Hey, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm but rainy night of Friday, November 11, 2022? I'm okay, aside from being a bit worn from work and getting up early today for a doctor's appointment. But I have a few hours to rest before I go to bed and recuperate, so I figured I'd get started on this chapter. Oh, and I finished my Ben Carson book yesterday, so now I'll have to decide what to read next. But I have plenty of choices, with a couple more on the way, so I'm set. So, I feel it best to ask, have you all been enjoying my saga thus far? I would welcome any constructive advice you could give, as I am always looking to improve my storytelling and writing in general. Well, with all that out of the way, I'd best get started on this chapter, but I should let you know that I'll write one more main chapter before I do the Robonino interlude chapter. I just feel in the mood for that direction and want to go a bit further before I take a brief break from the main story. I hope you all have a blessed night, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
Two Days Earlier
0100 Hours, Selona 10th, 59 ABY
Naporar, Within the Expansionary Defense Fleet's Headquarters
Inside Supreme Admiral Ja'fosk's Office
Saganu, once a renowned and deeply conservative aristocra of House Miurani in the Chiss Ascendancy before he was revealed as a brainwashed One Sith collaborator and quickly ousted, was a man who rarely let his emotions show when in the company of his peers and superiors. But hearing what the Supreme Admiral, Supreme General, Aristocra Sev'eere'nuruodo, and Syndic Arazi'ar'alani all had in store for the disgraced and repentant traitor, it was beyond all fears and expectations that the disgraced Chiss could have ever predicted from this meeting.
"Could you run that by me again, please? I must have lost more of my mental faculties than I thought from the Sith and Rhandites' manipulations, because it sounded like you're willing to give me a chance at redemption." Came out the stunned and ineloquent response to the opportunity offered to him.
According to the four hosts, Saganu was to be given direct oversight of a squad of unofficial Galactic Alliance assets that would quietly work in rooting out the Sith-backed corruption plaguing the Ascendancy. This "Wraith Squadron", a maverick group that worked behind the scenes to end conspiracies and grave threats to galactic security before they became an official problem, their record was unmatched by any in skill, secrecy, and versatility by any official commando or black-ops squad in decades.
Having been dispatched here by General Wedge Antilles and the GA's chief of the Galactic Alliance Security, Garik Loran, they were already working overtime to understand and adapt to their new environment in such uncharted territory for the band of rogues, an admirable dedication he did not expect from such a disparate team from the Galactic Alliance.
While reading through the files compiled on each Wraith, Saganu admitted that they would undoubtably be invaluable in uprooting the Sith-backed network of informants and saboteurs embedded throughout the Ascendancy's core worlds and likely all its fringe territories. Although, he hoped the team's Yuuzhan Vong, even a former Shamed One that was among them and their ingenious scientist, would have a stellar set of disguises to avoid whipping the Chiss, their subjugated territories, or the regular forces of the Alliance of Light into a frenzy.
With their well-rounded group and long but unique list of experience from each member, the Wraiths could very well equal at least a platoon of the Ascendancy's best secret police agents, and that number was heavily up for debate. And if they gained a few contacts or recruits from the destitute or unconventional of the Ascendancy's ever-expanding population, it would be best for all parties to protect galactic security and keep such a flexible group in operation to quietly deal with such immense dangers.
But the key factor that Saganu did not understand of this entire operation was why the four leaders had decided on him to supervise their efforts. With his tainted record and his wounded mind following being freed from the influence of Dark Siders, only a fool or a desperate soul would be willing to put such a traitor in any kind of valuable position, and he did not know which option was worse for the Ascendancy.
Unaware of the self-loathing Saganu was experiencing, Sev'eere'nuruodo patiently explained, "You heard correctly, Saganu. Your past treason and regrets are precisely why you are the person best suited for this position. Among all the loyal Chiss, you know the most of how the remaining free traitors think, how they operate, and how far their reach extends across the Ascendancy and the entire Chaos. We can't afford to ignore any option or resource because of political inconveniences, and you're one of the most brilliant and tenacious leaders I've seen. You're more than up for this."
"And the Defense Council and Syndicature has agreed to this proposal? Or rather, is this one of your convoluted and clandestine measures?" Saganu skeptically quirked an eyebrow.
"I think you already know the answer to both questions." Arazi'ar'alani ruefully reminded the repentant aristocra. "You'll report directly to the Supreme Admiral on all your findings, and we and the Alliance will decide how to best apply the information, with your input after it is highly scrutinized, of course."
"And if I refuse to accept the offer?" Saganu challenged. "As noble and daring as your idea is, I don't want to risk any further division between our people and the Ruling and Great Families during this tenuous time by subverting the Ascendancy's power structures. You'd be better off seeking help from a more loyal and reputable leader in our ranks, or the Empire of the Hand's ranks if you're truly desperate."
"You will accept our offer, because the bonds between our people and our allies are far more fragile than you might believe. And you love the Ascendancy too much to see it tear itself apart right before you." Ba'Kif sadly countered.
Seeing something in the Supreme General's eyes that belied a terrible gravity he did not yet comprehend, Saganu uneasily asked, "What else aren't you all telling me about the situation?"
"Far too much for one secret meeting." Ja'fosk simply answered, his voice carrying untold sorrow, fear, and heartbreak that was begging to be divulged. "But you'll find out soon enough, once you take the job and contact your eleven new agents."
Glaring at the four leaders for what felt like an eternity, Sagunu closed his eyes, and reluctantly relented, "All right. If it will help save our people and society, I'll do it. Tell me where I need to start and how to get in contact with these Wraiths."
Back in the Present
0300 Hours, Selona 12th, 59 ABY
Hyperspace, On Route to the Sunrise System
Aboard the Quarren Eye
Inside the Wraiths's secret and mobile headquarters, the eleven long-serving members of the infamous and feared GA commando squad were all hard at work, each attentive and learning everything they could that was occurring in this unfriendly territory. Having been given instructions by Saganu to journey to one of the last conquests of the Grysk and Rhandites decades ago, the team was hard at work in preparing for their long-term mission deep in the Unknown Regions.
