cost it's having on the soul of the country and world, as a lot of freedoms are being infringed upon by opportunists and politicians, and I don't like it. Don't get me wrong, I understand that safety measures need to be in place to protect the vulnerable, but I think we're going too far in a lot of regards. I pray that God can deliver us from this evil and help guide us forward to be closer to Him. If you feel differently, then that's fine with me, as you have the right to your own opinions. Just please keep it civil. In other news, I played a good chunk of Assassin's Creed: Revelations last night, and I got 40 Gamerscore Points yesterday, so I think I might play some more tonight or tomorrow. And I hear that Kathleen Kennedy's reign over Lucasfilm is being challenged, which, I have to say, is about blasted time! She's long since proven that she's unqualified for leading the company, and we need a new leader in charge. I especially hope that the Star Wars Expanded Universe can be continued soon, as I want those storylines properly concluded after the lackluster quality of much of the New Canon literature. Well, that's enough from me. Time to get back to writing. Wish me luck and May God be with us all in these scary times.
One Hour Later
On Vermund
Within Room 111A of Varon Strategic Command
"And your people will provide the curriculum, and bulk of the faculty, for these academies of yours?" Mon clarified with Benjen. The two governments were finalizing the matter of starting the Force Sensitive training facilities across the entirety of New Republic territory.
"Yes, Minister Mothma. The Valenthyne Farfalla academies we establish across your space will help hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions of your people discover potential they never even knew existed." Benjen assured her.
"Good. Normally I'm not one for these types of diplomatic measures, but I daresay that these academies will help bridge the gap between the Jedi and citizens, nevermind the advantages of having more of our people using their skills to benefit whatever job they hold." Rahm approvingly commented.
"Always the pragmatist, General." Ahsoka joked before moving onto the next matter. "We need to discuss our shipyard situation, because we don't necessarily have a lot of options to choose from if we're going to expand our navy's capital ship arsenal."
Suddenly, Saw Gerrera's hologram appeared, and his face grave, "Sorry for interrupting whatever strategic conference you had going on, but my contacts in the Outer Rim picked up a smuggler who claims to have the location of five fugitive Jedi. He wanted to speak to either General Kenobi of Ahsoka. Figured I'd bring this to you and let you sort this out."
"That's a bold claim by this smuggler." Tau added. "What's his name?"
"Someone who claimed to have held both of them for ransom during the last war and later helped them against General Grievous and Maul." Saw explained.
"Not him." Ahsoka groaned, while Obi-Wan sighed.
"Hondo." The older Jedi Councilman annoyingly stated, "Put him through, but cloak it with a one-way transmission, just in case it's a trap."
"Bah! Your crew is no fun at all, Captain Gerrera! They will not play Sabaac against me after I beat them ten consecutive times, and accused me, ME, of cheating." Weequay pirate and smuggler kingpin Hondo Ohnaka griped as he appeared in the hologram's range. "Now where are the Jedi? I cannot see them. You said-"
"You said you had information about surviving Jedi, Hondo? Get to it if you want to get paid." Ahsoka bluntly asked her associate, her eyes rather cold like a snake.
At first, Tau was a little taken aback… then he remembered all the things he did to her. Namely, attempting to sell her into slavery. The sly grin on the pirate's face when he saw her almost made him snap.
"Ah! Ahsoka Tano! Such nostalgia it is to hear your young and beautiful voice again. And where is Kenobi? Is he with you?"
"I'm listening, Hondo. But whether or not I will be for much longer depends on if your claims are valid." Obi-Wan replied sternly, his no nonsense gaze putting Hondo in an uncomfortable state.
"Ah. Right to business, then. Very well, since you all are busy leading your New Republic. I have in my knowledge the location of a Jedi Master and four Jedi Younglings under his care, and I am willing to part with it for a reasonable payment."
"The names of these Jedi?" Wullf interjected.
If Hondo was offended at the interruption by the NRI Director, he did not show it, and continued, "One Tera Sinube, a Cosian Jedi Master, along with some other names Kenobi and young Ahsoka should recognize: Katooni, Zatt, Byph, and Ganodi."
That earned a small gasp from Ahsoka, as well as made her eyes tear up. Noticing her emotional state, Tau telepathically asked her, Old friends of yours, I take it?
Yes. Ahsoka said, asking Hondo, "Where are they?"
