Hey, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm day of Sunday, October 4, 2020? I'm doing well, as I worked hard on the 1st story in my Jedi Odyssey Rewrite trilogy and decide to take a break on that story to work a bit on this one for a few chapters or arcs. So, how are you all holding up today, as a lot has happened since we last spoke on this story? The US 2020 Presidential Election is rapidly coming up, and I pray that the right candidate is chosen, as I dread what happens if the worst comes to pass. And the President has the Coronavirus, which is bad for his health. I pray that he can swiftly recover from the disease and continue to lead this country down a path of prosperity and peace through strength. In other news, what books are you reading right now? I'm currently reading Star Wars Thrawn: Ascendancy: Chaos Rising. It's a good book and gives me some good ideas for both sagas I'm writing. Well, I think this is a good place to end the chapter. I hope you're all doing well, and I hope to hear from you when I publish this chapter. May God be with us all in these troubling times.
Fifteen Minutes Later
On Helona 2nd, 0400 Hours
Within the Boz Pity System
Aboard the Steela's Remembrance
"There we go, Agent Edge. All systems are working again at eighty percent capacity. The ship is officially yours to command." The lead technician gladly told the Anomid hunter.
"Then don't wait for me. Give Commander Petothel and his fleet my orders to withdraw to the rendezvous point before the New Republic retaliatory force arrives. No sense sticking around any longer, now that we have the main prizes." Edge ordered the lieutenant.
"Yes, Sir."
Twenty Minutes Later
Aboard the Second Chance
Thirty-One Hours and Fifty Minutes From the Adega System
"I'm afraid that we lost both Gerrera and Ohnaka, and the Partisans' command ship." Benjen sadly reported to the ship's crew. "By the time my detached forces had arrived, the last of the Imperials had just finished evacuating the system."
Tau and Ahsoka grimly closed their eyes at the capture of Saw and Hondo and could only imagine the insurmountable torture and interrogations the two rogues would soon face at the Sith's hands. They also knew that the New Republic would be all but unlikely to launch a rescue effort on their behalf, not with the simmering tension between Saw and a high amount of NR High Command, and with their resource shortage. At this point, it would be in Eru's hands to save them.
"I see." Ahsoka sadly answered. "Were there any survivors that escaped the ambush?"
"Yes, but not too many. Only three corvettes survived the attack and are being escorted to the Dac shipyards to be repaired. They'll then head back to Varon when we journey with you and the refugees."
"All right. Make sure that the surviving Partisans don't go off on a suicidal rescue attempt for their leader. Remind them that if any ships or fighters try to do so, they'll be arrested by the New Republic for attempted desertion." Tau ordered Benjen.
"That'll certainly drill the stakes into their heads. But for all of your sakes, you'd better give them something to keep them placated and too busy to hate you."
"I have an idea, one that'll make everyone happy, or at least manageable." Tau had a ghost of a smirk on his face before he elaborated, "The Rogue Company needs fighters and ships for their cause, then they'll get a militia's worth of them in the Partisans."
Thirty Minutes Later
Aboard Varon Orbital Command
"This is a terrible loss for the New Republic." Bail simply answered after the Palpatines and Benjen concluded their report on Saw's capture. "If we can't figure out a way to rescue Saw from the Imperials before they manage to break him, then they'll have countless avenues to strike far more crippling blows at us than before."
"My people's spies should be able to locate where Gerrera is being held, but the matter of rescuing him is going to be another matter." Benjen objected.
"Regardless, we'll have to change our entire network of clearance codes and vet our agents far more carefully going forward." Wullf advised everyone. "At least the Partisans can still prove useful to us in our wars by helping to keep an eye on the Rogue Company."
"Rather cold of you for possibly losing an effective leader, Yularen." Rahm noted.
"I prefer the term practical, General Kota."
Meanwhile, On Lothal
Within the Pelamir Gorge
Aboard the Outrider
"And you thought the Empire would take us back in the plains, Samara. Good thing we've got two extra navigators to give us a greater set of senses." Jaing gloatingly joked with the Gotal after the ship finally managed to evade or destroy the last of its Imperial pursuers.
