Good morning, all my fellow Star Wars fans and devotees. How are you all doing on this rainy day of Sunday, December 19, 2021? I'm doing well, as I'm hanging out with my brother, who's back for Christmas, and my father. And, in more exciting and scarier news, I graduated from college yesterday! Man, that's an incredible milestone. I still can't believe I got this far in life. But now the hard part begins, seeking full-time work. That's going to be a tremendous challenge, but I can overcome it. Oh, and I plan to read more of Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Ascension later in the day, and it'll be quite an illuminating piece. It'll help me write combat scenes for the three major battles ongoing across the galaxy, and it'll tie in well with the interlude chapter I had listed before this one. Plus, I have a little hunt to complete, and it'll blow you all away. And I am going to play a little more of Greedfall over the next couple of weeks, so that'll be fun. So, with all the small talk out of the way, I'd best get started on the chapter. I'm going to have to work 24 hours total throughout this week, and I'm sure I'll be tired afterwards. May the Lord bless us all in this Christmas season, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

(Friday, December 24, 2021, Addendum.) Hey, everyone! How are you all doing on this cool Christmas Eve afternoon? I'm doing well, as I did a little last-minute shopping for my siblings and worked a little on this chapter. I'm about halfway done with it, as with about 5k words done so far. I would have written more, but I had a lot of work over the last four days, so that was a hassle. And I'll have to work another 21 hours next week over three days, so I'll be exhausted by the end of it. Oh, and I've read a little more of Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Ascension, and it's a great book. I can't wait to finish it by tomorrow or this Sunday and then get back to other books, such as maybe the X-Wing Series to brush up on starfighter combat scenes. I could use them for the big Jedi vs. Sith dogfight in this chapter. Well, I suppose I'd better go, since I'll have to go charge my laptop in a little while as soon as it runs low on power, and I have dinner in an hour or two with my family. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas.

Horuset System, Within the Ashes of Korr Debris Belt

Inside Holding Facility Phobos

Mitth'ali'astov, a twelve-year-old Chiss girl who, to the non-Chiss that surrounded her, simply went by her core name of Thalias, silently wept while trying to sleep. She had just withstood another horrendous day of gruesome torture at the hands of her mysterious captors, an experience no one should endure.

She had kept precise track of every single day she, her fellow Chiss, and members of dozens of species from the greater galaxy had been trapped in this compact facility, and she knew she had been kept here for precisely six months, three weeks, and four days.

From her near-perfect memory, this organization was herding at least three hundred children and adolescents here to open them up to their abilities to the Force, ostensibly to bring order to the galaxy where the Jedi could not. From all of this, it was almost enough to assume that the only "order" that they would serve would be that of yet another incarnation of the Sith Lords and their mad bid for domination.

And yet, there was something different about how the Sith treated her and ten other select captives. From the few whispers she had overheard, they had talked about giving her a "great blessing" and making her the "first of their ultimate vanguard." It must be some new type of experimentation, one that could change everything for her and her fellow young prisoners for the worst.

To add to her fears and depression, she could not prove any of her hypotheses, since the children's jailors kept them isolated from each other in small cells and held within a large Ysalamir bubble to keep them all cut off from the Force to ensure they could not provide comfort and strength after their shared torment. She knew they had at least three dozen positioned throughout the space station, but there had to have been at least twice that many to corral almost four hundred troubled souls, even in such a cramped and desolate space.

But there was something different about today. For the first time since entering this hellish facility, training ended early, and while being escorted back to their cells, she noticed the guards were more apprehensive than before, not beating anyone who fell behind even once. And the occasional flickering of the lights indicated a power redistribution of some sort. Finally, there was a rumbling noise that could probably be heard throughout the entire building, almost as if someone was attacking it.

Against all hope, she held onto a faint chance someone good had stumbled on their prison and was trying to rescue her and all the other prisoners. But for the sake of every honorable party involved in this tragedy, she hoped they brought a well-equipped fleet and army to lay siege to wherever here was, and the bastards that dared to kidnap her and every other Chiss in this twisted prison system.

Aboard the Bloodfin

Prepping his team for a full-on attack on the mobile prison, Kersk Saav'etu, Jedi Master on loan to the Galactic Empire, was ready to move on from this hellish system and stick it to Sith on more vibrant worlds. The Bothan could feel a blank void where the prison existed, and he knew the ysalamiri would make this rescue operation quite tricky, but not impossible.

Then again, everything involving Sith was tricky and could wind up blowing up in your face, if Vestara Khai and the countless corpses left in her wake were any indication. He still remembered how his cousin lost her dear friend Bazel Warv when he perished on Coruscant defending Allana and the Solos from the Lost Tribe.

While he made peace with the Ramoan's heroic sacrifice, a part of him still hungered for vengeance against the guilty ex-Sith. But thanks to the final chance at redemption that she was given by Knight Palpatine, she had one final chance to do good with her life. Here's hoping what good remained in her would stick this time around.

Even so, if he could not seek retribution against her, he at least could do some good by rescuing hundreds of people the Sith were trying to twist into their own. That would slow down a significant majority of Krayt's plans, and that would be worth the risk Master Solo Fel's task force was undertaking.

Sensing Jaina urgently telepathically ordering her fellow Jedi to launch their attack, Korsk knew she must have gotten the Sith's full attention. Pulling out his comlink, he contacted the Imperial commander, "I hope all your troops are ready for a fight, Cardinal. We've got our diversion, so let's hurry and make the most of it."

"Just try to keep up, Master Jedi." Cardinal friendly challenged him before the Bloodfin's hangers opened, allowing the gunships and fighter escorts to launch towards the mobile prison.

Phindar System Outskirts, Aboard the Varl's Archon

"Are all payloads ready?" Parella impatiently asked his weapons officers, quickly receiving an affirming nod as he watched the diverse fleets continue to clash, and the Hutt knew the decisive moment for this battle was fast approaching.

With Wyyrlok, Lecersen, and the Neo Death Watch attacking the Alliance force with the speed and ferocity of a Kamar howlrunner, the Jedi-backed force had been forced onto the defensive until they could mount an effective counterattack.

That proved to be a terrible challenge, virtually impossible, due to a lethal legacy left behind from Admiral Daala in her Maw Installation's experimental Metal-Crystal Phase Shifters, able to cause a ship to collapse in on itself through compromising each afflicted vessel's hull. A costly weapon to maintain, but worth it when the organization using them had vast coffers and a willingness to take any risk necessary to attain victory.