"On an Outer Rim World named Ossus, not too far from your territory, I believe." Hondo admitted, Tau's eyes going wide.
"You know where it is?"
"I do. An abandoned Jedi world lost to records is the perfect place for Jedi refugees to hide, and I'm willing to sell it to you at a reasonable price."
"Decloak him, Gerrera." Tau abruptly ordered, his own image now appearing to Hondo, "I assume you know who I am, Captain Ohnaka."
"Ah! The Emperor's own son, Tau Palpatine! Never, in all my years would I have guessed that I'd have the honor of-"
"You may dispense with the pleasantries, Captain. I want to know how you found these Jedi in the first place."
"Why, I rescued them, of course. I've had something of a soft spot for these Younglings for quite some time." Hondo proudly answered.
"Rescued them. I'm guessing they paid you a fine sum?"
"Of course. I was on Coruscant when your order fell, and Sinube offered a reasonable price for them to smuggle him and him students out of the Core. I gave him a discount, just so you know."
"What about Petro and Gungi? Did they survive?" Ahsoka asked.
Hondo's eyes dimmed and he removed his cap like he was at a wake. "I am sorry, but they did not. They were killed in the Temple, buying their friends time to escape. They went out quite courageously."
"I see," Ahsoka nodded sadly, "Thank you for letting us know, Hondo."
"Did you see the bodies?" Tau asked, his tone hopeful.
"I… I didn't. The chaos of the battle forced us to depart fairly quickly, but I saw the Clones swarming over them. They could not have survived that."
"We'll have to have that checked out," Wulff replied, "what did you have in mind for your reward?"
"Well, here's the way I see it. The Empire is not good for businessmen such as myself, and I'm not being facetious about that," he eyed the smirking Ahsoka, "the Empire has been shutting down or pushing out small businesses to remove the competition for their… chosen few. I've already had to deal with Zann and Xizor's goons in the last week."
"So you want to work for us?" Tau deadpanned.
"I don't see any other choice. In the old days, I could get by quite comfortably by being smarter. But now? The Empire's all but put a black mark on me. My dealers and traders won't even touch my goods anymore. I can't even make port in most places. So yes, you seem to be the only option I have."
"We're not going to condone your criminal actions in our territory, Captain," Wulff grumbled.
"I didn't expect you to. Instead, I want the same offer you gave to the Martez Sisters. I want a Letter of Marque."
"You want to be a privateer?" Ahsoka asked skeptically.
"Yes. It's like piracy but with a badge and the right to sell goods on the market without being shot at. Both are attractive to me. Besides, you're going to be in need of a blockade runner who knows his way through the Underworld."
"We'll need to discuss this," Tau said, "Gerrera, make sure that Hondo is properly entertained until we come to a decision."
The Partisan reluctantly nodded, and the transmission cut.
"We need to give him what he wants," Tau said suddenly, "Ossus is a strategic priority for us."
"I'm assuming not because of the Jedi on the planet?" Kal asked.
"That's correct, Colonel, because they're not the only Jedi on the planet. In my brother's time, it was home to Ood Bnar, a survivor dating back to the Great Sith War; the Ysanna, a tribe of Force-Sensitive descended from stranded Jedi; and many ancient Jedi texts and lightsabers that survived the Cron Supernova."
"And you only remembered this now?" Kal asked rhetorically, "Why am I not surprised?"
Tau glared at the Mandalorian for a moment with such a cold expression, Kal actually flinched. He leaned across a chair, his voice curt and a hair's breadth from snapping.
"Colonel, I need you to understand something. My brain was implanted not only with the memories of another man, but also the galactic history of the last 25,000 years. That means every fact, every event, every person or object of importance, is floating around in an organic soup bowl that was not designed to retain that much information."
His voice then rose with every syllable until he was snarling, "So forgive me for not remembering every single goddamn detail, okay!?"
Kal nodded very slowly as he slunk back in his chair, "Okay."
"Now," Tau exhaled, "we need to send a team to the planet and claim it before the Empire somehow, someway finds out about it; because with their track record, they will."
"With respect, Tau, I think you should go," Benjen said, "you know the planet better than we do. I'd also suggest Ahsoka as well, considering her experience in covert operations and the fact she knows Master Sinube and those in his charge."
"But what about all the meetings we still need to attend?" Ahsoka asked, "Our absence would be noticed."