"Well, excuse me because we had a small army on our tail, never mind that I've never been involved in a high-speed hunt like this!" The woman argued with the Clone NRI captain.
"Enough, you two. You both can argue all you want as soon as we reach the Jedi Temple. I can sense it much clearer now." Eeth wearily said, sick of the two's constant bickering and baiting.
"All right. Now that we're on our own, how long do you think it'll take us to reach it?" Adegan asked Micah as he pulled up the navigational data from the ship's computers.
"Well, it looks like our Imperial pursuers threw us way off course. We're now at least four hundred kilometers from the target. And adding that the Imperials are patrolling just about every known route to the Audon Mountains, where the temple is, we're going to have our work cut out for us in reaching it."
"Maybe we can sneak past one of these trails that's lightly guarded." Chelli suggested.
"Not a bad idea, kid. That just might work, if we have the right kind of codes to slip past the patrols if they spot us." Jaing seriously agreed.
"That shouldn't be a problem. Our benefactors supplied us with plenty of codes for this ship, and I can scramble the sensors of a few Imperial ships at a time." Micah piped up.
"And Vega, Adegan, and I can help mind trick the eyes of anyone who might see the ship slip through." Eeth added.
"Well, then I guess we have a working plan. Let's move as quickly and quietly as we can to the temple. The sooner we get the job done, the sooner we can help liberate this sector." Jaing took the helm as he flew the ship at half speed.
Two Hours Later
On Coruscant/Imperial Center
Within the Imperial Palace
Sidious beamed with pleasure. "Excellent work, Lord Bahl'al. The capture of Saw Gerrera may very well mark the end of his Partisans and allow us a few new avenues to attack the New Republic, especially since they destroyed our data vault on Krake's Planet. And capturing Hondo Ohnaka is an excellent bonus to set the perfect example for the underworld the price of allying with the Jedi."
"Thank you, my Master. But the true credit goes to Agent Edge and Commander Petothel for their decisive actions." Bahl'al respectfully answered.
"And the question still remains what to do with the two troublemakers. With respect, I am wary that the Imperial Center facilities are best suited for interrogating a man of Saw Gerrera's resolve. There is no telling what covert support Gerrera might have amongst the civilian populace, never mind Captain Ohnaka's underworld contacts, and if the Jedi could learn of their presence in the capital world."
"Yes. I do see your point. If that were to be the case, then where would you suggest they be transferred to?"
"I believe that the Tython facility would be better for the interrogation, as it would be a perfect chance for our acolytes to hone their abilities in a secure environment while testing the resolve of one of the New Republic's most aggressive and experienced commanders, never mind a reputed liar of Hondo's worth." Bahl'al proposed.
Tython. How ironic that the birthplace of the accursed Jedi was now being used as his apprentice's personal citadel and vital stronghold for the Empire's new arsenal of superweapons. In the years to come, it would eventually help undo the many gains the New Republic had won and finally allow the Sith to rule the galaxy unopposed.
Still, his apprentice was accumulating a great deal of power there, and if left unchecked, it could eventually become a threat to him when he attempted to overthrow him. But that would have to be a problem for another day. For the time being, he had to take great risks and look for new allies in order to help sustain and revitalize his weakening empire.
He nodded after a while, "Very well. Transfer them to your facilities immediately, but be sure to give Director Cronal regular reports on the progress of their interrogations. We need every scrap of intelligence they can give us if we are to strike back against the Jedi."
"As you decree, my master."
Forty-Five Minutes Later
On Ord Cestus
Within the Bloody Baron
"It's done." Bardan concluded after he finished his psychological work on Connor's mind. "Until the procedure's undone, you won't be able to utter a word about Tau or the New Republic's secrets."
"I still think this whole infiltration scheme of yours is just plain suicide, kid." Kravous warned the hybrid. "Going up against an army of Dark Siders and their Imperial thralls on your own, it's just plain suicide. Especially after you offed one of their lackeys."
"I'm not gonna, not after that Inquisitor ambush," Connor replied, "I'm gonna be traveling with you guys as soon as I can pack up and transfer my belongings to your ship. This is just in case the Empire gets ahold of me and I end up in the Sith's hands."
