Good afternoon, everyone! How are you doing on this hot day of Thursday, May 28, 2020? I'm doing well, as I finished my homework for the week a day ahead of schedule and can write a while before I go to bed to prepare for volunteering tomorrow morning at my local help center. Things have certainly gotten very difficult in the last few months for a lot of people, but I'm going to keep hope alive in my heart and in my actions, even if I'm a bit angry over the state of so many things. So, I finally finished Star Wars: Legacy of the Force: Revelation yesterday, and I think I'll either start Invincible tomorrow, or work on a history book instead. So, have you all been enjoying the stories I've written for my friends, because I have plenty of ideas left in me for these Star Wars stories? I hope you all are ready for plenty of diplomacy, recruitment, and the beginning of a new arc for the New Republic, as I'm gonna step it up in this chapter. Even though Chapter 29 is not yet published, I have already revised it to Squasher and JSailer's specifications, and merely await their word to publish it. Have a good day, and God be with us all in these troubling times.
(Friday, May 29, 2020 Addendum) Hey, everyone! How are you doing on this hot evening? I'm all right, if troubled by the horrifying murder by police officers in City of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the resulting protests and riots in the surrounding cities. Hard to comprehend how one unjust murder could trigger such hatred and destruction. I only pray that God can bring justice and peace to everyone in such a similar situation, and truly deliver us from evil. In other news, I've read a bit of The Science of Star Wars, and it's interesting, but I'm gonna donate it afterwards so someone else can get some enjoyment out of it. And I volunteered at my local help center today and got sopping wet from the storm that passed through. At least I was able to help my community for over a couple hours. I've also written over 1,400 words in the chapter today and moved a small excerpt from the future Ossus Arc into this chapter, just to make more sense in the Empire's machinations, as you'll see in the chapter (minor spoiler alert).
Ten Hours Later, On Nelona 34th, 0700 Hours
On Vermund
Just Outside the Uriel Estate
Aboard the Second Chance
"Looks like a lot of people are starting to believe in our message. We might stand a chance to unify the galaxy after all." Tau hopefully remarked.
The assembled leaders of the final briefing before the Ossus Mission kicked off had begun receiving dozens, if not potential hundreds of political offers from across the galaxy. Many asked to join the new government, and some even to contribute military forces. The most prominent of these included Rodia, Christophsis, Malastare, Bespin, the majority of the Arkanis Sector, and the entirety of the Tion Cluster and Bothan Space.
"Doesn't mean we can let our guard down, Tau. For all we know, a lot of these defections are a ruse for us to let enemy agents into our ranks." Kal bluntly reminded the clone Jedi Master.
"Don't insult my hope for naivete, Colonel." Tau sternly interjected. "I know the risks involved with these worlds, especially with the inevitable growing pains from accepting too many worlds or sectors at once. That's why we need to utilize the New Republic's galactic charter in accepting new worlds into the fold."
"We'll especially need to take care with the Bothans," Ahsoka added, "as we still need to track down those who aided the Imperials in scorching Caamas. One of the terms of them joining us will be the need for the saboteurs to be judged by a New Republic court, on account of the sheer magnitude of their crimes."
"And what of Malastare and the delicate situation between the Gran and Dugs?" Bail asked.
"We can't claim to stand for justice, freedom, and equality with a subjugated population in our ranks, no matter how strategic that world and its fuel refineries might be. Never mind how the sector's Senator, Ask Aak, will inevitably be a problem since he refused to honor his world's secession."
Zozridor rubbed his temples with a groan. "Which is why we need to begin to help the Dugs reclaim their home through new measures in order to prevent further exploitation of the race. They've suffered enough through discrimination and servitude. And I might have an idea on how to effectively defend Malastare and its sector."
He then added, "There's the Sluis Sector's major shipyards, Sluis Van, and it produces a lot of capital ships and freighters for the Empire's Outer Rim efforts to consider. I have a lot of favors and agents in the area and can get what we'd need to capture them reasonably intact: the defense codes, the fleet's positions, everything. By the time the Imps are any wiser, we'll have complete control of the system and all its capabilities, perfect for defending our own. It's also the perfect jumping off point to secure the Rimma Trade Route and its jewels."
"And hopefully the facilities will be modern enough to help jump start our naval program." Tau sighed, "We can't keep relying on stolen Imperial tech for our own usage. And I have some ideas on our equivalent for the Super Star Destroyer."