"I might have an idea on how to handle that." Mon proposed. "Giddean and I can journey to Vermund as their replacement while they can be 'recalled to Varon' for Tau's promotions and acclimation to his new responsibilities, which will give them time to recruit the Jedi."
Considering the matter, Bail nodded, "Agreed. But once the job is done, they will immediately return to Varon to acclimate to their new positions and rank in the New Republic. And Tau will submit himself to a thorough memory scan in order to recover every piece of intel from his implanted memories."
"I understand, Chief Organa." Tau nodded. "I'll need thirty-six hours to prepare for this mission."
"And I can take a small flotilla with me to Ossus to assist Tau and his party, with your permission of course, Chief Organa." Benjen added. "If the Ysanna agree to join our alliance, then we will need to transfer them to a safe haven. And there's no telling how many or few artifacts survived the cataclysm, so it can't hurt to be prepared."
"Very well. But make no delays. We will see about meeting Hondo's demands. I call this meeting adjourned."
One by one, the High Command ended their transmissions, leaving Tau alone with his wife and Benjen. "Go ahead," he sighed, "say it."
"That was quite the outburst, Tau," Benjen replied, "one I did not expect from you."
"Benjen, I'm going to be frank. I'm tired of being constantly questioned every damn second for things that, quite honestly, are not in my control. And to be further frank, I'm sick of Kal's crap."
"Easy, honey," Ahsoka soothed, "at least we might be able to resolve this, and potentially save a few old friends."
"So this pirate says," Benjen snorted, "I've heard of his duplicitous nature. How do we know he isn't going to betray us?"
"Hondo has no love for the Sith," Ahsoka explained, "hell, he even kidnapped Dooku once."
"How?" Benjen questioned.
"Um…" she shook her head, "let's just say Dooku was arrogant, they managed to pickpocket his saber and trap him in a containment field."
"...that makes no sense." Tau said, "And I know it did happen."
"Well, everyone has the right to be a sucker at least once," Benjen sighed.
"Wait. What are we going to do about Ventis?" Tau asked, "He won't leave Connor and Daniel while they hunt Tuk'ata hounds, and it could take days for them to complete their hunt."
"Well, a typical Hamon hunt usually takes about twenty-four to thirty hours, and our problems will be done with plenty of time to spare." Benjen informed them.
"Then I'll call up Ventis and let him know of our next plan, and then Ahsoka and the rest of us will get started on the ship."
Twenty Minutes Later
Within the Uriel Estate
"So, you're being called back home already?" Celebion asked Eltariel.
"Not yet, but soon. I need to speak with Lady Galadriel and Lord Elrond on finding instructors for Elias, Kaiden and his wife and squad before they join me on my quest. If they're going to help me, then I might as well make sure they're at their best when they face death."
"That worried about your soulmate?" The ranger joked.
"Not just for Elias, but for all of those enslaved by the deceiver." Eltariel seriously stated. "And he is not my soulmate."
"Not yet, as you say."
"Do you want me to take a page from your book, and pommel you into oblivion for insinuating such a claim?"
"Fine. I shall not jest with you anymore." Celebion faux-wounded complied before he seriously asked, "Are you going to at least say goodbye to him before you go? He is very important to you, after all."
"Of course, I shall. He's a trusted friend, and a good man. I would be remiss not to."
"Good. I shall have my own mission to go on soon with Tau and his crew to an ancient Jedi Stronghold, so I shall be departing this wonderful world soon as well."
"It is rather impressive and majestic. Even the cities are works of art, which I would not admit to many others." Eltariel sighed at having to return to the fight against Mordor in a handful of days.
"Just be glad you're not going to Ossus, because Tau gave a description that reminds me a bit of Harad or Mordor with its desolation."
"Talking about cities and countries, are you?" Elias abruptly joined in, making Eltrail spin about suddenly to face him.
"Well, guess that's my cue to go. Tau'll probably want me and Akku to start working on the ship soon enough anyways." Celebion headed out of the living room before teasing, "Enjoy your courting, you two."
He deftly avoided the book thrown at him and bolted before anything else was tossed at him.
"Those people and their prying… ugh!" Eltariel groaned before she felt Elias's hand slip onto her shoulder, "I assume that you heard the conversation."
"Enough of it. I'm gonna miss this side of you, Ellie. More carefree and honest with me instead of a strict instructor and assassin on the hunt for the Ringwraiths."