Voort saBinring, the sole Gamorrean with the ability to speak Galactic Basic Standard via a throat-mounted translator device and a genius-level mathematical acumen, had been the squadron's leader since its unofficial resurrection to take down two high-ranking members of the Lecersen Conspiracy, and was respected by all Wraiths of every generation for his quick-thinking and intricate leadership. Reading through the financial records stolen from Vagar Praxut's databases, he was already putting together a mental diagram of the network used to fund countless anti-Chiss efforts in their subjugated territories and how to track them across the Unknown Regions.
Sharr Latt, a Coruscant native and Wraith since the Yuuzhan Vong War, his expertise lay primarily in psychological warfare, though like all members of Wraith Squadron, he was also a capable pilot. His style of planning was best in slowly causing his targets to doubt their sanity through complex and convoluted schemes, and as the squad's second-on-command, he was hard at work studying the records of each target to pinpoint their vulnerabilities and develop the strategies to expose the Sith collaborators.
Sharr was assisted in that endeavor by Turman Durra, a male Clawdite and once-famed stage actor before joining the squadron, with his theatrical training as well as his shapeshifting making him an expert at impersonation and covert intrusion. But more relevant to the current mission was how Turman was working to help him get inside the minds of the enemy kingpins and craft several possible plans to take down each spy.
And the rest of the Wraiths were diligent in pulling their weight for the mission, each contributing towards a different field that would prove invaluable in this anti-corruption hunt.
Myri Antilles, the younger daughter of Wraith Squadron founder Wedge Antilles and New Republic Intelligence officer Iella Wessiri, and sister of Rogue Leader Syal Antilles, she was putting her talents in the use of disguises and her knowledge of dealing with corrupt elements to use, having originally made her living on the casino vessel Errant Venture as a gambler and informant. Combined with the Ascendancy's intelligence briefings of the groups the team would encounter, they would be well-prepared when the fight began. But not one to stay idle for long, she was putting in a few extra hours a day to learn the inner workings of the types of starfighters used out in the Unknown Regions and instruct the rest of the Wraiths in honing their skills, since their typical assortment of X-Wings and other military and civilian craft in the known galactic regions.
Thaymes Fodrick, a reputed slicer who could get into virtually any computer system, was hard at work in finding and accumulating all possible information on the enemy agents and war profiteers to help the Chiss clean up their ranks and outer territories. But due to his lack of skill with blasters, despite everyone's best efforts, he would mainly work in coordinating the Wraith's efforts aboard their vessels and makeshift bases of operations.
Jesmin Tainer, the daughter of two former Wraiths, Kell and Tyria Sarkin Tainer, was especially going to be a powerful asset for the team on this assignment, given her vast and unique skill sets. Strong in the Force and trained as both a Jedi and an Antarian Ranger, the young Tainer also supplemented her experience while assumed the identity of Zilaash Kuh, a Force-strong bounty hunter, searching for her fiancé's killers while taking other jobs, sometimes at the discretion of then-Chief of State Natasi Daala, before she eventually settled into the Wraiths as their infiltration specialist, being proud of her stealth and ability to kill with only one shot each, as per the Antarian Ranger motto.
Viull Gorsatt, a Yuuzhan Vong Extolled and the team's biofabricator, was responsible for creating the neoglith masquer disguises the Wraiths used in many of their heists to maintain funding and complete their regular operations, was preparing the many surprises he had in store for their enemies. They would certainly be unconventional, even by the Wraiths' crazy standards.
Huhunna, a Wookiee female aerialist, was preparing to use her wilderness survival, infiltration, and outdoors' skills to help her teammates survive in the hostile conditions of the world. She would enjoy showing these frontiersmen how the Wraiths exposed corruption back in their part of the galaxy, having exposed many Galactic Alliance officers who abused their rank and privileges since she witnessed Darth Caedus's orbital bombardment of her home planet of Kashyyyk.
Trey Courser, a mechanical engineer by trade, thereby allowing him to serve as the unit's machinist, technician, droid fabricator, and light-duty slicer. He was also skilled with the use of explosives. Courser also was devoted to physical fitness, exercising daily and had the muscles to show for it. But his once-flirtatious ways would likely prove useful in gaining information from a few lonely women, even if his wife, Jesmin, was not fond of him getting reacquainting with those old and unreputable habits from his youth.
Wran Narcassan, the nephew of former Wraith Shalla Nelprin, was noted for his prowess as a sniper and close-combat expert, to the point where he used to be sought after by all sorts of private contractors and martial arts instructors. Fortunately, he turned them all down to remain loyal to his friends and to a higher cause. Also being a deep philosophical soul, he would be invaluable in working with Sharr and Turman in gaining insight into their enemies' mindset while establishing a network of contacts among the Ascendancy's fringe worlds alongside Myri.
Lastly, Drikall Bessarah, a male Devaronian who joined the effort to take down General Thaal and acted as the team's medic, even without an official medical license, he was still a master of crafting all sorts of medicinal products and sedatives. Learning all he could about the dozens of previously unknown species out in this part of the galaxy, the unofficial doctor would enjoy experimenting with all sorts of new procedures, poisons, and medicines to help the Wraiths excise this terrible tumor in the Chiss's ranks.
Knowing the team would likely be in uncharted territory for the rest of this war's duration, everyone carried themselves with a rare seriousness and uncommon level of diligence. Everyone knew the full score this time, so there was no room for error or underestimating their opponents, so they needed to be prepared for all possible contingencies they might be forced to utilize upon first contact.
With the commando squad heading towards a planetwide immigration center and major industrial center for the Chiss following its liberation from the reborn Nikardun Dynasty, the Wraiths were ready for rampant corruption among the administrators, sheer desperation of the refugees, and opportunism of the Sith allies, meaning they would have few friends and many enemies upon arriving. Well, they had experienced similar odds many times since the squad's resurrection, and they would just have to triumph again.
But there was another batch of emotions each Wraith held, those that were far more childlike in nature. They were excited to see worlds previously unexplored by all but a few individuals of their species, and they hoped to pick up a few new allies and friends among the disparate races and worlds they would encounter and interact with. Who knows? They might even find a few new Wraiths to add to their ranks if they were fortunate enough. Aside from learning new skills, it was long past time the unit got a bit of new blood to add to their ranks and keep its future going for at least another generation.