"A sound strategy. Better to protect whatever secrets you have inside that head of yours." Sarcev agreed. "We'll be ready to depart in two days, and we'll then link up with the rest of Rogue Company."
"Why so long? The Empire could send someone in half the time to apprehend Connor. I'll be going within the hour." Bardan concernedly reminded the ex-Hand.
"Because I'm the middleman for several contracts in our makeshift fleet, it'll take that long to conclude them. I'm sure that, as a former Jedi General and Mandalorian, you know how any armed force can't run a war if it runs out of credits and supplies. Besides, we never could've expected Connor to get into so much trouble so soon after his arrival here."
"Hey!" Connor exclaimed.
"Very well. I'll inform Tau and Ventis, and they'll inform High Command of this arrangement." Bardan relented.
Four Hours Later
Within the Honghr System
Aboard the Sarro Xaj
"Master Skywalker. It is an honor to meet you after all I've heard about you." Odo respectfully greeted the redeemed Jedi Master.
"After all I have done to the galaxy, I just somehow doubt that." Anakin ruefully chuckled, "I've prepared the clans for evacuation, but we've got less than forty-five hours before the Imperial fleets arrive. So, I'd advise us to skip the small talk, and recommend that we begin the evacuations right away."
"Agreed. I've already prepared the first wave of transports, and we'll begin deploying them within minutes."
Five Hours Later
On Ord Cestus
Just Outside the City of ChikatLik
Within the Bloody Baron
"Connor's reported back to his ship, and we're fully fueled and ready to take off." Keller told Sarcev.
"Thanks. Now, we'd better get going before-" Sarcev found himself interrupted when one of the clones burst in,
"Sir, we've got two Imperial Star Destroyers entering the system! They're preparing to open a system wide broadcast."
Silently cursing himself for letting the Imperials track him, Sarcev ordered Keller, "Patch it through. Let's see just who we're dealing with here."
"Patching it through now, sir." The ex-Stormtrooper complied, before the image of Darth Vader appeared, and Sarcev dreadfully wondered what the human Sith clone was doing so far from the hunt for the Xipototec.
"-Cestus, there is a dangerous New Republic insurgent loose on your world that has already defeated and driven out an Imperial Inquisitor." Vader spoke before an image of Connor appeared, and Sarcev felt a mixture of dread and relief that Connor was the target of the Sith acolyte.
"I am offering a bounty of three million Imperial credits for anyone who can apprehend this man, alive and well, to Imperial authorities. This man is believed to be in possession of a lightsaber and is an acolyte of the Jedi. Treat him with absolute caution and do your part for the Empire."
Just then, Sarcev's comlink beeped, and Connor spoke into it, resignedly saying, "Bahl'al must've sent Vader to drive me out. I have to surrender. If I don't, then the planet will dissolve into chaos, and the Sith might bombard the planet to try and flush me out."
Before Sarcev could respond to such a suicidal plan, Connor continued, "I'm not gonna sell you guys out. I'm gonna give you a chance to get out of here and get help. I'm sending you my father's communications frequency, and he can get the Jedi to help rescue me."
"Forget it. There's no telling where Vader will take you, and the New Republic doesn't have the resources to scour the galaxy for one individual. I have another idea." Sarcev began.
"If you don't let me go now, then no one will be free to warn my Da, and then who will rescue us from the Empire? I'm going, whether you like it or not."
Sarcev knew from Tau's mission debrief that Connor would surrender himself to save the city and learn what he deemed necessary to save his wife. So, he relented. "All right. Do what you have to do and stay alive until help comes."
"Thanks. May the Force be with you guys." Connor said in farewell before signing off.
"We're not really gonna let this kid fly to his death, are we, Sarcev? His father would kill us if we let anything happened to him." Keller asked his leader.
"Not without help, Keller." Sarcev responded, before ordering the Clone Commander, "Get my personal fighter ready for takeoff." Turning to face N-K and Kravous, he commanded them, "Hack into the lead Star Destroyer's network, download the most important files from the Imperial network, and see if you can give me a line on Bahl'al's communications. I won't walk into this trap blind."