"Well, considering what you're about to join me on, I'd say that my instructions will help prove to be the difference between life and death. Besides, who's to say that my happiness with you has to completely vanish just because of the mission?"
"Glad I could make such an impact on your worldview." Elias laughed, the effect proving contagious.
"There is one thing I wish to give you before I depart in the next few days, Elias Keller. A gift I haven't given anyone else in many millennia, since my sister was..." Trailing off and wiping the tears from her eyes, she whispered, "Close your eyes."
Elias' mouth dropped and his eyes widened at the implication, but with a smile he did as he was bid. Eltrariel soft hands caressed his cheeks, pulling him closer. They blushed like blooming flowers, his smile widening with the expectation.
Eltrariel couldn't help but give a bemused smirk and allowed a moment to pass to lengthen the tension just enough before her soft lips closed with his. The emotional inrush surprised her, overwhelming her senses as she felt a hand cup the back of her head. She was pulled further in, delving in as the hot exhaust and the forking tongue made her moan.
She forgot all formality then and there, closing her eyes as her hands squeezed around the human form. The two explored each other a bit, switching sides in the effort. Strangely, she felt tears streaming down her face and she didn't know why. When Elias felt it, he broke away in a concerned rush.
"Are you okay?" he asked, "Did I… do something wrong?"
"No," she shook her head, "I haven't felt like this in a long time. I suppose the remembrance of it is quite an overwhelming sensation."
"It's not just that, is it?"
She sighed, looking away from him, "This is what Nervanna must've felt like. It scares me, Elias."
"I'm not him, Ellie," his hand brushed past her hair, "and you're not your sister. What happened to them is not going to happen to us."
"How can you be so certain?" she asked, facing him with her sobbing eyes.
"Because I don't believe in fate. Our actions are our own and what we make of them… and I say, we both deserve to be damn happy."
That earned a laugh out of her, "You would've made a fine Gondorian, Elias."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"It is," she whispered, pulling him for another, slower kiss. After a long minute they broke apart, rest their heads on the other. "Elias, please keep this between us until I am ready to be more open about this."
"I understand, Ellie. Besides, I've got to help watch Lily with Satele and the others. You're more than welcome to join us later on if you want. I'm sure Lily would love to officially meet you." Elias offered.
"I shall consider it. I always did have a soft spot for toddlers."
Ten Minutes Later
In the Maharo Desert
Onboard the CEC YT-1400 Light Freighter Daybreaker
"I can't believe you and your master get the privilege of going to Ossus and get to find lost treasures and survivors of the Purge. You are so lucky, Uncle Ventis." Jonathan griped to Ventis as he monitored his sons' progress.
"I'll be luckier when my sons come out from the nest in one piece. Then we can talk about my travels." Ventis sighed. "And you can't breathe a word about this conversation to anyone, because we can't risk this knowledge getting out before we're ready."
"We know, Uncle. Besides, if you wouldn't kill us, then Dad or Aunt Elisheva certainly would do us in for breaching your trust in us." Deonn piped up. "And it looks like your sons have entered the Tuk'ata nest, so we'd better send the probes in so we can keep an eye on them."
"How are their vitals?"
"Slightly elevated, which is expected from the heat and the Tuk'ata guards on the outskirts. They're stable." Elisheva reassured her cousin. "Have a little faith in them, because they're survivors, just like you in that regard."
"On that, we can agree."
Meanwhile, Ten Kilometers Eastward
Within the Tuk'ata Nest
"Don't let your guard down, brother. This was just the advance scouts. The true enemy is far deeper inside." Daniel warned Connor before taking a swig of his water canteen.
"I know. I can sense her." Connor eagerly answered. "And there's about forty-eight of those infernal dogs between us and her." Lips curling up in anticipation, he smirked, "This is gonna be a big workout, and I'll have one hell of a cape when all's said and done."
"Just remember to keep your breathing even, or we'll both be dead meat before it's done. So, twenty four for me, then."
"HA! I'll take twenty-five thank you very much."
Thirty Minutes Later
On Ganath
Within the Royal Palace
Empatojayos Brand was silent for a long moment, his mechanical hands pressed against his head in utter contemplation.
"Allow me to understand what you have told me. Vader, Anakin, the traitor himself, has returned to the Light and serves a New Republic founded by the Emperor's descendent… and he was sent back in time by Celestials, no less?"