Thanks to these unorthodox weapons, the Sith had already dealt severe damage to the Galactic Alliance's largest capital ships, causing two Galactic-class Battle Cruisers to cave in on themselves from the combined assault, with over half their crews and starfighters going down with the doomed ships. And the Hutts and Imperials were starting to take more of the brunt of the attack, with five cruisers being lost between each of them, and even two Jedi were taken down by the Neo Death Watch and Sith pilots.

The troubles did not end there, since every rogue Imperial capital ship in the enemy's fleet was equipped with a copy of the device, and even prototype comm jammers to divide each Alliance faction. Thanks to this impressive arsenal, Parella could only see one way to sabotage the Sith offensive. Since the enemy was keeping the Alliance fleet divided, they could not coordinate a defense and would eventually be picked off one by one. And the Hutt Kajidic had no intention of going down here, so he would have to work fast to rectify that conundrum while the fleets were still able to put up a fight.

He just hoped everyone would be able to take advantage of this opportunity when the moment came. If even a handful of his newfound allies faltered now, then the Sith hunt would be over for all his people before it could truly begin.

Hardening his resolve to face potential oblivion head-on, Parella ordered his crew, "Have our ships move into position and then launch the swarms at will. It's time for us to prove our worth to these Jedi and all of their military allies and show the galaxy the true value and cunning of the Hutt clans."

Aboard the Orinda's Bloom

Iden could see the Hutt warship and its escort craft veer towards the Mandator and its Sith-allied fleet and thought Parella had finally lost his centuries-old glory-seeking mind. Even a Hutt as cunning and dangerous as him would be taken down through sheer numbers and superior weaponry.

But almost right after first seeing this sight, Del noticed the six Chelandion-class warships were opening their missile silos and was able to briefly scan the contents of each missile. Iden recognized them from her studies of antiquated Clone War tactics and could not believe the Hutt got his hands on an army of Colicoid-manufactured Pistoeka sabotage droids.

That was when Inferno Squad caught onto Parella's demented strategy, and Iden ordered her fellow commando leaders to do everything they could to protect the Hutt's main ships. As insane as it sounded, that pompous and arrogant crime lord and hunter was the Alliance's best hope in countering the Sith's divisive tactics and surviving past this day.

And there was another way to rally the factions to fight as one; one that would utilize the Jedi and their unique empathic abilities. She just hoped they would be able to figure it out before time ran out for the mixed force, or they would find themselves very short on allies here.

Aboard the Mandator

"Worry not, Lord Wyyrlok." Lecersen assured his silent and contemplative Sith overseer. "The Hutt vessels might be made of more durable materials than the rest of the enemy force, but it is only a matter of time before they too fall to our might."

"Then I take it you have a plan for the Hutts' missiles, as well as the Jedi and Imperials suddenly turning to support this frontal assault?" Wyyrlok addressed the human Moff for the first time since this battle began. "Even a neophyte could sense there is more to this attack than meets the eye."

"Our defensive net is more than capable of eradicating a few missiles and their masters." The traitorous Moff promised. "And our reserve fighters can intercept whatever strays get past our nest."

"Sir, we have multiple bogeys inbound. About fifty missiles have launched from the Hutt capital ships and are on a trajectory towards-." A sensor officer reported before Lecersen held up a curt hand to silence him.

"Intercept them before they can reach their targets."

"No." Wyyrlok gravely contradicted the Moff. "Recall all your forces and have the fleet prepare to divide and enter two wormholes. We need to regroup and divide our forces to secure the Mandalore Sector and Horuset System from the Alliance."

"Have the fleet-" Lecersen stopped himself, and then cautiously continued protesting, "My Lord, we have the advantage here, and can deal with a strong portion of the Alliance of Light's forces while securing our alliance with the Neo Death Watch and their hold on the Mandalore Sector. Surely, whatever situation might be underway-"

"Korriban is under attack by Master Jaina Solo Fel, at least twenty of her Jedi, and their Imperial fleet escort, so dealing with them is the more pressing target." Wyyrlok simply explained. "And this single battle would likely cost us much more than we can afford to lose in the long run. We've bloodied them and weakened their overall fighting capacity, that will be sufficient for now."

"Besides, the commanding Hutt has an army of Buzz Droids and has just launched his entire stockpile of them right at us. What do you think Parella directed the swarms of droids at where he could do the most damage to our fleet?"

Knowing better than to argue any further with a Sith Lord and remembering from the old Clone Wars files how dangerous even a handful of Buzz Droids could be a challenge for even the most seasoned commanders to overcome, Lecersen crisply nodded before giving the orders to his commanders. Pushing such minor disappointments aside, a part of him still relished the chance to eliminate an especially troublesome Jedi Council Member and her plans to "reform" the Galactic Empire.

Aboard the Nebula-class Star Destroyer Nantz

Thern saw his allies charge towards the Sith force, and just knew this move would either make or break the union's efforts. And the Galactic Alliance would do its part to rid the galaxy of evil in all its forms. He still held a long-standing debt to the government, the Jedi Order, and the ideals and principles they both espoused when they liberated Coruscant from the Yuuzhan Vong and undid their nihilistic hold on the galaxy, even if both powers had not always lived up to their beliefs.

But he would not let all his people die if he could still help it. That was why he had ordered all his surviving ships to launch their entire fighter complements and reinforce the gamble. If they failed here, at least there was a chance for even a fraction of their forces to escape and help the galaxy fight.

But barely five minutes after he gave the order, the Sith began recalling their ships, and ended the jamming signal over the battlefield. It only meant that the dark alliance was preparing to retreat.

Thern needed to know what they were up to, because if the One Sith would pull out from what was quickly becoming a massacre for their opponents, it had to be a kriffing good reason with a much bigger score. But if they opened one of the cursed Force Wormholes and fled to gods-knew where, then it would be completely impossible to track them down until they reached their next target, and that would be unacceptable.

Fortunately, there was one squadron in the field that could get him the lead he needed, thanks to Chief of State Yimmon being more than pragmatic enough to covertly attach it to the GA's task force. And it would be perfect for the impossible odds the squad leader, Syal Antilles, had been known for beating, just like her father long before her when he helped create, and soon afterwards, command Rogue Squadron.