"What do you mean, 'you'? We're coming with you." N-K protested.
"And run the risk of Keller and the men killing their own brothers, and becoming even higher-ranking marks on the Empire's hit-list?" Sarcev shook his head, "No way. Besides, you're too noticeable, and would stick out like a Wampa at a Jawa convention. You guys need to get out of here and tell Tau and Ventis about his son's capture and get them to find a way to help him if I fail. Do whatever it takes. I won't let another soul be ruined by the Sith if I can help it."
"Fine. But you'd better make it back alive, Quest, or I'll hunt down this Bahl'al and kill him myself." N-K promised his friend.
"I don't doubt it for a second." Sarcev smiled at his companion before heading to his CloakShape fighter for his infiltration mission, while Kravous and N-K began to hack into the Imperial fleet's communications network.
Meanwhile, Within the Second Chance
Sixteen Hours and Thirty Minutes From the Adega System
"We'll be engaging Maul's fleets within the hour." Obi-Wan informed the frigate's crew."I daresay that you and Ahsoka have the easier job this time around."
"No argument there, Master Kenobi. But I hope that you're prepared for whatever traps Maul has for you and the others. It's fortunate that you decided to bring Master Saa along for your operation." Tau cautioned the elder Jedi.
"Yes. Her battle meditation could prove pivotal in the fight ahead." Obi-Wan concurred. "And you can call me Obi-Wan, Tau. You've more than earned it."
"Not until I officially become a Jedi Master. It wouldn't be proper. Plus, it's fun to push your buttons like that."
"Oh, sure. Make fun of the old man, why don't you." Obi-Wan jested."But what of Ahsoka? I assume you've been helping her with her reestablishment of the Fulcrum Agency, yes?"
"Of course, I've been helping her. I've been reaching out to several of her old contacts to help rebuild her information network. We've even managed to secure a few smugglers and small-time information brokers throughout the Core and Colonies."
"Good, NRI will need all the help it can get." A warning klaxon started blaring through Obi-Wan's holoprojector before he informed Tau, "I must be going. We'll be arriving in less than half an hour. May the Force be with you all."
Meanwhile, On Honoghr
Within the Clean Lands
Maitrakh Rakh gratefully commended Anakin. "The clans are preparing to evacuate on your transports, and we will move with all due haste before the Empire arrives. But we cannot thank you and Lady Nagme enough for helping to unveil the lies that ensnared us, and for giving us the chance to save our world."
"We shall not forget this kindness and will repay you by the year's end. When the time comes, the Noghri shall come to the New Republic's aid in destroying the Empire."
"And we'll all be in your debt when that time comes, Maitrakh." Rex gratefully nodded. "I daresay that we'll need your people's impressive skill set for our wars on the horizon."
"Then you will accept our offers?" Rakh hopefully asked.
"We shall. Two hundred of your best warriors and hunters from each clan will be accepted into our ranks, with twenty serving as bodyguards for my children." Anakin agreed. "And in my absence, to help drive back the invaders Master K'Kruhk and Doctors Chantique and Jamaane, along with their teams, will remain behind to help ensure that the Yuuzhan Vong biotechnology proceeds as planned."
"I am most grateful, Lord Skywalker. I will gather the warriors for their departure. Everyone will be eager to serve the one who saved our world. They will be ready for departure within one of our planet's rotations."
"Then we shall wait." Anakin promised as another great burden Vader left behind slowly lifted from his shoulders.
Twenty-Five Minutes Later
In the Nihil Retreat
Aboard the Nightbrother
"The Jedi have come." Maul simply informed his four most trusted commanders, moments before the three New Republic fleets reverted to realspace.
A total of twenty capital ships of either Yuuzhan Vong, Republic, Confederate, or Imperial design, twenty-eight escort craft, and several smaller corvettes appeared several hundred kilometers ahead of the Shadow Collective fleet.
"Nobody said anything about having to face the New Republic's own Yuuzhan Vong fleet." Dryden Vos, the figurehead leader of the Crimson Dawn gang, blithely commented.
