Good evening, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm night of Tuesday, February 15, 2022? I'm doing well, as I've been looking a bit for full-time work, finished X-Wing: Mercy Kill not long ago, and will now focus on some historical, current events, and religious books for a bit to mix things up. Oh, and I'm waiting for my previous chapter to get its usual checkup, but like usual, good things take time. In the meantime, I plan to work on this chapter a bit and keep myself occupied. So, I've been hearing a lot of disconcerting things going on in various parts of the world, such as Canada, Ukraine, and several other countries across the globe, that will have me hoping and praying hard for quite a while. I wish I didn't have to bring this up, but I need to vent a little, at least so I don't explode at work or somewhere else, and ruin things for my professional life. Man, tensions just keep winding up on all sides, and I pray that it won't snap and catch everyone surrounding these crises. In other news, I've got my birthday coming up in a couple weeks, and I'll be turning 27. Man, where have the years gone? Well, I'd best get this chapter underway. Working on it certainly beats alluding to depressing current events. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

(Saturday, February 19, 2022, Addendum) Hey, everyone. I hope you are all doing well in these dark times. I'm okay, but I found out some heartbreaking news yesterday. Tom Veitch, the man who wrote Dark Empire, Empire's End, and Tales of the Jedi, passed away yesterday from the ongoing pandemic. I don't know about you, but that makes me so sad how the world lost a great writer and storyteller. Other than that, I'm doing well, as I should have this chapter done in a couple of days, if I'm lucky. And I'm going to read a good chunk of Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard's Killing the Mob later this afternoon. It's quite an informative read, if sad and depressing by the endless greed and graft that permeates so much of the United States and rest of the world through the criminal element. Well, I'd best get back to writing this chapter. I hope you all have a blessed day.

Dathomir, Misty Falls, Jedi Outpost Ross Lai

Aboard the New Dawn

"Glad to see you back with us, Edaan." Adari guiltily smiled, barely withholding herself from hugging her beloved as he rose from their shared bed. "Sorry I wasn't there to greet you when you woke up. I had an untimely meeting to attend."

While she agreed with assessing Edaan to help him master his darkness and help him realize his flaws, she certainly wished it could be done through more savory and honest means. But Master Malicos had proven to be one of the most clever and charismatic Jedi she had ever encountered, and soon after waking up from his sleeping potion, she found herself agreeing to help him prepare his crazy trials and demented concoctions to test her husband.

If only she could tell Edaan what he was about to endure! The knowledge was gnawing away at her for keeping secrets from him. Sadly, doing just that would defeat the entire purpose of this endeavor. For the greater good, just as Edaan had done for her when the Jedi worked to liberate her homeworld from the Lost Tribe, she had to do what was right for him, no matter how badly his feelings were hurt. When all was said and done, she had faith that he would eventually forgive her. He was too noble a soul to do anything otherwise, no matter how hurt he might get along the way.

"You're here now, my love, and that's all that matters." Edaan gratefully pecked his wife's cheek, before he grew somber and admitted, "But we do need to talk. I haven't been a good husband to you, a good Jedi, or even a good person for a long time."

Confusion wrapped itself all over Adari's face, and she prepared to rebuke that claim before Edaan continued, "I have been so obsessed with my self-appointed goal, so driven to save Vestara from her darkness and defeat the Sith, that I nearly lost my humanity in the process.

"After Abeloth made Coruscant her personal playground, I blamed myself, and the Jedi, deep down, for my family's deaths. I then swore to never again be so helpless that I couldn't save a loved one. Vestara's desertion only increased my bitterness and misguided resolve."

"Sounds like you were unknowingly following Vader and Caedus's path." Adari accidentally spouted, regretting her words the instant they spewed out of her mouth.

Thankfully, Edaan took it all in stride and ruefully agreed with her assessment, "Talk about the ultimate irony, right? Anyway, it might have given me the drive to become a man and leader strong and determined enough to save her, but it cost me so much more than I ever could have imagined.

"In order to push myself so hard and so quickly, I cut myself off from all but a handful of people and treated everyone else as potential assets or enemies, just like so many military minds have been forced to do. But honestly, doing so with such obliviousness made me barely any better than the Sith, but I was too blind by fear and resentment to see it. Even as I assembled the team to go after Vestara, a part of me couldn't help but think that way."

"What about me?" Adari could not keep some of the heartbreak from entering from her voice. "Did you ever view me like that?"

Having the grace to at least look remorseful, Edaan reluctantly nodded, "Yes, but only at first. Soon after we met and began to work together, I saw the same kind of brokenness in you, and I realized I had a kindred spirit in you." Wistfully smiling, he continued, "During the next few months, as we took the fight to the Lost Tribe while building up our peoples' strength, I found myself falling madly in love with you."

"What brought this on so suddenly, Edaan? What did you dream about after you drank Master Malicos's potion?" Adari probed, pushing away her hurt emotions to stay clear-headed. "Did you see one of your old masters?"

"Of sorts, yes. I saw the spirit of the true Master Kam Solusar." Edaan admitted. "Let's just say that he gave me quite the wakeup call, and made me realize that, as much as I've been doing good, I've also been my own worst enemy." Knowingly smirking at the purple-skinned woman, he conspiratorially added, "He also told me a bit about yours' and Taron's plans for me in your set of trials. I certainly didn't expect to have our honeymoon full of lies and secrets."

"Tell me everything." Adari ordered him, using the same tone she did when she dealt with one of her rebellious ex-Lost Tribe subordinates. If Edaan knew even a handful of facets about his upcoming series of trials, then Taron's handpicked team would have to redo their entire strategy, and do it rather quickly, before any One Sith acolytes and their agents made their move here.