But as an extra piece of insurance, Thern would request the Jedi and Imperials reinforce the Rogues with a few of their best fighters. If the Sith discovered them, then it only made sense to give them a few heavy hitters to increase their odds of survival.

Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple

Within the Main Strategic Center

"I guess there are indeed some benefits to having fringe allies, Master Horn." Ziar'la remarkably agreed to an observing Corran. "Ithano and his people actually did it. We're rebooting the security systems now and everything's green across the board."

"Then turn our security systems towards capturing the last free Sith agents and send every available Jedi Master to the Archives." Corran quickly ordered his entire command staff while Hera quietly opened a channel to her mother,

"We've got some good news up here, Buir. We've finally retaken control of the Temple's security systems and are ready to turn them on the interlopers and contain them. But you need to send as many of our top people to the Archives to help dispatch Valen and the Solusar-clone and do it fast. If what we're seeing up here is right, I don't think Skywalker and the others can keep him contained for much longer."

"Thanks for the heads up. Ezra and I are already on our way there, and we have just the people in mind to help." Sabine confidently answered before disconnecting, leaving her daughter to do her part for the Mando'ade and the Alliance of Light. But she knew this battle was far from over, and since Corran and Grand Master Katarn warned the Alliance commanders of a particular surprise the Sith might try to trigger. But thanks to Grace and her people, they were prepared to pull one over on those demented fanatics.

Inside the Jedi Archives

Darth Luzien could hardly believe how well-trained this "Grace" was proving to be as an enemy. So far, her combined usage of the graceful and aggressive lightsaber styles of Djem So and Soresu was able to largely keep the Pantoran Sith on the defensive, despite his mastery of Makashi and Juyo from his time learning at the feet of Darth Krayt.

And her command of the Force was unlike any he had seen, with a balance of Light and Dark techniques, such as conjuring lightning and flames like a Sith, but with perfect serenity akin to a Jedi, not to mention her use of stealth akin to a master assassin to conceal her movements and Force signature.

In fact, she had been able to drive Luzien out of the Holocron vault, keeping from interfering at all in the fight between the Jedi and the Kam-Iteration while searching for her. Unfortunately, thanks to the lockdown that the Jedi and their Alliance put the facility under, he and whatever of his fellow agents that still roamed free could not escape the temple, at least until the clone had dealt with the three Jedi slowing them down, and he took care of Grace.

Speaking of the insufferable brat, it was time he put an end to this so-called duel and learn all he could from his opponent. Grace might not make a good Sith, but if he could get her to admit even a fraction of what she knew, or find a way to steal her ship, Sith Intelligence might be able to get some useful knowledge on what planet she came from, and who trained her in such a balanced approach to wielding the Force. Wherever it was, it might make a useful stronghold for the One Sith once they conquered the galaxy.

But first, he had to find her and properly punish her for delaying him so long and escape this accursed Jedi stronghold. Then he could let the Inquisitors and Dician's agents sift through the rubble of the mess he was about to leave behind.

And he had just the means to bait her out, destroy at least half of the whole Jedi Order and eliminate a troublesome pro-Jedi monarch before he escaped this doomed planet. And it would all be thanks to the One Sith's ex-Imperial researchers on their payroll, and their homemade Nergon-14 explosives bomb, the central bomb doubling as the transmitter that gave the Kam-clone the means to transmit crucial intelligence to Korriban and his handlers.

Sure, it might have taken a few years to smuggle them all in and finish installing it in with the help of the Kam-clone, and it was supposed to be a weapon of last resort, since it could convince the Hapes Consortium to deploy its full might against them for such an act of terrorism on one of their worlds.

But if it could decimate the Jedi and make the Sith galactic takeover exponentially easier while throwing the Consortium into political turmoil, what was one enemy structure in the grand scheme of things? It was just sheer dumb luck that Katarn and his followers had decided not to move it in a foolish bid to keep the Sith none the wiser.

Pulling out the detonator, Luzien called out, "I hope you're proud of yourself, Grace! You leave me no choice but to destroy this whole kriffing temple and take us all out in one fell swoop!"

"And just how do you plan to do that, Sith? Last I checked, your order doesn't have a Death Star or Galaxy Gun on you!" Grace's voice echoed throughout the chamber.

"You ever hear of a quantum bomb?" Luzien lied, pressing the detonator right as he said that. He knew if he bluffed Grace into a desperate attack, he would have the advantage and be able to defeat the girl. "I just triggered this one's countdown, and now you all have less than two hours before you and everyone in this Temple is nothing but subatomic waste particles."

Feeling a surge of anger course directly above him, he swerved away from the lightsaber slash that would have cut off an arm and leg. He then heard a woman's disgusted voice echo, "You know you can't escape, so you're gonna ruin everything by using an old tactic Arcann and Zakuul's Eternal Empire used? You're the most pathetic excuse of a sore loser I've ever met!"

Zakuul? Why would she bring up the Eternal Empire and its doomed conquest of the galaxy? Unless… No, it was impossible. The world had been lost to history long ago, and the civilization there should have died out after the city spires tore themselves apart in civil war following its withdrawal from the Eternal Alliance.

But the armor she wore, and her balanced tactics of Light and Dark, they all reminded him of the records left behind from old Vitiate-era Sith Empire records and few records that survived the Sith and Jedi purges of all historical records on the ancient world.

Deciding to take a chance, Luzien taunted her, "How would you know, kid?! Are you the vanguard of that irrelevant world's return to the galaxy?"

"Finally, you're starting to use your brain. Too bad you won't live long enough to tell anyone that." Grace narrowed her eyes before charging right at him, and two other women who exactly resembled Grace leapt over a holobook shelf to join her.

Three Graces?! What the Kriff! Luzien cursed before he blasted Force Lightning at the nearest woman, which phased right by her. Did the girl know the Jedi trick of Similfuturus to create astral projections of oneself? He supposed he would have to slash them all until he found the real one or track down the original from her hiding place.

Unfortunately for him, blasting an indiscriminate wave of energy at all three of the illusions proved to be a futile gambit, for although they were knocked back a few feet, their incorporeal forms did not dissipate.

He briefly wondered how this transpired before he recalled the rampage Dark Lady of the Sith Lumiya, and her associate, Dark Jedi Alema Rar, caused when they each utilized the asteroid residence of Darth Vectivus. A controversial Banite Sith midway through its existence, he was viewed by many as an embarrassment to the Sith religion for his controlled and moralistic approach to the Force. He was only given a measure of respect for his creation of the forbidden Force Phantoms technique, a way to manifest a phantom-version of oneself across the galaxy to do whatever the user wished.