He pulled up a holographic display. The ship in question was 15,000 meters in length, with its hull based on the Nebula-class Star Destroyer, and the engines of a Mon Calamari Viscount-class Star Dreadnought. To the council's eye, there was no bridge; instead rely on an internal one buried deep in the hull.
"What exactly is that monstrosity?" Zozridor asked.
"It's an old Galactic Alliance concept design for a more practical version of the Empire's Super Star Destroyer." Tau explained. "It's titled the Guardian-class Destroyer, and it's a remarkable fusion of Kuat and Mon Calamari technology."
"And you think that our resources should be spent on such an advanced concept, Tau? In case you've forgotten, there's no telling whether or not we can construct such a ship with our technology decades behind yours." Kal questioned.
"Not until we can seize more shipyards and get more resources. But at the very least, we can begin the preliminary work on ironing out any potential errors in the design."
"That's a good start. In the meanwhile, Admiral Slayke, you'll need to come up with a workable plan for taking the Sluis Van shipyards within the next two weeks. You'll have a month afterwards to prepare to attack and seize the shipyards for our own. And we need to send Echo and a company of commandos to this Krake's Planet to infiltrate and destroy its data vault. These listening posts he described are too dangerous to leave intact." Wullf advised his superiors.
"I'm sure Shysa can spare a few squads to help Echo in his mission. It's basically right next door to the Mandalore Sector, and he's rapidly stabilizing the sector from the recent attacks." Garm added.
"I'll brief him, then." Kal promised.
"Is Lord Uriel's fleet ready for the Ossus mission, Ventis? Time is of the essence, now more than ever." Obi-Wan asked the elder Padawan while he said his final good-byes to his children.
"His fleet will be finished loading and fueling within the hour, and then we'll be on our way. It'll take us four to five days to get there."
"That's so fast, considering it's just about on the other side of the galaxy." Mon remarked.
"The Teutonic Sector might use ancient ships, but they're up to modern specs, and then some. They'll make it with time to spare."
"Then we can't afford to waste any more time. Too much hangs in the balance for us in these next few weeks to leave anything to chance." Bail ordered everyone before NRI Captain Oniye Namada brusquely walked into the hologram with a datapad in her hands.
"Apologies, everyone, but we're receiving a priority transmission from Jedi Nuru Kungurama. He just entered the system and is requesting an audience with us on behalf of the Empire of the Hand and Chiss Ascendancy as soon as he lands."
"Then I guess we have one final matter to handle before we can adjourn." Tau ruefully chuckled. "Wonder what Thrawn found out that warrants such a response."
Turning to Akku, he ordered, "Start prepping the ship for takeoff, and make sure Celebion and Ventis are back by the time we're done. Last thing we need is to leave them behind."
Thirty Minutes Later
Aboard Varon Orbital Command
"And you're certain that our negotiations alone will be enough to keep the Chiss from plunging into civil war?" Mon skeptically asked the Chiss Jedi delegate.
"It'll buy the Ascendancy time to work out a bloodless solution, and even a handful of weeks could be enough to keep war from breaking out between the Nine Ruling Families. And with a New Republic fleet nearby, it'll give the factions a perfect reason to unite for the benefit of the Chiss people in light of new variables."
"What about our relocation and recovery operations? Should we alter our approach in light the negotiations have been moved up to just fifteen days, or do you want to scrub it altogether?" Ahsoka cautiously asked.
"No, we're not abandoning the mission, just modifying it accordingly." Obi-Wan elaborated, "Your assignment is still of crucial importance to us, and we can't afford to let this opportunity slip through our fingers out of haste or anxiety. You and Tau will lead the extraction of the VIPs and the most essential relics but will return to Varon within twenty-four hours after arriving at the destination."
"In the meantime, Lord Uriel and his fleet will handle the bulk of the recovery operations until we can return for our military objective."
"That seems like the best course of action. I'll call up my brother and let him know of the change in plans immediately." Ventis agreed before he disconnected.
Twenty Minutes Later
Within the Uriel Estate
"Guess this is goodbye for now, Da." Connor sadly hugged Ventis. "Don't do anything crazy while I'm gone."
"Look who's talking." Ventis rebutted after they separated.