0500 Hours
Horuset System, Korriba Scar Asteroid Belt
Aboard the Sadow Asteroid-Superstructure
Within the Command Center
Iskalloni cyberneticist Wantos Myyric, not typically a man who displayed emotions, took a moment to marvel at all the work done on Edaan Palpatine. Alongside 11-4D and Lady Sorzus, the trio had made astounding and ground-breaking progress in converting the Jedi Knight into Lord Krayt's ultimate fighting machine.
When their work was complete, Edaan would be the vanguard of destruction and darkness that Irek Ismaren could never have been after his degeneration into Lord Nyax and his death on Vong-occupied Coruscant by Luke Skywalker and a select team of Jedi and New Republic infiltrators. No, the Palpatine scion would be the Darth Vader of this era, but unlike the long-dead fallen Jedi-turned-Sith Lord, he would be more than a broken man, a simple military commander or Jedi hunter, or a blunt instrument of the reigning Sith. He would be at the head of Krayt's army as the One Sith conquered the galaxy and destroyed all their opposition before leading the galaxy against a reborn Abeloth.
Not only had they installed dozens of experimental cybernetic components inside Edaan to amplify his body's already great resilience and natural strength, many of them cybernetic implants to maintain and refine his mental faculties, but the Sith had injected a new type of nanotechnology to augment his body's cellular structure, thereby raising his physical abilities to levels unimaginable if he were to remain purely organic. In fact, his alterations would be so extensive, that he would be projected to grow well past a normal human size, at least two meters tall, after the experiments were perfected once the Sith were the sole galactic power and could direct even more resources to this project.
But the technological modifications were far from finished. Six lightsabers were about to be surgically implanted into his body along with sub-dermal armor pads, allowing the Palpatine scion to attack an enemy from every conceivable angle and endure all but the worst weapons' that could possibly be directed at him. And the supercomputer now embedded in his mind would work to stimulate parts of his brain and grant him far greater mastery over the Force than was possible as a purely organic Jedi Knight.
Without the numerous contingencies designed into each piece of hardware and Sorzus's natural ability to manipulate and rewrite the minds of even the strongest minds, making Edaan unbreakably loyal to the One Sith and Lord Krayt, Wantos would wholeheartedly believe such an endeavor was suicidal and an utter waste of countless resources, all of which could easily be spent on more mundane, reliable, or realistic projects regarding this war.
At their current progress rate, the three scientists expected to be done with their great work in no more than three weeks, a whole eight days before the original projected date of completion. Lord Krayt would be most pleased, especially since everyone could hopefully leave that much sooner than estimated after they dealt several powerful blows to the Jedi and their legions of allies.
But Wantos had an uneasy feeling Sorzus would be as well, doubts that were not due professional reasons or questioning her loyalty. Why a woman of Sorzus's species and affiliation was willing to entertain the idea of taking a human cyborg as a potential lover was beyond the Iskalloni's conceptions, but he knew many organics were not easy to comprehend. And if it kept her content and loyal to the Grand Design, then he would be willing to let such an unconventional indulgence slide.
The only issue Wantos truly contended with Sorzus was her unwillingness to install a behavioral modification chip inside Edaan as a final precaution against any potential defiance or rebellion. If some vestige of the original Edaan somehow survived his indoctrination, or he grew to be too powerful for Lord Krayt to control, then the Sith would need an insurance policy to ensure their investment did not destroy everything in his way and could be put down before he became a galactic threat.
To his consternation, neither Sorzus nor Krayt agreed with his practical solution, believing their sorcery would be enough to keep Edaan in check. All he could do was try to calculate the odds of the Palpatine cyborg going rogue and devising a way to stop him before he inflicted irreparable damage on the One Sith, all the while hoping those options were never utilized.
0800 Hours
Coruscant, Jedi Temple
Within the Temple's Catacombs
Running a hand across the bronzium door, Kyle was grateful he and Zekk brushed up on their ancient Sith on the way to the capital world. Knowing what both Jedi Masters must do to open the Shrine of the Depths to the Jedi, they were not looking forward to the next few days of preparations before implementing their strategy, but they would do what was necessary to uproot the Sith's hold on Coruscant.
Having once succumbed to the Dark Side on the ancient Sith world of Dromund Kaas, only to be saved by Mara Jade at great risk, Kyle remembered every agonizing moment of his brush with evil, and the forbidden knowledge buried deep in the planet's millennia of history and its network of temples, which imprinted itself in his mind as an everlasting temptation to the Jedi Grand Master. And Zekk, with his long-buried ties to the Second Imperium as its "Darkest Knight" before being redeemed by his childhood friend in Jaina, he had a connection to the Dark Side that could never fully be broken, and that bond was used at great personal risk to drive Ship away from Sith accomplice Alema Rar and seek out a new master near the height of the Second Galactic Civil War.
Both Jedi knew that such a link to the Dark Side was a crucial component in opening the shrine to the Alliance of Light, and it would be the ultimate test of their connection to the Light Side and their loved ones. Even the anchors Kyle and Zekk brought with them would not be enough to keep them from the brink of eternal darkness.
But as much as they regretted this, such risks were necessary if they hoped to deprive the Sith of a powerful weapon and one day rebuild the Jedi's presence on Coruscant, but with a few critical reforms to avoid repeating the mistakes of the previous Jedi Order's iteration in its final millennia, and the reborn Order in its years leading up to its banishment from the Galactic Alliance.
And speaking of risks, Kyle knew the Alliance was taking such a titanic gamble with letting a potential network of Sith agents so close to such a valued prize. But if both Ambassador Dorvans were to come through with their promised reinforcements by the end of the week, then everyone would be well prepared for whatever treachery the enemy had in store if they struck back. Until then, everyone had to perform at their best and act as if they knew nothing of the Sith collaborators' treachery. Hopefully, Tionne, Kirney, and Tayrn would be able to uncover the truth of this matter before any preemptive measures were needed.
1200 Hours
Dathomir, In the Singing Mountains
Within the Refugee Camps
Handling one small crate after another, each one filled with food and medical supplies, to the beleaguered Jedi-backed clans and recent immigrants, Adari felt an uneasy sense of déjà vu at remembering how she had repeated such a gesture not even a year ago, when Kesh was being freed from Sith tyranny by the Jedi. Recalling the Jedi and their kindness, the professionalism of their allies as they kept watch over the occupied citizens, and the resentment of her fellow Keshiri over bringing a galactic war to their home, the newlywed Palpatine wondered could not help but see the similarities in the many families standing in line to receive supplies.