Unfortunately, that belief was incomplete, for the One Sith eventually discovered how, according to Vectivus's holocron he posthumously left behind for his apprentice and the Order of the Sith Lords, he was not merely the first to create the technique. Instead, he was the one to rediscover and refine it from a pilgrimage he made into the Unknown Regions. But where he learnt the technique, he never said precisely where he trained. Many expeditions were made, but none bore any fruit.

Clearly, the shortsighted fool must have rediscovered Zakuul and its rebuilt civilization but kept its survival a secret in an idealistic effort to protect the world. Why he would do such a thing did not matter right now, since it was a mistake that could cost the One Sith and its followers dearly if Zakuul had indeed created the technique and the Eternal Empire had resuscitated itself and was on the warpath once again. Even worse, if they had truly allied with the Jedi as he now feared, Luzien did not want to be the one to deliver the horrific news to the Dread Lord.

But before he could answer for his blunder, he had to make it out of this enemy sanctum alive, so it was time to take off the training gloves with Grace, hunt her down and destroy her before time ran out for everyone.

Phindar System's Outskirts

Syal Antilles, commanding officer of Rogue Squadron, hoped against hope that her nine surviving pilots could make it out of this battle alive.

Attaching a series of homing beacons on Lecersen and the Sith's fleets was by no means impossible for the elite X-Wing squadron. But with all enemy ships minutes away from departing the system to who knew where, she knew her people would only get one shot at this new task, If the Sith uncovered her people, their retaliation would be fierce, and the risk of casualties would undoubtedly be extremely high.

In fact, her R9 astromech droid, nicknamed Mynock, calculated her numbers, and the odds of even half her squadron surviving the backlash was slim, to put it mildly. Even the eight Jedi and four squadrons of Imperial commandos aiding the mission did not add much to Mynock's probabilities of success. But Syal had her orders, and she would carry them out while giving her people the best chance they had to make it out of this battle alive.

Fortunately, the Alliance's attack provided the ten starfighters with an excellent cover, allowing Rogue Squadron to fly to launch their homing beacons onto the Mandator and the Neo Death Watch's main ships. And with four Jedi and two-dozen Imperials backing each flight up and serving as a perfect diversion, attacking the Mandator and the two suspected rogue Mandalorian flagships.

Flying in close from the left flank, Syal, leading Rogue Flight One, launched their homing beacons just behind the Mandator's bridge.

Having completed their objective, Syal prepared to order her flight out before a swirling mass began to envelop the Mandator and its surrounding ships, which encompassed Syal, her four squad mates, and the Jedi and Imperials fighting alongside them. Grimacing at what was about to happen, Syal promised to verbally chew out Commander Savar if she survived this catastrophe. Whether in private or in public, she did not care since Thern deserved to be held accountable after the Rogues escaped whatever deathtrap he just ordered her people into.

Horuset System, Phobos Station

Inside the Main Hangar

According to the intelligence provided by their unseen ally, this once hidden facility was but one of several dozen across the galaxy, each of which held hundreds of Force Sensitives taken from their homes and families to be broken and indoctrinated in the Sith's brutal teachings. Kersk could only imagine the horrors they would have had to endure in Krayt's clutches, and he would breathe a giant sigh of relief once everyone was off this anti-Force bubble.

Using the Force to drag each of the dozen or so Sith troopers that survived the initial boarding actions out of cover to be gunned down, one after another, Kersk knew the first of many ysalamiri were just up ahead. That was when this operation presented its first true challenge and unfortunate compromise.

As much as he hated this next decision, if they hoped to extract the children in time and destroy this infernal prison, then the Jedi aboard would have to harden their hearts for what came next. Innocent animals, the herbivorous lizards might be, they were also a tremendously great impediment to saving hundreds of children from an even crueler fate. So Cardinal, Jaina, and all their top agents had agreed that the Ysalamiri needed to die to ensure the mission's success.

Contacting Cardinal through his earpiece, Kersk informed the Five-Oh-First commander, "Primary Team's secured our hangar."

"Secondary Team's pressing ahead. Better hurry along if you want to keep up." Cardinal taunted the Bothan.

Just Outside Korriban's Orbit

Inside the Korriba Scar Debris Belt

Darth Krayt had not utilized a single flier starfighter in decades since his escape from the Yuuzhan Vong, and the final fall of rogue Jedi Master A'Sharad Hett. The sensations and rush of memories alone of all the comrades and loved ones he lost in the air threatened to keep the Dread Lord from focusing on eliminating the Jedi incursion.

However, like countless Sith before him, he drew his strength from the pain and anguish of his Jedi Padawan, the one he loved, his father, and countless others he could not save as a powerless Jedi. And he directed it all towards a single target, the Jedi Council member leading the Imperial intrusion on his domain.

He knew Jaina Solo Fel was merely a distraction for the Imperial-Jedi task force to "rescue" the acolytes trapped on Phobos Station and dispatched sufficient forces to deal with them. But he needed to keep his enemies in the dark on his strategy if he was to outmaneuver them and dispatch the Sword of the Jedi at once.

And sensing Jaina destroying the fifth Sith warrior in her StealthX fighter that dared to challenge her solidified his decision to bring her down on his own. He would not sacrifice any more of his people to a needless slaughter and would send an unforgettable message to the Jedi and all those who dared to challenge his Grand Design.

As if on cue, Jaina's strong voice came through his starfighter's comm, and taunted him, "So, who do I have the displeasure of killing this time? You'll be Notch Number Two-Hundred-and Fifty-Eight on my Sith-hunting record."

"I need no introduction, Master Solo Fel, for you can sense exactly who I am." Krayt simply responded. "Say whatever goodbyes you have to your family through the Force, because this will be your final battle."

Now, the hunt was truly on. And with Wyyrlok and half his fleet returning, the trap would soon snare completely shut on the Jedi. But it seemed they had picked up a few strays along the way. He would have to deal with them just as soon as he dealt with Master Solo Fel.

Korriban, Sith Catacombs

Darth Krayt's Citadel

Lona knew someone was following her and gave silent thanks to the Force that she kept her assassin training sharp and updated throughout her unofficial captivity in this underground fortress. Part of her wanted to double back and ensure her reprogramming efforts were not undone, but she could not afford to take any chances with her being captured, or worse, her work being discovered.