The elder Uriel turned to observe his family, and wiped tears from his eyes while saying, "I'm so grateful that you all came together to save me, and that you all are finding your way in the galaxy. Just remember to stick together with your teammates and loved ones while you're apart, because things are only going to get more dangerous out there."
"We know, Ventis. Just follow your own advice and keep your girlfriend safe out there when you head to Ossus. No telling what you might have to face out there." Daniel teased him while Lily giggled and waved goodbye to her grandfather.
"I'll keep that in mind." Ventis promised while Eltariel walked up, and he observed, "I didn't expect to see you here, Eltariel. I'd have thought you'd be on your way to Arda by now."
"I will be, but not before I wished you farewell on your mission to your order's sacred world. And… I wished to thank you and your family for all you've done for me. Without you all, I'd still be mired in hate and loathing, and I wouldn't know the truth about Talion and my sister. So for that, I owe you a debt I can never repay."
Ventis was unprepared for that admission, but he quickly recovered to a chuckle, "You're welcome, but I have to thank you as well. Without you and the Phial of Galadriel, it would have been much more difficult to excise the Chaos energies from me. And you helped give Elias a sense of peace and hope that he lost after his squad was destroyed. So, I guess that makes us even."
That blunt honesty made Eltariel openly laugh in amusement, and she agreed, "Very well. If only to avoid any further embarrassment on my part."
"Thanks. Saves me a load of trouble going forward." Ventis paused to ask Satele, "You're sure your mother's okay with staying here? If it's too awkward with my family, then I'm sure the New Republic can help her settle down somewhere else."
"It's appreciated, but it turns out it's not necessary. She's actually quite happy here, working for Mr. Reo and his company. I think she has a thing for the old man, so it'll help her recover from what she was forced to suffer."
"I hope it works out for her." Ventis admitted before he glanced at his timepiece, "I've gotta get going. We'll be heading out in less than a half hour, so I need to be back in the Second Chance before Tau blows a gasket."
"Now that'd be a funny sight." Connor admitted before he told his father, "There is one thing I need you do for me, Da. I left a message for Tau's R9 droid to play for you once you leave Vermund, and I need you to listen to it. It'll tell you my plans for once I head out."
"Why not tell me now while I have a little time?"
"Ah, it'll take too long, and you have a flight to catch. And I need to head to Ord Cestus to meet my allies."
Connor was hiding something, but he didn't push it. He didn't have the time, and his son was a man. He could make his own decisions. "Okay. Just be careful, and don't be afraid to call for help if you get into any trouble."
"I will, Da."
Twenty-Five Minutes Later
Aboard the Outrider
Thirty-Two Hours From the Lothal System
"All right," Jaing began, "thanks to Governor Azadi, we now have the complete schematics of Lothal's capital city of Lothium, and all the northern hemisphere. Looks like the whole planet used to be a mini-Coruscant in terms of a melting pot, at least before the Empire and their allies took over and overhauled the industries of the sector. And that's not the worst of it."
"What is the worst of it?" Chelli innocently asked.
"They've been enslaving hundreds of thousands of immigrants and alien residents, expanding their mining operations to encompass half the southern hemisphere, and-"
"I think we get the idea, Captain," Micah bluntly interrupted.
"Just answering the lady's question, sir," Jaing deadpanned, "besides, better she knows before we hit planetside."
"I think our best move would be to forward this intel to Raddus and High Command," Eeth advised, changing the conversation, "maybe they can find a way to sabotage or destroy some of the mining operations before we can free the sector."
"Makes sense. We can always learn more about these mines as we work, and maybe even sabotage a couple once we finish our objective. It'd certainly hit the Empire and the Pryces where it'd really hurt: in their pocketbooks." Vega smirked.
"I like the way you think, Ryal." Jaing nodded as he set to work on preparing a message for High Command.
Thirty Minutes Later
In Hyperspace
Aboard the Second Chance
Ninety-Eight Hours From the Ossus System
Ventis' reaction was exactly as expected when he finished Connor's recorded confession. "You both let my son go off to risk eternal damnation at Bahl'al's hands?! What in the name of all that's good and sacred were you thinking?!"
"We were thinking that, as painful as it is to admit, he's right," Ahsoka ardently answered, "he needs help to rescue his wife and unborn daughter, and the New Republic can't give him that with all our battlefronts. And if we lost Edaan or Ashla, I know we'd wreak havoc on the entire galaxy to get them back."