"What's the matter, Vos. Afraid of a challenge?" Gar Saxon, Mandalorian Supercommando and Maul's most trusted warrior, insultingly challenged the crime boss.
"No, Saxon. But I prefer to engage a battle on my terms, not when the odds are so arrayed against us." Ziton Moj, the commander of Black Sun deserters loyal to Maul, reminded the Mandalorian.
"Enough. It changes nothing, for our client had us prepare for this possibility. You all have your orders. Follow the plan, and we shall live to fight another day, and seek riches untold before the galaxy is ours." Maul ordered his lieutenants before they were at each other's throats again.
"As you wish, Lord Maul." Marg Krim, the leader of the Pyke Syndicate, deferred to his master before the four lieutenants closed their holocomms to prepare for the battle ahead, and for Maul to prepare his Sith Meditation.
Hmm. I sense an old presence, one that is increasing the New Republic's resolve against us. Someone knows the art of Battle Meditation. Maul thought while he formed a malicious grin. It would seem that Salem was correct, and he was now faced with the prospect of flexing his new abilities to the fullest.
Five Minutes Later
Aboard the Nau'ur-class yacht First Light
"Master Vos, we're receiving a transmission from the lead Star Destroyer, the Peregrine. They're demanding an audience with Lord Maul."
"Put them through. We need to keep them talking while our master prepares his plan for them." Dryden ordered the comms officer.
"Yes, Sir." The officer complied before the image of infamous Senator and New Republic Minister of State, Garm Bel Iblis, along with Jedi Masters Obi-Wan Kenobi and Rahm Kota, came into focus.
"So, the figurehead comes to the table. Where is your Sith master, Dryden Vos? We know that Maul is here, and we won't stop until he is finally finished, and the rest of you are in prison." Garm bluntly stated.
Biting back his fury at being called a figurehead by a mere human, Dryden respectfully told the Corellian, "Come now, Minister. Surely, we lowly criminals aren't worthy of such a concentrated assault by the New Repubilc, especially not because of base rumors and paranoia of a single Jedi Master seeking a long-dead adversary."
"You 'lowly criminals', as you so aptly put it, Vos, have already caused enough trouble across the galaxy without allying with our enemies on Remnant." Rahm repulsively reminded Dryden. "This is your only chance to surrender. Either hand over Maul and surrender, or we'll be forced to destroy your flotilla."
"There is no need for that, General Kota." Maul's voice came through an open broadcast, surprising everyone in both factions before he chuckled maliciously.
Just then, the hologram of Maul appeared, and he emanated confidence and power that even the Force-blind Dryden could sense.
"Maul," Kenobi said.
"Kenobi," he grinned, "Surprised to see me? I would have thought that Lady Tano would have told you about her ill-fated siege with her vat-bred soldiers. Or is it Lady Palpatine, now? I have ears everywhere, you know, and I sensed the surge of the Light during their wedding."
"And you haven't changed a bit," Kenobi replied, "you've merely traded Palpatine for a mere witch like Salem, Maul."
"Oh, she is so much more than a mere witch, Kenobi. You cannot imagine the power she wields, and the forces that she commands. She will help me achieve my goals and bring this galaxy to its knees with me as its ruler."
"Enough stalling, Maul. Give us your answer." Garm impatiently demanded.
"You already know it, Minister. We will have war. My followers would never stand for it if we surrendered to our mortal enemies." Maul smirked.
Meanwhile, Onboard the Peregreine
"Then you'll have your last glorious battle, but it'll just be a repeat of Malachor V for your people." Garm sternly remarked before closing the transmission.
"Was that Malachor V remark really necessary, Minister?" Rahm gruffly asked Garm.
"It was, General Kota. The intent was to enrage the Mandalorians into disobeying whatever plan Maul has. I won't walk right into a battle where the enemy's got the homefield advantage." Garm explained before ordering his fleet, "All ships, launch fighters and engage all defenses. We'll need to keep our eyes peeled for any surprises Maul will have in store for us."