Briefly wondering if the anger among the Dathoimirians would eventually ferment into full-blown hatred and betrayal against their friends and neighbors for this tragedy, Adari knew the Jedi and their allies would need to devote many years, perhaps even decades, to repairing the frayed bonds and rebuilding the galaxy after the One Sith were destroyed.
And it was a mission she would wholeheartedly support, having seen enough death and desolation to last a lifetime. The Empire had the Imperial Mission, the Galactic Alliance had the Reconstruction Authority, each dedicated rebuilding their portions of the galaxy after terrible wars, and the Jedi once had a Service Corps to extend its mission to the outlying worlds, so it was only natural for the rest of the galaxy to take such initiative in helping heal the wounded galaxy countless souls called home.
And when Allana became Queen Mother and succeeded her mother, the Hapes Consortium would finally finish its transformation into a more open society and work for far more than its entitled Duchas or fending off power plays and countless intrigue from all corners. Adari did not know the Jedi Knight and Chume'da for very long, but she could tell the human was desperate to atone for her father's atrocities as a Sith Lord and make her mark on the galaxy while helping the galaxy's denizens find peace and fellowship amongst each other.
Those were all noble goals, and Adari would be honored to help her new friend in her quest every step of the way after this war ended and the Palpatines were reunited, started their family, and walked away from all the calamities of war to dedicate their lives towards saving and nurturing lives rather than taking them. She already lost her husband once, and the moment when she got him back, she would not let him go ever again until death did them part.
But while she yearned to reunite with her husband, she hoped her time here would last a little while, if only to figure out her own place in the galaxy, her role in the Alliance of Light, and her future as an expectant mother. Much as she loved Edaan and would support him no matter what, she did not want to be shunted to the sidelines and play housewife when countless people needed her help. Hopefully, spending a few days here before going after the Sith on their home turf would be the balm of clarity she craved.
1500 Hours
Coruscant, Senate District
Galactic Alliance Navy Command Complex
Within the Director of Galactic Alliance Security's Office
Devouring every piece of information being offered to him by General Loran and his army of field agents, Kajin gratefully nodded, "I'm quite relieved to read how you're taking such initiative alongside the Joint Chiefs in pacifying the Galactic Alliance's agitated populace. We certainly don't need another insurrection threatening to tear through all our worlds."
"Just as I am thankful to know you're working equally hard to rebuild the Senate while strengthening our anti-corruption efforts and ramping up all our production of all military materials." Garik politely returned. "It will reassure the people to know that you're following in Chief of State Dorvan's wise footsteps."
"Yes. Having most of our late senators' sectors conduct emergency elections while coordinating with the planetary governors and military sectorial commands will hopefully ease the process of rebuilding the public's trust in our elected officials." Kajin concurred.
"But we have a long way to go before we're all safe and secure again, and we still have many problems persisting or cropping up. And as for Rodan and his allies, I'm afraid we've lost track of them after they left Hesperidium for Coruscant." Garik regrettably admitted, earning a weary sigh from the Chief of State. "We're working around the clock to find them again, but it will take time on a planet with a population of well over a trillion individuals."
"I'm calling in Coruscant Security Force to assist with the hunt, and I've already gained the Jedi's aid in helping us, with the Rogues' Gallery agreeing to coordinate our efforts. Their supercomputers and agents will be crucial in the manhunt."
"Excellent." Kajin nodded before recommending, "I'd suggest starting by compiling a list of the planet's high-class citizens and power brokers and determining which ones would be most sympathetic to Daala and her interests, then do the same with every citizen in each district. I know I don't need to tell you this, but make sure to ignore no leads, no matter how obscure or irrelevant each one might seem."
"An excellent proposal. I'll get a team on it within the next two hours." Garik settled, already typing on his datapad to create a list of the most qualified GAS agents to oversee such a vital task.
"And in the meantime, I think I will go for a light walk in this secure compound before I return to my safe house." Kajin ruefully smiled. "If I'm going to be shuffled away like part of the witness protection program for the rest of the war, I might as well enjoy a bit of filtered sunlight and get some exercise in."
"Well, if that's the case, you might as well enjoy our recreational facility and gymnasium. But you'll need a good disguise, though." Garik mischievously smirked, his smile growing even wider when he saw how Kajin squirmed.
"How long have you wanted to do this to me?" The Cerean politician blanched.
"Not you in particular, Chief of State Yimmon. Just call it a weakness back from my time as a Wraith, an overall master of disguise, and a holonet star when I was a wide-eyed youth." Garik lightheartedly clarified with a casual shrug and laugh.
1600 Hours
Korriban, Sith Catacombs
Everything was now in place to uproot and preemptively eliminate the turncoat. With the last of Wyyrlok's preparations complete, and SCAR Squadron 99 secretly watching over him to ensure the would-be defector did not ambush him in a moment of vulnerability, the final investigation could begin within his squad's ranks. Nox and See-Chok both told him that their groups were thoroughly searched for any hint of treachery and came up empty, which only left someone in the Chagrian's own party as the Jedi's spy. And there was only one foreseeable way to expose them before they could damage the Grand Design any further.
Knowing how time was short, Wyyrlok decided to forego subtlety in his approach and preempt the traitor through bold action before destroying them with a united front. Interrogating each suspect would take far too long, and wrongfully sowing division through incomplete and intricate accusations spelled doom for every Sith in this underground network. If he hoped to eradicate this virus before his people converged on their sworn enemies, he had to act swiftly and boldly.
But before he could make his declaration, he heard a lightsaber ignite, and turned to see the Iteration scan the area before grimly alerting everyone, "We're not alone in here as you all believe."
Wondering what the clone meant before sensing the same disturbance he felt, Wyyrlok quickly pulled out both his lightsabers and extended his senses. Using the Force and all its boundless power, he realized the Jedi had found them, and they were arriving in numbers strong enough to rival Wyyrlok's faction.
Swiftly ordering his vigilant acolytes, he unleashed a battering storm of lightning to fully illuminate the area, exposing the shadows of several unidentified figures while proclaiming to his fellow Sith, "To arms!"