"And he won't be going in without protection." Tau added. "I asked Bardan to meet him on Ord Cestus to perform a memory seal on him on our crucial secrets, and especially on our children."
Celebion and Akku glanced at each other before the Dúnedain Ranger calmly acknowledged, "That would explain why you were so supportive of Connor's Hamon training. You wanted him to be properly equipped to survive Sith training with his soul intact."
"Yes."
"Celebion, you can't tell me that you're okay with this!" Celeste argued. "Even the greatest Jedi Knights can fall prey to the Dark Side in their infiltration mission, and Connor is at greater risk than most."
"Of course, I'm worried for Connor. No sane person wouldn't be in his situation. But I know better than any of you what lengths a parent would go to in order to save their child from terrible evil. So, I don't want to hear any griping from you, or especially Ventis after Daniel risked everything to save you from Gallies."
"That's all well and good, but we still need to prepare for the worst possibilities with Connor's mission." Akku warned. "You'll need a contingency plan if and when things fall apart, because even a memory rub won't be enough to protect Connor from Bahl'al's grip."
"We already have one." Ahsoka answered. "Sarcev Quest is being paid a fortune to keep watch over Connor when he makes it to Tython, and he'll give him an escape route once he learns all he needs to know to save his wife."
"Let me get this straight, you're willing to trust my son's safety to an ex-servant of the Emperor, but you couldn't even bother to tell me about it until he was underway?" Ventis exasperated, "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"Enough, Ventis." Celebion snapped. "What's done is done, and constantly fretting and worrying about it will not change the outcome. All we can do now is put our faith in Eru and your son that everything will work out for the best. If you want, I can pray with you, so you won't be alone."
"And I'll stay with you too, Ventis." Celeste offered, "I've been meaning to study your religion anyway."
"Thank you, both of you. I'll take you up on your offer, but after I tell my other kids about what Connor's up to. Maybe they can talk some sense into him, or at least let him know that they're with him in spirit." Ventis agreed.
Two Hours Later
On Coruscant/Imperial Center
Within the Imperial Palace
Sidious was in deep meditation, trying to peer into the Dark Side to glean any crucial insight into the New Republic's plans.
After sensing his Jedi descendant departed the Teutonic Sector, he felt a bright shift in the Force, and he instinctively knew that this was connected to the surviving Jedi that Hondo Ohnaka smuggled off his capital world.
All Ysanne Isard's agents were able to provide as a solid lead from the spy in Gerrera's army was that the Weequay smuggler dropped the Jedi off on an ancient Jedi world. It was not as much as he had hoped, but it was enough for him to focus his hunt. He searched the Jedi temples on Illum, Rhen Var, Dantooine, the Temple of Eedit on Devaron, Iktotch, and so many others.
Eventually, he found himself encompassed in a Force vision of a desolate world, full of ancient Jedi ruins and tribal peoples greeting Tau Palpatine and his allies, and a structure he recognized all too well from his studies on the Jedi Order's lost strongholds: the Great Jedi Library, a unique site from the Outer Rim world of Ossus.
How did I not see it before?! Of course some of the Jedi would seek refuge on their order's second headquarters! Sidious growled, realizing that the New Republic was enacting a rescue and recovery operation for the surviving Jedi and their treasures within.
Knowing that Lords Bahl'al and Vader had their own missions, each vitally important to the Empire's security, Sidious decided on a different approach.
Before his spy in the Partisans' ranks was uncovered, he contacted Ysanne, and ordered her, "Have your agent in the Partisans stand down before they are discovered, Agent Isard. I figured out where Ohnaka hid the Jedi."
"And what of Ohnaka and Gerrera, never mind the commando teams that I dispatched to dispose of them? Should the assets not complete their missions?"
"Their time will come. For now, the agent is much too valuable to waste on eliminating a mere sliver of the New Republic's forces. This is not up for discussion." Sidious dismissed.
Then a thought occurred to him, "Instead, we will have the teams cement your agent's position. Have the attacks ultimately fail, and the agent to play the role of the indispensable soldier. He'll then begin climbing the organization's ranks and open his avenues of intelligence."