Doubts of being discovered aside, she completely trusted her daughter's programming and had faith that the changes to the Edaan-clone would be subtle enough to avoid detection by Nala and her Sith clients. What she had to focus on now was to find a way to elude or deal with the stalker before the security feedback loop ended or worse, her husband became suspicious and reported her absence. Hiding in the ventilation shafts would only last for so long before she was uncovered.

Just then, her stolen Mandalorian helmet received a transmission from the one person she needed to hear from. Her daughter's motivations not only gave her the determination to carry on, but it gave her the first step in turning the tables on the Sith agent trying to hunt her. Even so, she knew the task would not be easy, not with a veteran Sith assassin of Ochi's caliber trailing her.

But for her daughter's sake, she would find a way to stop him. She promised getting her off world and seeing the galaxy, and she would keep her promise, even if it ultimately cost Lona her life. And if Ochi was trailing her, such a sacrifice just might come to that.

Falleen, Port Nowhere

Just Outside the Main Cargo Facilities

Tyria knew this was borderline suicidal. Malleus and his followers were watching the warehouses and how, even if three of the Sith were trying to take them apart for the Alliance, the rest of the Dark Siders would have countless safeguards in place to counter her reconnaissance.

Even a "Shiny", as Kix and many of his fallen brethren called freshly deployed soldiers back in the Clone War's Grand Army of the Republic, could know that the makeshift team she assembled was in way over their heads.

But through sensing what was bubbling in the Force, she knew something decisive and irrevocable was about to make itself known to the galaxy, so she had to make a move now before all hell broke loose. And with the Jedi and their allies in the Alliance close behind her, it made sense to preempt the Sith before they could complete their planned ambush, which was why she had sent out a signal to the rest of her teammates to finish their preparations and join her within the next sixty minutes. That is, if their emergency transports got here in time, then they might be able to blast their way out of this trap.

After the Sith put the pieces together in this infiltration, all Chaos would break loose, and the crucial pivot for Falleen's fate would begin in earnest.

Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple

Within the Holocron Vault

Luke, Kyle, and Jaden could hardly believe how the One Sith had perfected the cloning process for Force Sensitives, even as they were fighting for their lives against the pinnacle of the Dark Siders' cloning research and one of the strongest Dark Siders they had ever seen, let alone fought against.

In terms of raw power not felt by Luke since Lord Nyax terrorized Vong-Occupied Coruscant, and combined with the original Kam Solusar's memories, tactics, and skills implanted in him, the clone held the full advantage in this distinct one-sided battle. It certainly did not help how Kam still telekinetically commanded four lightsabers along with the two still in his hands and was battering the three Jedi into a bloody pulp and managed to destroy Luke's shoto along with his mechanical right hand.

With reckless and gleeful abandon, as if he held little to no regard for his own life, the clone was indiscriminately blasting away at anything that got in his way, and the dark power emanating off him was making it increasingly harder for the three Jedi to maintain their focus. It was almost as if he was creating his own Dark Side nexus inside the Jedi Temple.

And just then, it was clear to Luke what was happening. Like Kueller before him, the Kam-clone was drawing off the strength of the attacks to empower his own, even as Kyle and Jaden worked in tandem to try and break past his defenses, and that was when Luke realized what had to be done.

He had to be stopped here and now, or the consequences of his escape would be too ghastly for the Jedi to imagine. And somehow, Luke knew that he was the only one that could end this threat without the clone destroying the Jedi.

He just hoped his family, the rest of the Jedi, and the Alliance of Light would be ready for whatever else the One Sith had engineered for this war, for he felt he was near the close. The Jedi had long since outgrown him, and it was time for him to show the galaxy that it could go on without him at the helm.

Drawing upon his final reserves of strength for one last attack, Luke broke through the dark miasma, momentarily throwing the clone off-guard before Luke charged right at him, lightsaber thrusting right through his heart, preceding the end to his short and wicked life.

Smiling, even as he could not fight the pain from the lightsaber the clone spontaneously ignited in his stomach, he felt his strength fleetingly drain away about all his energy, and Jaden telekinetically removed the lightsaber from Luke's gut while Kyle caught a collapsing Luke.

Pouring Force energy into Luke to try and keep him alive, Kyle could hardly believe he would pull such a reckless stunt like that. What was he thinking?!

But then, before Kyle could berate Luke, the clone's body suddenly exploded, and the dark energies that once filled him were enough to overwhelm Luke's weakened state, thrusting him into unconsciousness.

As his mind slipped away, even as he heard Jaden and Kyle faintly calling out for a medic, Luke knew that this attack was only the beginning. The Jedi Order he created would soon be put to its greatest test to date, but he deeply regretted that he was the one that would allow the One Sith to trigger this terrible trial.

In Hyperspace, En Route to Coruscant

Aboard the Kuat Drive Yards Arquitens-class light cruiser Redemption

73 Hours from the Corusca System

Tionne knew what had just happened, even as she felt the mixture of tears and blood stream down her face. The Sith-bred Iteration that had taken the place of her beloved husband was just slain, and Luke Skywalker had been the one to deliver the killing blow, even as he was critically wounded in the process. Clone or not, he still held Kam's presence in the Force nailed down perfectly, and the screams he gave off could be heard by even the youngest Force-Sensitives across the whole galaxy.

Even while she knew her beloved Kam had been a captive and probable victim of Krayt's One Sith for a decade, it did not make the heartbreak any easier. In fact, it only made the pain infinitely worse since she was powerless to even find a lead for her husband since the clone was now dead.

What was she to do now? How could she carry on and finish this fight when she had lost so much?

"Be strong, Tionne." Kam whispered behind Tionne's ear, making her gasp before turning around to see her husband's transparent form appear before her, a weary and sad smile gracing his face.

"Kam…" Tionne groaned out, realizing the full truth of her husband's state, and sputtered out, "I'm so sorry. I should have-"

"It's all right, my love. You couldn't have known any of this would happen. But I know we'll be together again one day, when you join the Force. I only regret that you'll have to carry on without me until that day comes. But you have the strength to do so, I know it. I've felt it in you since the first day we met, and I know you can do it now, when your talents will be needed now more than ever."

"Do it for me, all of your students, and every innocent soul that the Sith have wronged or endangered." Kam pleaded with his wife.