"In a sense, yes," An'ya said matter of factly, "and it was because of Tau's knowledge that we discovered you in your," she looked uncomfortably at the roaming retainers of the court, "kingdom."
"We are here to bring you back to the Order and enlist your people in our cause," Zao continued, "if you will allow us to."
"I will need to speak with this Tau and the leaders of the New Republic before I make such a swift move," Brand replied, rubbing his temples, "this is quite all extraordinary, you understand."
"You will have to make your decision quickly, Knight," An'ya reminded him, "there is a war going on."
"And I want to be sure it is a war that will not doom those who asked me to lead," Brand sighed, staring up at An'ya, "I know you do not approve of my position, Master Kuro, but these are my people now and they've placed their trust in me to keep them safe and prosperous. And believe me, I will uphold that trust."
"We understand," Zao said, "we will work to arrange a potential meeting soon, but for the time being, we are the New Republic's ambassadors."
"I see. I will arrange a court with the various noble families to at least hear your testimonies. I hope you brought proof to validate them."
"We have. Are these nobles to be trusted?"
"They're nobles, sir. They have their own ambitions, but they do respect my word. That being said, there are some who would prefer isolation over braving out into the greater galaxy."
"Is there anything else we can do to help the procedures?" An'ya asked.
"Just keep your ears to the ground and listen without judging. And be careful of the nobles. They're a riley bunch at the best of times." The Jedi king advised.
"Noted."
Forty Minutes Later
On Honoghr
Within the Village of Nystao
Aboard the G9 Rigger-class Light Freighter New Dawn
"And you're certain that the Noghri won't shoot us down in this old thing, Sir?" Rex questioned Anakin as they finished landing the ship near the devastated planet's central meeting place.
"They couldn't even if they wanted to, Rex. They don't have a planetary defense system like modern worlds. And the code phrase I gave the Dynasts ordered them to meet at the Grand Dukha, or central meeting place of all the clans. They'll be there." Anakin assured him.
"But will they still try to kill us when we arrive, given by your new armor?" Jesse asked.
"That's why I'll go down first and ensure that they don't attack on sight." Anakin nonchalantly answered before seriously warning them, "No matter what happens, don't debark until I give you the go-ahead. They'll likely try to kill you if you do otherwise."
"You're not exactly filing us with confidence on this one, General." Clone Trooper Able replied, "This reminds me too much of Lubang Minor for my liking."
"Noted," Anakin breathed as he moved towards the loading ramp, "Well, wish me luck."
"I'm not intending to." Anakin admitted, before he breathed out his fears at facing one of his and the Empire's old sins, he bade his old friends farewell, "Well, wish me luck. I'll need every bit of it that I can get for what comes next."
Opening the boarding ramp, he stepped down to return to the world he personally enslaved, before he was greeted by over three-dozen Noghri assassins holding hunting blades in a defensive formation.
"Hold, intruder. You trespass on sacred ground and dare to impersonate our lord and master. As punishment, you must be brought before the Dynasts to be judged." An elder female Noghri stated.
"Hold, intruder," an elder female Noghri hissed in an accented Basic, "you trespass on sacred ground and dare to impersonate our lord and master. As punishment, you must be brought before the Dynasts to be judged."
"I assure you, Maitrakh Rakh, that I am no impersonation." Anakin replied, taking on some of Vader's speech mannerisms. "It has been four years since our first meeting, when you decimated my Stormtrooper escort before I intervened."
The Noghri's eyes went wide, and Anakin continued. "There is a simple way to discern whether I am who I claim to be. All you must do is smell my scent."
"You are encased in armor," Rakh replied, "remove your helmet, if you so dare."
"I do," he replied, his leather fingers taking hold of the helm and removing it with a his, revealing his burned and scarred face. Rahk didn't even need to approach to smell the truth of his claims, and she bowed her head with fearful swiftness.
"I greet you, honored Lord Vader."
"You will not refer to me by such a title, Rahk," Anakin said as he put his helmet back on, "for I no longer answer to it."
Rahk craned her head curiously, "But that is your name, Lord Vader. What else would you have us refer to you by?"
"My real name, Anakin Skywalker. As I said, I no longer answer to Vader."
"Very well, Lord Skywalker."
He shook his head, "You do not need to add the Lord."