This is what Bahl'al meant. I must seize the opportunities given to me and encourage more trust and initiative in my servants and allies if the Empire is to survive. Sidious grudgingly acknowledged.
Quickly returning to the task at hand, the galactic emperor contacted the Khar Shian shipyards, and ordered Admiral Takel, "I have an urgent mission for you and your fleet, Admiral. Listen carefully. There is a Jedi presence operating in the Adega System."
"What is to be done then, my lord?"
"Take three of your best Destroyers and move to drive them out. Once that is done, you will establish a small garrison and listening post on the world of Ossus, and secuewhat artifacts they may leave behind. I will transfer you all the relevant data within the hour, and I will instruct a Zann Consortium force in the Tion Cluster to assist you in this endeavor. You will be in overall command of the mission."
"Of course, my lord. But, if I may, why not try to capture the Jedi and learn what we can of their entire operations?" Takel respectfully inquired.
"Simple, Admiral. If we do so, we risk another pitched battle that will only be a drain on our resources. We will drive our enemies to the field one day, but not just yet."
"I understand. I will prepare the fleet for departure within the next six hours."
"Good. Brook no delays." Sidious ordered the spice addict before he closed the transmission and meditated on his next move.
One Hour Later
Within the Enarc System
Aboard the Steela's Remembrance
So, the Empire changed their tune. Guess they're learning from their blunders quicker than I thought. Edge mused after he received the new orders from his young superior.
Once the Imperial Special Forces attack began, he would prove himself indepensible. From there, he would rise through the ranks and begin syphoning even more data fro the Empire. Perhaps even architect the network itself's collapse.
The sweet irony of it was enough to salve the loss of Garrera's head and the attached 500,000 credits.
One Hour Later
Aboard Varon Orbital Command
"I understand, and I'm grateful that you're taking my warnings seriously." Echo thankfully told NR High Command. "My crew and I'll head out to Mandalore immediately to rendezvous for the mission."
"Good. Remember, Agent Echo, this mission will be of the utmost importance for us, so take great care not to go off on your own with the initiative. We need that data from the vaults if we're to take out those advanced listening posts and save your brothers." Wullf sternly reminded the cyborg.
"I won't make the same mistake twice, Director." Echo promised.
Let's hope not. Otherwise, I don't even want to know what'll happen if those listening posts become operational. Rahm silently emphasized.
Three Hours Later
Within the Dalonbian Sector
Within the Rychel System
Aboard the Gauntlet
"What do you mean, Vice Admiral Ronan's been assassinated?!" Vader demanded of Captain Sloan.
"I'm afraid it's exactly as it sounds, Lord Vader. He was found murdered by a smooth and precise slice on his throat in his cabin by unknown assailants, and the forensics crew has yet to identify the type of blade used. We've put the Serrator on lockdown, but it's as if they've disappeared into the crevices of the ship."
Disappeared, into the crevices. Could it be that… Vader trailed off before he ordered Sloan and Commander Kimmund, "Have the fleet put into lockdown, and ready my shuttle for departure. I will investigate the murder personally, alone."
"Alone? My Lord, with all due respect, if there are professional assassins, or, even traitors somewhere on the Serrator, then they may have used Vice Admiral Ronan's murder to draw you into a trap. I would recommend taking a platoon of Five-Oh-First Troopers with you as backup."
"Your concern is most appreciated, Commander, but not advisable. More soldiers would only add more targets for the traitors. As excellent as your soldiers are, they will not be able to handle the Noghri Death Commandos if they have indeed gone rogue."
"What?! But, my Lord, they're your most loyal assassins! Why would they suddenly go rogue on you without cause?" Kimmund protested.
"I will be sure to ask them that when I interrogate them." Vader swore before he departed for the hangar bay.
Twnety Minutes Later
On Coruscant/Imperial Center
Within the Imperial Palace
"So, Skywalker has turned the Noghri against us." Sidious ragefully seethed after a series of reports came in of the near-fatal assassination attempts on the two Imperial Governors, and the critical conditions of Joint Chief Nils Tenant and three of his subordinate admirals. Lord Vader had likewise reported his suspicions that the Noghri were responsible for the death of Admiral Ronan.
"It would appear so, my liege. But how in the Nine Corellian Hells did he accomplish this? I thought the Noghri swore an oath of loyalty to the Empire without question until their world was revitalized." Trachta asked.