How could she say no to her husband when he transcended death itself to give her a small measure of comfort and peace before facing the galaxy? To do anything else would be a dishonor to his memory and legacy. Silently smiling and nodding, she felt Kam's gratitude and love shine through their bond one last time, before he faded away. Although the wound of heartbreak was still fresh, at least Tionne had the closure she sought, and knew what she had to do next.

First, she would rest and properly grieve as a widow for a day or two. Then, she, her team, and their many allies would review their accumulated information on working to locate the Sith shrine buried underneath Coruscant's Jedi temple.

Finally, they could get started on figuring out how to remove its insidious influence off the capital world. It would be a mission that would challenge her in every way, and she would not have it any other way, if only to help her cope with and compartmentalize her tragic loss while doing more good in her elder years.

Falleen, Port Nowhere

Inside the Azure Resort

"I don't know why you were so worried, Ves. You're a natural at this." Ben complimented Vestara as she mastered the last of several Jedi calming exercises he had taught her over the last couple of hours.

"Well, maybe it's because you're a natural teacher, Ben." Vestara flirtatiously bantered back, before getting serious, "But seriously, I can't thank you enough. When I face tomorrow and the mission, I know I can do it this time. I won't let you and your family down again."

"When we face the mission." Ben gently corrected her, taking her hands into his. "You're not alone in this, Vestara. None of us are. And we're going to get through this together."

Gently feeling the synthskin that covered her entire body, Ben lamented, "I wish I could see you, the real you. I like seeing the scar on your lip."

"You will soon." Vestara promised. "Once I get these krething tattoos off me."

"How? Sith tattoos aren't like regular ones. I thought they were for life." Ben curiously pointed out.

"Oculus gave me a file on how to remove them all. Once Falleen is safe, then I can have them removed, and maybe..." Vetara trailed off, nervousness shining through the Force.

"Maybe what?" Ben asked.

"Maybe… we can go on a date?" Vestara hesitantly suggested, sheepishly smiling, "We've never gone on one before, and it could be nice just to spend some time together, doing something normal people can do."

Gently smiling at her, Ben wholeheartedly agreed, "I think it would be nice too."

Before they could say or do anything else, Ben's datapad beeped, and he sighed at the unfortunate timing. Rising to read the message, he grew solemn before reluctantly telling his girlfriend, "We gotta get dressed and ready to move."

"Have we been compromised?" Vestara asked as she got up and walked to grab her clothes.

"No. Tyria just decided to speed up the timetable and wants everyone ready to move out in one hour." Ben lamented as he worked to put on his inner tunic. "And here I thought I could look forward to a good night's sleep with you in my arms, before we walked into the dragon's den."

But before he could say or do anything else, a half-dressed Ben felt his heart being ripped out of his chest cavity and coughed up a mouthful of blood from the horrendous pain. It was as if he was being stabbed directly in the stomach, and it was then that he saw it: his father, thrusting his own lightsaber right through the heart of a darkened Kam Solusar, and Kam stabbed his lightsaber right through Luke's stomach.

By the Force, what was happening on Shedu Maad that could be felt halfway across the galaxy?! And what the kriff just happened to his father?!

The pain was too much, and he toppled over from the overwhelming agony of feeling his father slip so close to death, convulsing from the shock. It was enough to knock him out in a few moments, but not before Vestara's cries or gentle and desperate caresses through the Force as an attempt to bring him out of his state, even as he barely saw the blood dripping down her own nose and onto his own face. Through their growing bond, she must have felt the pain he felt, but to a lesser degree.

In a distant corner of his mind, even as he quickly slipped out of consciousness, he knew how if he and Vestara felt the echoes of Luke's pain so vividly, he only dreaded how badly the rest of his family and the Jedi Order would feel his father's agony, if they were not feeling it already.

Just Outside the Jedi Temple

Forward Hapan Command Center

"Alola, take your people and reinforce the hangars. We cannot allow any of these Sith the chance to escape our world." Tenel ordered one of the company leaders after her division finished aiding the Alliance in securing the temple's twelve secret escape passageways.

She was not done giving orders, and commanded the other three colonels in her division,

"Thenga, have your company link up with Commander Zel and the Jedi, and help them track down the last of the infiltrators. Master Horn reported at least five still free, and two of them were Sith Lords."

"Cassandra, link up Captain Ithano and the Jedi's slicers and help ensure they undid the Sith's sabotage to the Temple's security systems and the enemy did not leave any other surprises for anyone."

"Clea, you and your people are with me. The wounded will need our escort to safer havens, and then we will regroup with-" Tenel stopped, her hand going to her bosom in fear, sensing a dark tiding in the Force surrounding the world's Jedi Temple.

"Your Highness?" Clea worriedly asked Tenel, who could barely hear the woman's pleas as she felt a strong and vibrant presence in the Force begin to rapidly diminish. And it was one Tenel knew all too well from her years as a student at the Yavin Praxeum. He was suffering from wounds she had not felt with such force before remembering how gruesomely Anakin Solo suffered during his final mission above Myrkr during the Yuuzhan Vong War.

As impossible as it seemed, Luke Skywalker was gravely injured, and his strength was fading fast.

Was the great Jedi Master dying? Tenel did not even want to consider that gruesome possibility, but it crept through her skull to make the doubt audible in her mind.

Whatever Luke's state might be, she had to do whatever she could to help him before he was gone for good. Political expediency be damned, she had lost too many people due to her own helplessness, and she would lose no one else while she held the power.

"Clea." Tenel firmly addressed the last of her company leaders. "Give me command of a dozen of your best commandos, and they will help me escort Master Skywalker to the closest intensive care unit in the Temple. The rest of our people will stick to the original plan."

Her loyalty to her ruler and military professionalism to the chain of command winning over her well-founded concern for the change of strategy, Clea saluted the Queen Mother before calling out to the company's twelve best women in her command.

And to ensure Master Skywalker did not die on anyone, Tenel pulled out her comlink and quickly told Master Cilghal of her plan, which the Mon Calamari fully endorsed and would be ready to implement almost immediately. First, they would help Grace deal with Luzien, and then they would work to save their beloved friend.

Horuset System, Near Korriban

In Orbit of the Moon of Adas

Jaina nearly lost consciousness from the stabbing pain in her gut before she pushed it back and swerved away from a Sith frigate just in time to avoid colliding right into the ship's bridge. She did not know what had just happened back on Shedu Maad, but from her bond to Uncle Luke, she knew that he might not have long to live if the wounds he suffered were as great as she believed.