1700 Hours
Horuset System, Near Korriban's Orbit
Aboard the Slave I
For decades, Boba Fett had prided himself on maintaining a cool and detached demeanor while hunting all his prey, with allowing himself few exceptions to prevent emotion or adrenaline from overtaking his reason, just as his father did before becoming a bounty hunter and eventual Manda'lor after his death by a Jedi. And yet, gunning down half a wing's worth of the Sith's starfighters, including many of the Neo Death Watch's pitiful remnants while deploying seismic charges to inflict heavy damage on a Lecersen-led Star Destroyer, it brought a rare smile to his covered face at the chance to rid the galaxy of such terrible nuisances.
So far, the Alliance had managed to hold its own against the One Sith, and with their reinforcements from the Outer Rim Alliance, a coalition comprised of about two-dozen worlds led by the young Zygerria Republic, the fortunes of war were slowly shifting into the Jedi-backed union's favor and pushing the Sith back. Meanwhile Clan Djarin and the Calrissians were leading the hunt for the Sith's network of strongholds across the system for their captured youth and the Jedi's most famous poster boy since the Skywalkers, making astonishing progress in pinpointing many of their facilities, with only about thirty-eight percent of the two asteroid belts mapped yet.
If he were given the opportunity, he might have taken this job for free, if only to keep his people safe from their influence and prove the Mandalorians' superiority over all Force Users and their cohorts.
Unfortunately, according to the groundside Jedi and their mysterious contact in the One Sith, Krayt was ready to enter the fray and lead his disciples in a vicious counterattack within Ship, the very same Sith vessel used by Vestara for many years after she deserted the Skywalker heir for Krayt's orders and bewitched Mirta with lies and promises of pointless revenge. Remembering the countless lives Vestara and her co-conspirators wasted or ruined, it was enough to drive most weaker souls to enact a bloody vengeance, and Fett, strong as he was, was no exception to such an overwhelming desire.
How ironic, then, that Mirta and Vestara were both fighting alongside the Jedi to rescue one of their own from Sith captivity, and a Palpatine Jedi Knight, no less, while Fett, no lover of any Force User, was fighting alongside one idealistic coalition of them against their more brutal cousins and their willing dupes.
Perhaps the Force, the manda, or whatever higher power that might exist indeed had a twisted sense of humor. If whatever deity existed had any sense of justice, they'd let Fett, or anyone in the Alliance but a Jedi, really, have the honor and glory of doing Krayt in right here and now for all the depraved anarchy his order instilled into the galaxy.
Though, knowing how the galaxy typically worked, such prospects were all but impossible, but it helped to hope.
1745 Hours
Korriban, Sith Catacombs
Fending back Jaina's relentless thrusts and the coordinated blaster fire of Inferno Squad, Wyyrlok was quickly able to see how the unlikely team was able to hold such a renowned reputation across the Empire. Covering each other whenever one member faltered while maintaining a perfect offensive, the Imperials were more than able to hold their own against the One Sith's second-strongest member, even with his great mastery of the Dark Side and advanced control and knowledge over every form of Lightsaber combat, bearing several new scars across his face and armor from their coordinated defense.
Across the small warzone, underway inside the tomb of Sith Exile and Founder of the Sith Order Darth XoXaan, everyone, Jedi, Sith, Alliance, each fighter was engaged in a fight for utter survival. Neither side would give any ground, even with both faction's numbers being thinned by the chaos of battle. Even with the Jedi and their allies being assaulted by the planet's natural dark energies, the intruders remained resolute and held their ground, giving as much death and injury as they were dealt.
But the Sith still held the advantage in numbers and position, and more Sith were on the way from the Dark Citadel to reinforce their brethren. It was only a matter of time before everything fell into place.
SCAR Squadron 99 was especially proving its worth before Wyyrlok, with its members keeping many of the Jedi on the defensive while tearing through much of their lesser allies. Whatever training or enhancements they received from Darth Sidious's empire, it was clear how they were of a greater caliber than all but the most elite commando squads of the galaxy.
'Wyyrlok, we have a problem.' See-Chok quickly alerted the Sith regent, nearly breaking his concentration from the suddenness and urgency of this communication. 'My acolytes and I, we've completely lost track of Vestara's team, and we can't pick up the trail.'
'The same holds true for me as well for Phasma and her squads.' Nox grimly reported. 'We think our traitors have given them a shortcut to the citadel while they cloak all their presences in the Force.'
Hateful fury enveloping him at this dire news, Wyyrlok let his anger empower him and he held out both hands and clenched his fists, choking every Jedi and Alliance operative caught in his vicinity. Seeing nothing but red, he knew only one thing could abate the bottomless rage and readied himself to execute the defilers of sacred ground before resuming his hunt for the remainder of the Alliance infiltrators and their secret asset.
Allowing himself a vicious smile while spitting out a loose tooth from an earlier blow by a rifle butt to his jaw, Wyyrlok felt a gasp of breath escape him, and all feeling beneath his arms was completely severed before he fell to his knees, and his would-be victims were released.
Though he could not see who had ambushed him, his connection to the Force was still as sharp as ever, and he could not believe he lost track of the traitorous clone amid all this chaos.
"Didn't see that one coming, did you, Sith slime?" The Iteration mockingly smirked before pulling the vibro-dagger out from Wyyrlok's back, allowing the Sith to fully fall onto the cold hard ground beneath him. Before he could try and warn Krayt or anyone else, he felt a hard boot crack against his skull, and the searing pain completely overwhelmed him, darkness claiming his mind.
The last thoughts he had were of fear for his followers' survival, hope that his daughter would learn from his failures, and a vow to survive long enough to enact his vengeance on Nala Se's traitorous waste of an experiment before he was executed for this travesty. Only after he vowed revenge did he lose consciousness.
1800 Hours
Just Outside Korriban Orbit
Aboard Ship
'I have identified the traitor amidst Wyyrlok's party, Lord Krayt.' Ship loyally communicated to the One Sith's leader. 'It is exactly as you all feared. The Edaan-Iteration fell prey to the Jedi and the Aphra girl's influence and is working with them in undoing all your efforts. I sense the echoes of his commands on the Tuk'ata hound guiding Vestara's faction towards the citadel, and I can see into his soul. It is filled with the same light as his progenitor before Sorzus began her work on him.'