"With respect, Lord Skywalker, I do. You are a Lord to us and that has yet to change."
"I see. Very well then. Now, I must request that you allow my soldiers to depart my ship, for they are my honored guard, and wish to stay close for their noble duty."
"Of course, Lord Vader. We would be honored to have your guard here." Rakh deferentially stated, "But I believe you must meet with the Elders?"
"Yes, I am," he turned to the ship, "You're all clear, Rex. Come on out."
Meanwhile, On Coruscant/Imperial Center
Within the Imperial Palace
"A most excellent find, my apprentice. You have done well." Sidious commended Bahl'al after being informed of the Isotope-5 stockpile within Khar Delba's citadel.
"Thank you, my lord, but Malleus deserved the credit this time, for it was he who discovered the resource. I merely pointed him in the right direction."
"Then I shall be sure to offer him my congratulations as well. What is the status of the Isotope?"
"I shall have Admiral Takel begin transferring the element to my Tython stronghold to begin creation of two new fleets of enhanced Star Destroyers. With this resource, the energy output and strength of these capital ships will be far greater than our current vessels." Bahl'al informed him before Sidious shook his head.
Sidious shook his head. "Not quite, Lord Bahl'al. I want you to take half the shipment to Kuat Drive Yards for implementation into a new fleet under construction. Consider it a test of your skills clandestineness and management."
"Respectfully, Master, I am not certain that Kuat is the most covert location for such a vital project. Given our current mole situation, it would be inevitable that the New Republic would learn of this operation and mount an offensive to either capture or destroy the fleet."
"That is true. Which is why, when Lord Vader returns to the Core Worlds, he shall assist you in this endeavor, but you shall be in overall command. How you manage the project is up to you, but the results must be worth the cost it will take for the Empire."
Sensing that he would not get anywhere with his master, Bahl'al bowed in submission, "Then I will not disappoint you, my master. However, there is one thing I feel I should bring to your attention. It is a Battle Droid project that Admiral Coburn informed me of. Colonel Rahm Moch is developing a project code-named 'Dark Trooper', alongside the Imperial Department of Military Research."
"And why are you taking such an interest in such mundane work, my apprentice? Surely Colonel Moch and his team is more than enough to handle such a project."
"Because his droids proved crucial in defeating Anguis and his cult on Serocco, and I gave him my word that I would speak on his behalf to you. His ideas are quite intriguing, and could help tip the scales in this war."
"And they are what, exactly?"
"Just to name a few, Stormtrooper armor created for long durations in space, battle droids that can operate in environments that are too dangerous or lethal for our organic troopers to fight in, and exo-skeleton weapon platforms with the firepower of a company. They are worth further consideration."
"Then prepare a facility on Tython for Brigadier General Moch to continue his program. It will be his reward for helping root out and capture such a dangerous enemy of the Empire, and under your scrutiny to prevent any sabotage."
"Yes, my lord. I will inform him at once, and I imagine he will be quite pleased by this promotion and new funding." Bahl'al bowed before his master closed the transmission and reflected the current state of the Empire.
Suddenly, his musing was interrupted by another transmission, and he activated it to see a sixteen-year-old Imperial Intelligence agent Ysanne Isard clutching her datapad with excitement.
"Apologies for interrupting, my liege, but Director Jedgar ordered me to deliver this report to you straight away. Intelligence slicers were able to partially intercept and unscramble part of a transmission between Saw Gerrera and the New Republic's high command. It spoke of how Weequay smuggler Hondo Ohnaka is prepared to sell them the location of five surviving Jedi. Our agent in Gerrera's crew confirmed this."
"Really?" Sidious mused, smiling at the opportunity presented before him. "Does the transmission say which world the Jedi are cowering on?"
"No, my liege. Neither Gerrera nor Ohnaka divulged this intel to any of their crews for fear of you discovering it. But we were able to track the transmission to the Jedha System, and the agent has provided us with the Partisans' holofrequency so we can track them in-between hyperspace jumps. We're preparing a team of commandos to intercept and interrogate the smuggler after they leave the system."
Twenty Minutes Later
Aboard the Outrider
Forty-Eight Hours and Fifty Minutes From the Lothal System
"All right. You're getting the hang of this rather quickly, Chelli." Jaing approvingly said as the nine-year old fired stun bolts at Vega and Eeth, "It's almost like you've shot before."