Thirty Minutes Later
In Orbit Above Ord Cestus
Onboard the Gauntlet
"My Lord, the fugitive's fighter has landed in Hangar Two." Captain Sloan informed the Sith Apprentice.
"Very good." Vader distractively answered, probing with his mind to try and uncover the familiar dark whisper through the Force.
Sloan, noticing her lord's unusual absent-mindedness, asked him, "Is something the matter, my lord?"
Returning his attention to the situation at hand, he ordered Sloan, "I'm not sure. Search his ship from top to bottom, and monitor all traffic coming in and out of the system. I can sense another presence through the Force, and it feels familiar to me. I won't let us be caught unaware if this is part of some greater Jedi scheme."
Departing for the turbolift, he motioned the two on-bridge Death Troopers to follow him, and he told the captain, "I will personally greet our guest to ensure his cooperation. Make sure he is given appropriate quarters, under constant surveillance and with no greater technology than a datapad, of course. Just because he is our guest, does not mean we can let our defenses down."
Ten Minutes Later
Within Hangar Two
"Are all these guards really necessary, trooper?" Connor grumpily asked the Stormtrooper commander while he was being disarmed of his lightsaber and all of his other hidden weapons as he was being cuffed with a shock collar and Force cuffs. Connor knew by their blue markings that these were Vader's private legion, the Five-Oh-First.
"Sir, you have the right to remain silent until Lord Vader arrives. We, and I really do mean all of us, would appreciate it if you used it." Commander Kimmund gruffly said
"What? I'm just trying to help the time move along. It's not like we've got anything better to do. Do you guys have a good bar in this joint? I have a craving for some stiff drinks."
That earned him a slap on the head as a Trooper hissed, "One more word and I put a bolt in your leg."
The commander suddenly called out, "Company, attention!"
The Stormtroopers immediately stood to attention, the slaps of their armor echoing in the air as the hangar doors opened to reveal the Lord of the Sith in all his malignant glory. He approached the prisoner and his escort, glaring down at Connor before turning to Kimmund.
"Tell me, Commander, why does our guest look like a prisoner?"
"With respect, sir, he is one," he replied, a note of reserved fear in his stoic voice, "all Jedi are to be detained with lethal force if necessary. Besides, he already defeated an Inquisitor sent to capture him. I didn't want the same to happen to my men."
"Inquisitor Rawk was not sent, Commander," Vader replied, "and your opinion is noted, Commander, as is your concern for your men. Nevertheless, I will take custody of the Jedi. He will be given limited reign of the facility while he is transferred to our recruitment facility."
"Oh really? How generous of you, Mr. Spooky and Black," Connor grinned, "and what's to stop me from just leaving?"
"Don't be stupid, Jedi. I know why you're here, so don't test my patience."
"Fair enough," he sighed, holding up his restraints, "you mind taking these off then?"
Vader nodded, and reluctantly the troopers released him. Before Connor could get comfortable, Vader towered over him with a tense voice, "Make no mistake, Kynachi, the only reason you are alive is because Bahl'al wishes it. Betray my hospitality, and your life is forfeit. Do you understand?"
"Crystal," Connor replied, "since I am here, I want to make myself useful. What do you know about Occissor's and his merry band?"
"We have one of his lieutenants in custody, an Anguis the Avaricious, and he is the right hand of Occisor. We are questioning him now."
"I see. And now you've got me, are you gonna leave the folk of Cestus alone?"
"We have no interest in them, only you."
"Thanks, I feel so valuable. Just know this: you try and blow up the folks below us, I'll kill you. Dunno how, but I will."
"You have an inflated sense of importance, but I am a man of my word," he then activated his comms, "Captain Sloan, are all systems checked?"
"Yes, Lord Vader. All systems are green across the board. Also, as you've requested, we've been monitoring all traffic, and nothing worthwhile has come to our attention. Shall we commence the journey to hyperspace?"
"Yes. I will be escorting Connor Uriel to his quarters, then I will deal with Inquisitor Rawk."
"I understand, my lord."
Ten Minutes Later
Within Varon Orbital Command
"As of the last hour, we have made contact with Maul's fleet, and we've begun our assault on the warlord's forces." Admiral Carr reported to New Republic High Command.