Already failing to keep his rising fury under control, he felt something deep within the Dread Lord's mind snap upon confirming what he already suspected.
Now knowing that all of Nala Se's exhaustive efforts to recreate Edaan had completely backfired, and how Krayt had given the Jedi a backdoor into virtually all his strategies and endgame, he released a primal scream, one which, enhanced by his immense connection to the Force, obliterated every starfighter in the meditation sphere's vicinity and crushing five Alliance corvettes foolish enough to try and attack him on their own. Not only were most of the Alliance's dogged pursuers ripped apart from the shockwave, but many of the Sith's remnants of the Neo Death Watch before the Force Users in both factions withdrew from their dogfights to regroup.
Breathing out and focusing his anger on more productive uses, he intensely barked out to the self-aware Sith construct, "Tell Wyyrlok to dispose of the clone immediately, and have him alert me the minute the deed is done!"
'I am afraid that order comes too late, Dread Lord, for he and his team are retreating and regrouping to stay alive from the Jedi's ambush, and they already know of the Iteration's deception. Wyyrlok and many others have been gravely injured or killed from the Iteration's treachery, and they are being evacuated to the citadel for the time being to save each of their lives.'
'Fortunately, I have informed your Citadel's defenders of the Palpatine clone's treason, so they will dispatch reinforcements to ensure his death and everyone else who stands in your way.' Ship deferentially countered, calming Krayt's rage and allowing him to reach out and continue coordinating the battle that was progressing right before him.
'But there is more to report, and it is far more dire. The Jedi and their allies have sent out a call for reinforcements, and they will soon arrive, in no more than three hours. And I sense their scouts closing in on another five holding pens.' Ship warned his latest master.
It was setback after setback with the Grand Design, and it was infuriating Krayt to no end! The reigning Dark Lord of the Sith knew his cause would suffer dearly in usurping the Jedi's hold over the galaxy, but never did he foresee how maddening the task would be of maintaining his hold over his own armies and followers while managing a multi-pronged war.
Fortunately for him, by remembering both his Jedi and Sith training and not wishing to cost his armies any more soldiers and disciples, he redirected all his energies into preparing a counterattack and evacuating his endangered facilities. And since he still had a few reserves to call upon in saving his people and essential operations, he figured it was time to call upon them while his faltering coalition still had a chance of salvaging this battle.
But more immediate was the escalating disaster beneath the tombs of Korriban. If the Jedi managed to break into his ancient Citadel, eliminate its defenders, and seize the information sequestered away the damage they could do to his ranks and plans would be catastrophic and irreparable. He couldn't afford to let that risk take hold, which meant taking several precautions and adjusting his plan accordingly.
Since the Jedi wanted to enter his fortress so desperately, he would relent and let them in. But getting out and returning to their own would be another matter altogether, one that he would use to his complete advantage over the next few weeks before finally leaving Korriban behind.
1900 Hours
Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple
Within the Strategic Conference Hall
Analyzing the data coming in from their allied commanders from the ongoing Korriban operation, the assembled Jedi and Alliance of Light leadership felt a pit of dread swiftly grow in their hearts as the One Sith's network of prisons and conversion centers became increasingly clear to them, horrifying all at Krayt's depraved lengths to grab power for himself and his order of Dark Siders.
Thanks to the Calrissians' probe droids, the Alliance's scouts, and the Jedi's new and unexpected ally in the Sith-bred Iteration who called himself "Tau Palpatine", everyone knew that Krayt had established a total of twenty-one stations across the system in both its two asteroid belts, and they had already located half of the twenty still-functional bases. While ten still had to be tracked down by their scouts, it would only be only a matter of days before they were uncovered and all the prisoners within could soon be liberated.
But if they hoped to free all the twenty fortresses, keep the pressure on Krayt's personal fleet, and give their groundside forces enough time to complete their objective, the Alliance was going to need to redivert far more ships and troops than expected towards Korriban before the week was over.
That was the purpose of this impromptu call, and everyone agreed on all key points. No matter the risk by opportunists or as-of-yet unknown enemies, the Alliance needed to seize the initiative and liberate the Sith's main base of operations before all their efforts were in vain.
The only questions that remained were who would join the fight, and who would stay behind to guard the rear. The Hutts, Mandalorians, and their Galactic Alliance allies were already on their way to the battlefront, and if the rest of the Alliance of Light wanted to avoid a one-sided massacre by the Sith, they needed to act quickly before this crucial window of opportunity slipped away from them. The Jedi had a few allies to call upon to reach Korriban before the week was over, but they would need far more to turn the tide.
Perhaps, it was time for the Alliance to make a few entreaties deep into the Outer Rim and build upon the precariously thin framework Edaan had established long ago with several fringe Force organizations. It certainly could not hurt for any of them to try at this point.
1940 Hours
Korriban, Sith Catacombs
Within Darth XoXaan's Tomb
"Gee, quite a warm reception you have for the man who saved you all from death only a few hours ago." Tau sarcastically jibed Jaina and Ferren. Having helped turn the tide of battle while driving the remaining One Sith and their Imperial clone allies out of the tomb, he was quickly seized of all his weapons and restrained with special Force-suppression binders until the Alliance could verify if he was the turncoat they were warned of.
"One can never be too careful with a man of your origins, abilities, and possible surprises. We never know what hidden and leftover programming your mind might contain that the Aphra women could have missed." Ferren stoically returned, not betraying any emotion or remorse at the poor first meeting.
"How original." Tau bitterly grumbled before annoyingly pointing out, "You guys do realize the Sith are undoubtedly heading back to the Dark Citadel and will run right into your two teams and my two friends. If we want to prevent a slaughter of our allies and find my brother's precise location in this system, then we need to get going now."
"I know." Jaina concurred before surprising all yet again by using the Force to undo Tau's binders. But right as he got to his feet, she placed her unlit lightsaber before his left temple, and warned, "We're heading out now, and you're coming with us to show us the quickest way to the Citadel. But let me make one thing clear. One slip-up, one hint of deceit, and it'll be off with your head before you can even register it. Do you understand?"