Decades of warfare and serving others had all but squashed out her youthful impulsiveness, but those smoldering remnants still burned to drop everything and help her uncle, a distraction that would undoubtedly cost Jaina her life unless she regained her full focus right away.

With the Dread Lord of the Sith and his fleet of lesser Sith reinforcements that had just emerged from a wormhole, she needed every bit of strength she could muster, and every trick she picked up along her long career, if she hoped to survive this dogfight.

But in the far corners of her mind, she felt a familiar presence in Syal Antilles near the enemy reinforcements, with a despicable and slimy presence of Drikl Lecersen at the helm of an enemy Star Destroyer. Was she starting to hallucinate from the pain, or was something else going on?

Aboard the Victory III-class Star Destroyer Regime Breaker

"Someone, get me a reading on those new ships right away!" Commander Socorro quickly ordered his bridge crew. Things were desperate enough in this engagement without having to deal with ten additional capital ships entering the mix through a wormhole. If they belonged to the Sith, then the Alliance would have to wrap up its activities here much quicker than even their worst estimates predicted, even as the destroyer was engaging four refurbished Dreadnaughts while covering Master Solo Fel's position.

"We've got them, Sir." A sensor officer called out. "We've identified the lead Turbulent as Lecersen's Mandator, and the nine other signatures match up either his or Neo Death Watch ships. But it looks like a few of our people got caught up in their travels here. Sensors also found about eighteen GA and Jedi X-Wings and seven of our Special Forces ships trying to escape."

Well, this sure complicates things. Socorro seethed before noticing a few lights flash out from the newly arriving Sith fleet. Unfortunately, they were leading the Sith reinforcements right towards Socorro's task force, causing the Imperial loyalists' odds of survival to drop exponentially lower.

Falleen, Port Nowhere

Leia was about to contact Han and Allana and warn them of the change of plans before she felt her brother slip right to the edge of death. The shockwave alone was nearly enough to throw her into a nervous breakdown, even worse than the one she withstood when her younger son, Anakin Solo, was killed by the Yuuzhan Vong while Coruscant was being taken by the extragalactic invaders.

Just about ready to vomit up her last meal, she centered herself in the Force, and barely managed to rise back onto her two feet. Only dreading what her family was going through, she had to contact everyone she could and warn them of what was transpiring, for this incident's shockwaves had to be strong enough to be felt by every Jedi throughout the galaxy. And if the entire Jedi Order would be shaken by Luke's wounds, then they and anyone near them would be perfect targets for the One Sith's forces.

But first, she would need about an hour to get a modicum of stability and regain her bearings. There was no sense in calling her family if she fainted midway while warning them. However, she dreaded how the rest of her family was taking this dark turn of events.

Within Chiss Space, Csilla System

Aboard the Baudo-class star yacht Pulsar Skate

"If this is your idea of a joke, Valin, it's very poor in taste." Mirax desperately denied her son's warnings. There was no way Luke Skywalker could be at death's door now. He had survived every foe that came his way, Sith, Dark Jedi, Yuuzhan Vong, and Force abominations, and came out wiser and stronger from each encounter. Whatever enemy he might face could not be a match for him and half the Jedi Order in their headquarters.

But then, why did Valin look like he was about to throw up a gallon's worth of fluids? He couldn't be sick now. That is, unless Abeloth had already returned from beyond the grave and was trying to undermine and destroy the Jedi Order again? She wanted to consider that possibility even less.

"It's true, Mom, but it gets worse; much worse." The younger Horn insisted. "Master Durron and half of the other Jedi are out cold and being taken to the fleet's infirmaries for recuperation. Whoever, or whatever, wounded Master Skywalker, it created a wound in the Force that every Jedi can feel, and it's trying to weaken our resolve. I think we can expect a visit from the Sith, or at least their followers soon, so we need to warn our allies right away."

"I'll do that, son. You just focus on resting. Whatever's going on, you look like you got run over by a reek." Mirax promised.

And while she did that, she would quickly reach out to General Ors and politely insist she tell her what was going on between her and the Chiss. If Jan was making a secret deal with the xenophobic Blue Skins that could adversely affect the Jedi and their Alliance, then she needed to take the appropriate measures to protect her son and her people. Mirax would not lose anyone else she cared about if she could help it.

Falleen, Port Nowhere

Within the Main Garrison

"At last, the downfall of the Jedi has truly begun." Malleus triumphantly smiled behind the helmet of Sith acolyte Warb Null, jubilantly relishing the echoes of the Dark Side surging throughout the galaxy. There had not been such vindication for the Dark Side since the fall of the Jedi Order Telloti Cillmam'n was a slave to.

"I beg your pardon, Lord Malleus?" Kossk, a Trandosham bounty hunter and brunt of everyone's insults, curiously inquired. "What's changed from the last time we fought the Jedi?"

"Luke Skywalker is on the verge of death from our Master Solusar iteration. We all felt it through the Force." Oculus simply answered, focused on the task on hand so he could compartmentalize his worries.

"That is not all, for I sense Jaina Solo Fel is faring off against the Dread Lord and is now losing." Phasma added, playing the part of the loyal Sith commander, "It will not be long before the Jedi lose two of their greatest champions at once, and our job will be all that much easier."

"Well, then we had best make our move now." Soonpaa urged his clients as he and Meeka entered the conversation. "One of our agents at Huor got a chance sighting of multiple Alliance ships flying right past the port. They recognized one of them as a YT-5100 Shriek-class bomber and compared notes with our Lajinda spies. They all believe that it belongs to the Solos."

"So, those old fools finally got a new replacement for the Falcon." Aurra Sing nonchalantly smirked. "I say the more the merrier, so let them come. I'd love a chance to finally kill that Jedi princess and collect a few fat bounties on her and her relic of a grandpa."

"Who else is coming?" Phasma ignored Aurra's arrogant snideness, working to figure out a plan to warn the Jedi and sabotage her supposed allies.

"A squadron of Jedi and a battalion of soldiers, at least. But I wouldn't put it past those hypocritical do-gooders to play dirty with a few special assets of their own. They do have Mandalorians, Anzati, Lasats, and plenty of other unique assets at their disposal." Meeka warned the three Sith.