"Very good. Have Garm or Master Saa report to us the moment the battle winds down. Good hunting, Admiral." Bail acknowledged the report before dismissing the Yuuzhan Vong admiral. His next report was directed towards Director Yularen, "How go our Ossus and Lothal operations, Director?"
"General Palpatine and his teams will be arriving in the system in just under fifteen hours, and they will begin the evacuations the moment they arrive, taking the VIPs and most valuable artifacts with them back to Varon."
"As for Lothal, the Kyber crystal and slave shipments were successfully liberated, and the fleet's bringing them to the Mandalore Sector for safekeeping until we can secure them here. The raid proved perfect in embedding our covert ops team planetside."
Meanwhile, Within the Nihil Retreat
Aboard the First Light's Main Hangar
Aboard the Nightbrother
Over the last fifty minutes, the New Republic had launched a well-coordinated and fierce attack against the criminal conglomerate, throwing the bulk of the Shadow Collective fleet into disarray.
Hm. The Jedi have improved their tactics and ruthlessness since the Clone War. I might have underestimated them. Maul reflected as he felt the third Pyke frigate explode from the Coralskippers swarming over the ship.
Despite the ferocity of the Mandalorian Super Commandos and the Crimson Dawn initially inflicting heavy casualties on the New Republic, the mismatch of criminal enterprises could not hope to measure up against the superior training, arms, and numbers of the Jedi's government, not without an unconventional edge.
Remembering his Sith training and the new abilities and disciplines that Salem had bestowed upon the Dathomirian Zabrak, he fully opened himself to the Dark Side of the Force and reached out to probe the battlefield for any fatal flaws in the New Republic's line.
He sensed Kenobi and General Kota in their Jedi Starfighters, blowing up fighter after fighter through their Force Meld, and smirked at their futile fight against the ever-encroaching darkness.
He felt the command crew of the Peregrine, and Garm Bel Iblis and the Jedi who was coordinating the enemy fleet through the Jedi art of Battle Meditation, an ancient presence he recognized as a Neti, so it could only belong to Jedi Master T'Ra Saa.
Unfortunately, he could not sense the Yuuzhan Vong through the Force, and he knew that they, not the three Jedi, would be the most difficult part of the enemy fleet to overcome. He remembered how much trouble he had against just one female member of this species nearly eighteen years ago in the vile prison and gladiator arena of Cog Hive Seven before its destruction.
Then, as he felt the dark power within him build up within his body to levels he never before felt possible, he suddenly felt the Dark Side of the Force whisper in his mind that now was the time to strike. Acting on this dark murmur, he unleashed his Dark Meditation on the unsuspecting enemy fleet.
Concurrently, Aboard the Peregrine
"Have the Humbarine and Honoghr cover the Vandor's flank in Sector G-3. It's being overwhelmed by Saxon's commandos. Admiral Carr, I need you to- Agh!" Garm ordered before he screamed while clutching his head. It was if his skull was trying to be split in two.
"Minister! What's wrong?" Vem shouted.
"I… don't know! Pure evil… inside my… mind!" Garm struggled to shout out before he collapsed, and T'ra's hologram immediately appeared.
"Master Saa, do you know what in the of the Gods is going on?!" Vem quickly demanded the Neti Jedi Master.
"It's Maul, Admiral, and it's not just Minister Bel Iblis whose mind is under attack! I can feel his dark will trying to break the minds of every fleet commander, and it's taking everything I have to keep him at bay!"
"You and your fleet are the only ones unaffected by this attack, so I'm designating you as acting command of the fleet. You must hurry, because I don't know how long we have before he overwhelms us."
"Of course. I won't let this dishonorable tactic go unanswered!" Vem quickly promised T'Ra before ordering the Minster's aide, "Get the minister to the medical bay, and alert every able-minded captain to attack the Shadow Collective on every possible front."
"A full-frontal assault? But, sir-"
"No, Captain. Admiral Carr has the right idea. We need to hit Maul hard and fast if we're to keep him off-balance and save our commanders. Do what the Admiral says." T'Ra ordered the Bothan captain, who reluctantly nodded before contacting the captured Star Destroyer's medical bay to prepare for an emergency patient.