"As clear as the snow of Ilum." Tau calmly answered, telekinetically recovering his lightsaber, crafted to resemble Yuuzhan Vong Yorik coral from Iden's belt. Adding almost as an afterthought, he noted, "You know, after we finish up on this desolate rock, I need to purify my synth crystal so it can take on a much more suitable color. Red just… isn't my type."
'A strange one indeed.' Jaina mused, remembering both her late brothers with his keen mind and odd taste in humor. Hopefully, she would not have to make good on her warning, but she instinctively knew the foreboding the Force granted her that gripped her heart revolved around one of the two men bearing the Palpatine name. Whether that meant Tau or Edaan was the threat she feared, it was yet to be determined.
Although, with Tau's warning of Wyyrlok's daughter turning the original Palpatine heir into a vanguard of the Sith's armies, she had a feeling the enigma of Tau Palpatine would be invaluable in the coming months, provided he could fully prove himself to the current Sword of the Jedi and the rest of the Alliance. He had already made a good start with his leaks to the Jedi of the Sith's operations in the Unknown Regions, retrieving the Mortis Dagger and a copy of the Sith's digital archive alongside the Aphra women and Jaing, and devising a way to break Edaan's conditioning.
Hopefully he will continue to impress and prove Jaina wrong, but after all the scars and losses she suffered over the years, the last surviving child of Han and Leia Organa Solo was an especially hard woman to befriend and earn her complete trust.
2000 Hours
Shedu Maad Orbit
Aboard the Keldabe-class battleship Ursa
Having heard the reports from Mand'alor and the Jedi on a positive identification for her stolen ship, Sabine Wren, longtime freedom fighter, friend of the Jedi, and Mandalorian clan leader, had ordered her crew to get word out to Jagged Fel and his subordinates to warn them of the danger, and an offer of assistance in apprehending the Sith. If Krayt's people were using the Ghost to infiltrate the Empire, then it would be best to have a contingency in place to prepare for whatever operation they had underway, especially with a ship as versatile as the CEC VCX-100 light freighter with decades of modifications.
Graciously appreciating the gesture, the Imperial Head of State was willing to allow a team, but no larger than twenty Mandalorians and two ships. With old and bitter wounds between the democratic government and mercenary society leaving relations rather cool, the Fel patriarch believed it best to exercise prudence in this instance.
That was fine with Sabine, since she would only need a small number of her people to work with the Imperials in taking back the Ghost and capturing whatever Sith were desecrating one of her old homes. Meanwhile, her children would lead her clan to Korriban in expelling the Sith and rescuing many of the galaxy's captive initiates. Much as they denied it, Hera and Ezra were more than capable of leading Clan Wren in her absence, and it was time for them to start fully living up to their great family name and legacy.
2100 Hours
Shedu Maad Jedi Temple
Within the Temple's Medical Wing
In Luke Skywalker's Cabin
Finally finished with today's set of examinations and preparing for his upcoming physical therapy, Luke was relieved to be alone, where no one could sense how he was more anxious than in many years and what felt like a lifetime ago. Trapped in this medical bed and being watched by dozens of alert Jedi and the temple's loyal staff, he couldn't do anything to stem the rising darkness eating the galaxy alive and putting his family, all his loved ones, and the Jedi Order he spent decades rebuilding, in terrible danger from all manner of evils.
Reaching out to Korriban, no matter how much the toll the exertion took on his weary body and mind, he sensed terrible dark currents rise from the ancient bastion of evil, whether it was from the battle ongoing across the system, or from the hunt underway beneath the planet's surface, and he instinctively knew the tide of war was turning against the Alliance of Light.
But the darkness surrounding the planet was trivial with the immense level of insidious energies surrounding Edaan, which was a terrifying comparison when remembering Korriban's eons-old connection with the Dark Side and its countless adherents. Though he could not pinpoint the Palpatine Jedi's exact location within the system's two asteroid belts, he instinctively knew the Sith were conducting unholy experiments on him and working to remake him into an ultimate weapon of mass destruction and to demoralize the Jedi's federation. The only relief he had was how Ben, K'Kruhk, and Jaina were still alive, and leading their teams to Krayt's citadel to strike a blow against his order.
And somewhere deep in the Unknown Regions, there were even more powerful whispers growing in strength, with a level of power and darkness he had not felt since facing Abeloth during the climactic battle in Beyond Shadows alongside Darth Krayt. Whether the implications meant that the Bringer of Chaos was growing close to being resurrected, the Sith and Sorcerers of Rhand and their machinations were reaching new depths, or another threat was preparing to make its presence known, like Daala and whatever shadow group she was involved in, it was as of now unclear.
But through the shroud of the Dark Side, one thing was becoming abundantly clear about this escalating situation; the elder Skywalker was powerless to do anything about the several growing crises while bedridden and observed for any signs of a relapse of his old Abeloth and Celestial-related Dark Side wounds.
While he knew his time of leading the Jedi was long over, and that he could not, nor would he, carry the burden of leading or saving the galaxy on his own, the fear of losing all he held dear and letting billions of innocents suffer still ate away at him. Surely there had to be something he could do in assisting the Alliance against these multiple enemies while recuperating from his old wounds and regaining his strength for the coming final battles. If countless souls across every world were willing to stand up for what was right and risk their lives for a greater good, why should he get any special treatment?
Well, simply thinking about the escalating situation was not going to get anything solved. It was time for Luke to rejoin the fight, and that meant convincing Masters Cilghal and Tekli to let him help in a limited capacity. If he could not fight on the front lines for a few more months while he was recuperating, he would just have to get more creative in his assistance, just as he did back when he was in a semi-retirement and founded his own intelligence network to supplement the Jedi's endeavors.
2130 Hours
Hyperspace, On Route to the Horuset System
Aboard the Chelandion-class Warship Varl's Archon
"We're nearing the Horuset System, and we'll debark hyperspace by the hour's end." Azzim Anjilic Atirue, Hutt entrepreneur and rising star in the Anjiliac kajidic, conferred with both his superior and the leaders of the Alliance task force. Attempting to lighten the tension, he added, "Hopefully, we won't have to do all the fighting out there and save the day. I'm sure most of our people wouldn't want to have the galactic spotlight like you and your old friends in the Jedi."
"If that is your attempt at a joke, Azzim, it is rather poor in taste and timing." Tenel Ka factually stated.