"So did I, but the Noghri I interrogated before executing him proclaimed that the Empire had enacted the ultimate treachery against their people, and they would seek retribution." Cronal added.
"It matters not right now. What matters is what our response to this betrayal will be." Sidious abruptly ordered. "The New Republic will no doubt send a fleet to protect Honoghr, and we are not ready for another major engagement against them. And I will not add further fuel to their propaganda campaign by destroying the remainder of the Noghri population."
"Then perhaps the best idea would be to cordon off the planet from the galaxy and starve the Noghri into submission." Cronal advised the Emperor. "No one can say that we didn't give the Noghri a chance to surrender if we establish a blockade, and it might be a good time to try out our new Immobilizer 418 Cruisers."
"Yes. That could work well, as well as give Raith Sienar and his team of designers a chance to work out any flaws in the prototypes with an active field test." Trachta seemed to be in agreement, before turning to Sidious, "That is, if you concur, my liege."
"I do. This will be a perfect chance to help train new fleet commanders and testing our latest weapons, while showing our subjects that we will not allowing treason to go unpunished." Sidious maliciously voiced his approval before he ordered Trachta, "Have Vice Admirals Batch and Zaarin ready their fleets for departure by the end of tomorrow, with four of the new interdictor cruisers accompanying them."
"Yes, my lord."
Two Hours Later
On Ganath
Within the Royal Palace
"Is everything in order?" Traiy demanded his confederates. "We only have eighty minutes before Empatojayos begins the vote, and we cannot allow our world to fall to his foolish idealism and misplaced sentiment."
"Yes, our people are in position," Meredith advised, "but several of our soldiers and captains have trepidations about this course of action and feel that a less extreme course of action could be utilized. Is this coup truly wise?"
"We tried a peaceful solution and we were dismissed. Only through violence can our people be free. Now get all our leaders into position and ensure that the final packages are in place. Nothing must go wrong if we're to save our world and people."
As Traiy left to take his place among the royal court, Meredith sighed, and sadly muttered, "Then on your head be the consequences of this mad obsession of yours."
Pulling out the comlink An'ya gave her, she informed the Jedi Master, "Master Kuro, inform the king that my former friends refuse to back down and are continuing with their plans. He needs to act swiftly if they are to be apprehended and convicted."
"Understood. We'll take care of this. While I realize that this was difficult for you to acknowledge, King Brand and I appreciate the incredible risk you took on behalf of your people. The only chance for Ganath to stay free is to work with us in freeing the galaxy, even though the risks are terrible."
"I only pray that my family and soldiers can see that. All that I ask in return is that, when all is done, show mercy and restraint to those you can, or we will risk creating sympathizers to carry out Traiy's hateful plans."
"We'll do everything we can to ensure that, Viscount. Just keep yourself alive and safe. We'll need your testimony if we're to ensure that this plot is fully unraveled." An'ya reminded her before closing the comlink, allowing Meredith to pray that she made the right choice for her people and carry out her plan.
And, that's a wrap for tonight! Wow! I'm really on a role with writing these chapters! It only took me three days to write this one, and it's got plenty of revelations and twists that I'm sure you'll have never seen coming. I hope you enjoy, as I've got plenty of surprises left in me for the story. Oh, and I ought to let you know that Lothal will be different from its Canon version, as I'm taking inspiration from JSailer's own preference for how the planet should've been presented in the Star Wars universe. So, how are you holding up on this warm night of Saturday, May 30, 2020? I'm doing well, if a bit tired, as I wrote a lot today, and I also began to play the remastered edition of Assassin's Creed III, and it's pretty good so far. I should be able to finish Sequence 2 by tomorrow if I wanted to, and maybe even Sequence 3. Of course, I'll read and do some homework too, as I want to stay sharp and ahead of the game here. I hope you're all staying safe in light of these protests and riots, and I pray that justice, true justice, can be delivered quickly for everyone's sakes. May God be with us all, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
(Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Addendum.) Hey, everyone! I just wanted to let you know that I'm about to publish this chapter, and it turned out so much better then I could've hoped. But I need to let you know that I'll take a break from the main story in order to focus on a future arc for a few days. And since Squasher and JSailer have their own, shall we say, complications to work through, I'll take at least a week or more to write Ch. 31. Wish me luck, and continue to pray for everyone' s safety in these troubled times.