"Since my people are immune to this psychic attack, we'll take the lead on this operation. Trace Maul's last signal and give me the coordinates. Once that's accomplished, contact Generals Hett, Kenobi, and Kota. We need to cut the beast's head clean off if we're to succeed in this mission. And that means we need to find and eliminate Maul before he finishes his work." Vem grimly stated.
Aboard the Yavanna's Forests
"Sir, the Jedi have found Maul." A comms officer reported to Vem. "He's aboard Dryden Vos's yacht, the First Light. They're preparing to enter and engage him, but Kota's requesting reinforcements as backup."
"Then have Tulkas Platoon prepare for combat." Vem ordered. "If we're going to help the Jeedai take down a Sith warlord, then we need to utilize the best forces in our disposal."
"Yes, Admiral."
As Vem reentered his cognition hood to examine the tactical feed from the battle, he instinctively knew that the situation was growing increasingly unstable for the New Republic.
Maul's dark meditation had thrown the fleet's command structure into utter chaos and lost them several squadrons and two capital ships before Vem had rallied the armada. Even the Jedi had suffered from the attack, nearly losing control before they could shake off the mental assault.
Still, the New Republic was not out of this fight yet, and they were enacting a heavy toll on the Shadow Collective's fleet. But this battle was quickly becoming anyone's guess, and Vem intended for his people to come out on top.
Meanwhile, Aboard the Nightbrother
"They are coming." Maul whispered while bloodthirstily smiling, a part of him relishing the chance to destroy four Jedi after years of laying low.
Contacting Dryden, he informed him, "The Jedi have found me, so we will soon have guests. Lock down the hangar when I give the signal. You and Commander Saxon will be in command of the fleet until I say otherwise."
"Very good, Lord Maul." The near-human deferred.
"Remember, do not deviate from the plan. Once the New Republic fully recovers from my attack, they will retaliate with a fierce ferocity." Maul warned his lieutenant.
Meanwhile, Aboard the Second Chance
Fourteen Hours and Forty Minutes From the Adega System
"My son's in the Sith's clutches now, and all that stands between him and falling to the Dark Side is his training, and an ex-Emperor's Hand to keep an eye on him." Ventis terrifyingly shook after Tau and Ahsoka gave him the tragic news from the Bloody Baron's report.
Celeste, silently warning both Palpatines to stop talking, consolingly remined him, "Don't count him out just yet, Ventis. He's a noble, honorable, and strong-willed man, and he will not forget what matters most to him, his family. Have faith in him, just like we all do."
Clutching onto the hand like an anchor in a storm, he reined in the bulk of his fear, and thanked his girlfriend, "Thank you, Celeste."
"You're welcome. Now, come on. Why don't we go work on the ship's weapons for a while? Doing mechanical work always helps to calm you down."
With the two elder Jedi heading to the ship's maintenance bay, Celebion warned Tau and Ahsoka, "For both your sakes, your contingency plan had better work out. Otherwise, I think Ventis will try to take matters into his own hands in saving him."
"We know." Tau nodded. "It's all in Eru's hands now."
Well, I think this is a good place to end the chapter! What did you all think, as I patched it together from several other chapters to create a better combination? And it only took me about 24 hours to construct this piece. I can assure you that it will not take as little time with the next chapter. So, how are you all doing on this warm day of Monday, October 5, 2020? I'm doing well, as I did some homework earlier, and will have an online class in less than three hours. And I hope that President Trump, his wife, and much of his inner circle will recover from the COVID-19 Virus quickly, as I believe that we need their leadership and strength now more than ever. If you believe differently, then that's your right and business, as outlined in the US Constitution. But I ask that you keep your comments respectful, as everyone should treat others based on how they would want to be treated. So, I think I'll send this chapter to Squasher and JSailer tomorrow, in order to give them a little break from revising my works after my many chapter drafts for my Jedi Odyssey Rewrite. I hope you all have a blessed day, and I hope to hear from you soon. May the Lord be with us all in these hard times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