Just then, Oculus's comlink activated, and Sariss's vibrant voice sent shivers down his and Phasma's spines with the following words, "We've got a few curious eyes trying to get into Warehouse Two. I think at least one of them is a Jedi, and a powerful one at that."

"You think there is a Jedi there, or you know one is spying on Redhan's operations?" Oculus warned her. "We can't take any more chances, Sariss."

"I know what I feel out there, Oculus." Sariss sternly emphasized her answer to her lover. "They can try to mask their presence in the Force all they want, but I know they felt that dark storm echoing throughout the galaxy, so I am absolutely sure there's a Jedi probing Redhan's racket. And I recognize Master Tyria Sarkin Tainer's tactics in infiltration from both of our time with the Jedi. Guess she didn't want to sit around and wait for the main event, so she took the initiative. But aside from no other Jedi, I can't be sure who's with her, I don't recognize any of them, aside from our most notorious Neo Death Watch deserter."

"Just keep an eye on her and stay out of sight until reinforcements can arrive to deal with her and her followers. We can't afford to let her slip out of our grasp and stir up more trouble." Malleus ordered her before disconnecting the line.

"What of the remaining Skywalkers, Vestara Khai, and Palpatine Jr's crew? Shouldn't we go after all of them while they're nearby and are reeling from their loss? I doubt we'll get this same kind of opportunity again." Meeka bluntly advised the sole human male Sith in the room.

"I have already prepared measures to deal with all of them, and they will be implemented quite quickly. In their current state, it should be quite easy for my assassins to dispatch them." Malleus confidently answered, before ordering everyone,

"All of you, remain on alert for the time being. We're all going to be needed for tomorrow when the Jedi and their cronies arrive in full force."

Not if I can preempt you, you old windbag. Phasma vowed after seeing Malleus return to his meditation chambers, before motioning for Aurra to follow her. If the elder Sith was going to use her own agents against her, then two could play at this manipulative game. But even with Oculus and Sariss behind her, she would have to move fast and quietly to make this strategy work.

Dathomir, Jedi Praxeum

"The Jedi Order's been cleansed of its traitors on Shedu Maad but, I think… Master Luke's dying, if not terribly wounded." Edaan numbly told Adari while he held a towel up to his nose to wipe away the stray droplets of vomit still dripping out of his mouth, and whatever tears slipped past his free hand. Both Palpatines, especially Edaan, felt nauseous from the disturbance they felt, but this was the first Edaan said anything after both received vertigo from sensing Luke's wounds.

Adari knew better than to doubt her husband, and was too intelligent to make stupid remarks, so she simply nodded before answering, "Then we'd better focus on getting better quickly and make the most of our retreat here. We both know the Sith will come for us sooner or later." If they haven't infiltrated this world already. She silently amended.

Deep down, the Keshiri was terrified if the One Sith had infiltrated Dathomir and were trying to kill or capture Edaan for their twisted ends. And after what they went through, the pledges of love they both made in matrimony and even deeper ones, she could not bear to lose her love and return to the Dark Side.

If she was to help the Jedi and her love, then it was time for them to have Masters Solona Ti and Taron Malicos allow them to learn a few new skills from Dathomir's natives and their Jedi guardians to better defend themselves.

To add to their worries even more, Edaan still needed to battle his inner demons if he was to get back in the fight. With Luke Skywalker being at the verge of death, then the Jedi would be demoralized and need a figure to rally behind for this fight. Kyle Katarn was a great leader, but Adari doubted even he could save the Jedi's fighting spirit after the loss of the Order's founder. But Edaan, he could do what needed to be done, she just knew it.

Deep down, Adari knew Edaan would one day be the next one to lead the Jedi after his master passed down the torch. He had the greatest light of hope among the Jedi that would guide the galaxy into a lasting age of peace, and it would be the ultimate redemption of his family name. He was already well on his way to doing so from his fifteen years of service to the Jedi and helping create the Alliance of Light.

But first, the couple had to survive these seemingly endless wars the Sith were engineering and secure an enduring peace for this broken galaxy.

Whenever the Sith came for the two Palpatines, and they would come in a matter of days, given their legions and countless retinue of plans, then she and Edaan had to be ready for any kind of attack they would bring. And that meant taking their game to the next level. Doing so truly was the only way to even hope to survive whatever came next and remain together.

Well, I think this is a good and scary place to end the chapter. What did you all think? Did I make it believable enough, and were you able to follow everything clearly? I worry about putting too much content and settings into a single chapter, and I really need to work on that. But at least I'm moving the plot along well. Shedu Maad is all but secured, but at a terrible cost. Whether or not Luke will survive will be up to the Will of the Force now (Just kidding, I know how it'll end, and it'll be bittersweet). And the dogfight between Jaina and Krayt will go on a bit longer, but it won't be what you think, along with Falleen and the other battlegrounds. Don't even get me started on the showdown between Grace and Luzien. Man, I am on a roll. So, how are you all doing on this warm night of Monday, December 27, 2021? I'm doing well, but I will have to go to bed in an hour or so, as I have a seven-hour shift at work each day from Tuesday to Thursday, so that'll be a challenge. But at least I can rest afterwards. Unfortunately, my brother's going back to his apartment tomorrow, which means I can't hang out with him anymore, at least until his next visit. I'm gonna miss him, even if he drives me crazy a bit. Oh, and I will instead be reading my Star Wars: Insider Fiction Collection Volume 2, followed by a book titled On Writing and Worldbuilding to help me with my stories. Then I'll read a few other different books followed by the first in The Stormlight Archive Trilogy. I'm sure it'll be a captivating read. Well, I'd best get this chapter to my friends for their analysis. I hope you're all doing well, and I look forward to getting the next chapter out when I can. God bless you all at the start of the New Year, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

(Sunday, January 9, 2022, Addendum.) Hey, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm day? I'm well, if a bit tired from everything that's been going on over the last couple weeks. Sorry this chapter took so long to publish, I had to wait a bit for it to be examined, and then I had to revise it to improve the aftereffects of Luke's wounds being sensed through the Force. And I originally had the quantum bomb bluff a real threat, but then I realized that would have been vastly overkill, so I toned it down. And I have a bit of family stuff going on, so I'll have to stop writing for a bit, or at least slow it down. Fortunately, I already have the first draft for Ch. 14 done, so I'll hopefully get it published in a week or so. Well, that's enough for now. I'd best get this chapter published after one final examination. I hope you all continue to stay safe and healthy in this New Year, and I hope God blesses you all.