"Have you?" Micah asked, "Did your mother teach you?"
She nodded sadly, "Yeah, she wanted me to be safe. Used to take me out to deserted places so I could shoot cans. She also taught me how to hit people low and run away."
That made Jaing chuckle, "That's one way to survive a fight. Well, I think this calls for a snack."
"That's a bit surprising coming from you," Eeth replied, earning an odd look from the Clone.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I've seen your advanced training, Jaing. You Clones drilled longer than this."
"Well," he rubbed his hand through her hair, "she's not a clone. You though," he pointed at Micah, "until I see improvement in that aim, you're gonna keep shooting till I tell you to drop."
Micah nodded glumly, trying and failing to kill a holographic target with growing frustration. As Jaing left for the galley, Vega caught up with him.
"What do you expect from a scholar, Jaing?" Vega asked, "We need a new approach. Something more practical for him."
"And what kind of skills could he use that can benefit us in slipping past an Imperial blockade and planetary lockdown?" Jaing skeptically asked.
"I did some digging. Micah's an old slicer and data analyst, and from what he told us in his debriefing, he's kept them somewhat polished."
"Why didn't he say anything?" then he saw Vega's deadpan expression, "Oh, he was a criminal. I suppose that makes sense. Well, you're welcome to broach the subject."
Meanwhile, On Shu-Torun
Within the Ancestral Retreat
"Then your republic has reached a consensus?" Haldor, King of Shu-Torun, requested Garm Bel Iblis, Giddean Danu and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
"Yes. For the annual sum of twenty billion credits, you'll ship us twenty percent of your personal stockpiles of minerals and technology." Garm said before he warned the aging king, "But if there is any attempt at deceit or betrayal from any of your people, the New Republic shall make your world and culture ever regret crossing us."
Warmly laughing for the first time all day, Haldor acknowledged the warning, "It is refreshing to have a client make such a claim to defend their people, especially from a democratic republic. But worry not. I have no love for the Empire or its overreaching emperor, and as long as you honor our sovereignty, I shall have no reason to betray you."
"Very well, we shall accept that. And the second term of our arrangement? Arranging Princess Trios as a New Republic ambassador?" Giddean asked.
"Take her, as a gesture of good faith." Haldor dismissively stated, "I must confess that I cannot see what value you perceive in my second daughter. She is very willful and has overreached her position with her studies and efforts to supplant her siblings. But I wish you the best of luck in taming her into an ambassador worthy of my people's high standards."
"Perhaps, Your Highness, all she needs is a new approach to the situation and a change in environment. I would imagine that having your family in such a difficult situation can put a lot of strain on an eight-year-old princess." Obi-Wan suggested, thinly veiling his disgust at the king's disregard for his daughter's well-being.
"Humph. Bold words from an order of warrior-monks, Master Kenobi." the king smiled mirthlessly, "I look forward to doing further business with your people. Good fortune upon you all."
Closing the transmission, Haldor sighed in relief at his gambit paying off, and requested his adjutant, "Summon Princess Trios. Tell her that she has a new assignment that is of the utmost importance for the world of Shu-Torun."
"Yes, your majesty."
Well, I think that this is a good place to end the chapter. So, what did you think, as a lot happened in this chapter? Now the Second Chance and part of the Teutonic Sector will soon be heading to Ossus for a rescue and recovery operation, but the Empire might be closing in on their plans. And the New Republic is expanding their diplomatic efforts on three fronts of Honoghr, Ganath, and Shu-Torun, but whether or not the latter will work out is anyone's guess. One thing I can divulge, though, is that I wish to change Trios's fate from her comic book counterpart as a vassal and pawn of the Empire, as I pitied her after a while. And Connor and Daniel have entered the Tuk'ata nest which will hopefully be a major part of the next chapter, so that'll be good. So, how are you all doing on this warm night of Sunday, May 10, 2020? I'm doing well, as I spent some time with my mother on Mother's Day, and I'm reading Flyover Nation by Dana Loesch, a good Conservative book that was written in 2016, so it's not too old. Afterwards, I'll read a few more historical books before I read a fictional book again, maybe the first in the Sword of Truth series. And I'll be working on revising Jedi Odyssey: Shadow War IV: Omega. Well, I'd better get this chapter to Squasher and JSailer for their revisions. I don't know how long it'll take, but I can wait a while if need be. May God be with you all, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!