"Oh, like you'd know that much about good jokes, if even a third of the rumors I've heard from your court's servants are true." Parella Jiramma Baco, Hutt kajidic and leader of the Hutt Grand Council's anti-Sith task force, chortled to the Queen Mother of the Hapes Consortium, earning small and genuine smirks from the red-haired and one-armed monarch, as well as the rest of the assembled leadership.
"Remind me to get the names of your informants. I will have to do a bit of housekeeping after we deal with the Sith and their collaborators." Tenel Ka amusingly mentioned.
"Regardless of the Queen Mother's rather… debatable taste in humor," Sidon Ithano, a well-respected Delphidian and pro-Jedi privateer of many decades, politely cut in, "the situation is rather grim for our allies both in space and on the ground if the reports we're all receiving are correct. You will need to fight with all the cunning, resilience, and strength so many of your people lack if you hope to survive long enough for us to bolster your position."
"Relax, Captain Ithano, because we all know the score on this one." Azzim agreed. "And we will be sure to give Krayt's Sith a bloody nose they'll never forget before you join us."
Glancing at Octa, the young Hutt lord good-naturedly lamented, "A shame you cannot use your shortcut without risking fraying the fabric of time and space or giving the Sith another tool to decimate the Alliance's ranks."
"I'm sure you'll manage for a while." Octa played along. "You've already proven your worth on both your earlier fronts of Batuu and Mandalorian Space. All you need to do is hold out for a few days against overwhelming odds while playing hero. It should be a worthy test of each of your intellect and resourcefulness."
"Hopefully, we can get there in just three." Ezra Wren solemnly commented. "I don't want to risk any more lives than necessary against a planet as depraved and treacherous as Korriban."
"All right, let's try to save the banter or grim predictions for after we finish the mission, wipe out the Sith's command structure, and free all their captives. We're about to enter the fight of our lives, and we'll need to concentrate before we enter the fray." Thern Savar, a rising leader of Galactic Alliance Security and commander of Task Force Aurora accompanying the Hutts to Korriban, firmly cut in.
"A wise piece of advice, Lieutenant Colonel." Hera Wren concurred. "Fighting an army of Sith is no joking matter."
Softening his glare before nodding at the Wren woman in gratitude, the sole official military officer in the group respectfully told the holographic images of Tenel, Octa, Sidon, and the two Mandalorian commanders, "May the Force be with all of us until the rest of you get to join in all the fun."
2145 Hours
Chiss Frontier Territory
Just Outside the Sunrise System
Aboard the Deathless
"The last of the stragglers have finally arrived, Supreme Commander." The attendant informed an expectant Yiv. "Everyone is ready to launch our attack on your command."
"Good. Do all the commanders understand and acknowledge the priority on the secondary target?" Yiv patiently questioned.
"Yes, although, many of them did question the prudence in focusing on what you claim to be a single yacht when we have our orders from Lady Irola and Lord Malleus, which specify raiding the Nyix mines for minerals, and refugee centers for recruits. Several are wondering if you are trying to countermand their orders for an ulterior motive or are going against the Grand Design so much to collaborate with one of our enemies to help your people regain some measure of their former prosperity."
Raising a skeptical eyebrow, Yiv slowly exhaled, "They truly said all that to you in person, or are their purported mutterings mere speculation on your part?"
"Partially the latter, but they subtly insinuated the former as well with all their incessant prodding and veiled accusations." The young Nikardun woman casually admitted.
"Very well. Inform the doubting commanders that if any of them have so much as a single misgiving about my fidelity to the cause, or doubt our patrons' word, they are more than willing to take the matter up with Irola or Malleus themselves before we begin. I'm sure they will set the skeptics straight, one way or another." Yiv calmly ordered, turning back to face the empty space before him after the attendant obediently carried out his decrees.
Having heard from Lord Invidious and the Rhandites of the immeasurable danger this "Wraith Squadron" held for both Dark Side orders and their fleets, Yiv himself could hardly believe the many accomplishments that eleven misfits and rogues of the main galaxy were capable of. However, with his people and grandfather having been defeated primarily by one Chiss genius decades ago before being subjugated by a clone of that same prodigy in more recent years, Yiv knew how dangerous even a miniscule and ragtag band of renegades could potentially be against any well-trained army.
And that knowledge and experience was precisely why he was prepared to eliminate them if presented with even a single opportunity to destroy a potentially large obstacle to Sith dominance. It would be best to take no chances with any unforeseen or incalculable variables when having to contend with so much already, not unless one wanted history to repeat itself in one of countless terrible ways.
After receiving confirmation from all his deep-space scouts, Yiv, speaking loud enough to be heard by all hands, commanded, "Have all ships move onto our primary target at once. It's time we sowed a bit more chaos across the Ascendancy while further enriched our patrons, our peoples, and fueled all our ever-growing industries of war."
Well, I think this is a good place to end this chapter! What do you all think? Was it too crowded by plot, or was it manageable enough to navigate? Also, I hope you enjoyed the "official" briefing of Wraith Squadron and its long-term mission, and the escalating Battle of Korriban. Both are going to work well in my building the story up towards the story's epic climax. And I think I'll change my Korriban plot a bit, to best challenge the heroes and give the Sith a better edge in this war. I can't have the heroes have all the victories, after all. But how, I'll leave for you all to guess. So, how are you all doing on this cool night of Friday, November 18, 2022? I'm fine, but I need to let you know that I have an important doctor's appointment in ten days, so I might not be able to get the next chapter out in a timely manner. Well, I'd best get this chapter out in a few hours or tomorrow. I hope you all have a blessed evening, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
(November 20, 2022, Addendum.) Hey, everyone. Just letting you know I'm going to publish the chapter in a few minutes. But I wanted to inform you of tragic news, and it isn't Kevin Conroy's passing over a week ago. I learnt last night that Greg Bear, the author of Star Wars EU novel Rogue Planet from 2000, was about to pass away from his life support being taken off, and he died later in the evening. A real shame, as I loved his book very much, and I know his family and fans will miss him. Man, it seems like we're losing a lot of good people over recent years, and it's an accursed shame. Anyway, I'm going to get this chapter out. Be sure to read and review, please. I could really use the constructive feedback.