To her relief, Edaan nodded, and he began, "I got to see my family in their last moments alive; doing so made me let go of my guilt of leaving them behind. They were at peace at the end, helped so many get away from or live through Abeloth's brutal reign of Coruscant, and were glad for what time they had to live. It… it gave me the closure I desperately needed, and the strength and hope to truly honor their legacy."

Shocked at the answer, the complete and overwhelming gratitude lacing Edaan's every word, Adari silently sat down on the bed and took his hand into her own, listening as her love told her everything he experienced.

While listening, she made sure to take apt notes for later, just in case it could be used to test Edaan when the time came. She knew she would pay dearly for it later, but if a little deception helped her husband battle the darkness, then she would do what had to be done. Besides, when all was said and done, she had a feeling he would understand.

But first, after she listened to her love's tale, she would encourage him to rest for at least five more hours. There would be no sense in going into Taron's trials without the proper strength. They would be draining enough as it is, and no one wanted the sole applicant to break down in the middle of an exercise and risk getting himself killed.

"I wish I could stay here forever with you, love, but duty calls." Adari teneerly smiled as her eyes darted to the holoclock before advising her husband. "You need to get some shut-eye, Edaan. We've got a lot of burdens to work on in a few hours, especially with your training."

"Don't remind me," he groaned, "sometimes, I wish we were normal. Then we'd only have mundane things to worry about. Raising a family, putting meals on the table. Not saving the galaxy."

"You say that, but I think we'd go crazy from the monotony."

"Probably, but I wouldn't mind a little peace from things. Anything that doesn't put the fate of others on my shoulders."

There was something else to it and his wife quickly sensed it, "What's wrong?"

"I'm scared I'm gonna screw everything up, dear," he answered, not bothering to hide it, "that I'm not strong enough to handle what comes next; to live up to everyone's hopes for me. Now I know I don't have to do it all on my own, but it all feels like an up-hill fight. And with us and our friends being pulled in every direction-"

She put a finger to his lips, "Listen to me. You are a good man. A brilliant, brave, honest, and stubborn man."

"Stubborn?" he protested, but her eyes told him to shut up.

"Yes, stubborn. That's why I fell in love with you. You refuse to give up on things, especially people. And that's the man I want to be the father of our children one day."

"I'm not sure about that," Edaan whispered, his eyes haunted and tired, "Our genetic compatibility problems aside, I left the galaxy a mess to come here. A lot of people I didn't get a chance to properly say goodbye to, and a lot of problems for them to solve." He especially thought of his teammates, his fellow Jedi, all his allies, and Vestara.

"I know I'm being selfish, but I just wish I could've gotten to see all of them, even Vestara, and help them more before we came here."

"No, you're not selfish, Tau. They were your friends, a part of your new family. There isn't a day that goes by that I wish..." she fell silent.

"Dear?" Edaan gently asked.

"Don't forget, you aren't the only one that lost everything to Abeloth and the Sith, or left everything behind to follow a greater path in life." Adari sadly reminded him. "But even though I lost many friends, and my family throughout the years and all my fights, I don't regret any of it. It helped me become a better person and leader to liberate my people from Sith captivity, which led me to you. And now, I can help you fight your own inner demons, just like you did for me."

"Adari…" Edaan hesitated before pulling his wife in for a passionate and loving kiss, one she fully reciprocated before they inevitably parted for air. "If you believe in me so strongly, then I won't disappoint you."

"I know you won't. Like I said a few minutes ago, you're too stubborn to let me down." Adari smirked before slipping her hands out of Edaan's grip. "Try and get some sleep. You've got a busy night ahead of you soon."

"All right. I'll see you soon." Edaan tiredly closed his eyes after Adari left and allowed himself to enter a blissful sleep.

Falleen, Port Nowhere

Within the Main Cargo Facilities

Deep Inside Warehouse Two

"How is she holding up?" Mirta tersely asked K'Kruhk as he and Gorim tended to the recovering Vestara. Giving her adrenaline stimulants, a few ration bars, and allowing her time to rest seemed to be working, but Mirta did not want to take any chances. When they entered the Sith's domain, everyone had to be at their best to survive whatever secrets were left within.

"I'll be fine, Mirta. Don't forget, this is nothing compared to all the trouble we got into back on Telos Four six years ago." Vestara exhaustively chuckled at her friend, shocking the Mandalorian with the memory of their underhanded negotiations with the planet's lieutenant governor on Krayt's behalf.

That deal to get key information on the system's most wanted criminals and cartels to seize them for the One Sith, in all honesty, was one of their more successful missions, if not most savory for the Mandalorian's liking. Gambling in casinos and playing around with various male patrons was not Mirta's idea of a good time, and neither was it Vestara's from how she handled many of the more lecherous men who wanted to have a "great and unforgettable night" with her.

Distasteful memories aside, this group's lunatic plan had clearly begun to bear fruit, and Vestara had regained at least a portion of her severed memories. The most immediate downside was how, after everyone escaped this trap, the Alliance would have to cross-examine every scrap of information the two longtime friends provided if it hoped to be of use to them. It would certainly be an arduous progress, but vital and necessary to unraveling the Sith's continuously expanding network of informants.

Even more staggering would be the rehabilitation process Vestara would have to go through from regaining all her memories. The mental strain alone from her recollection would break most minds, but all her wicked acts would destroy just about anyone's spirit. She would need the support of her loved ones to get through this.

But Mirta was getting ahead of herself. First, they had to get past the Observatory's defenses and uncover the Sith's operations underneath this warehouse, a battle that Phasma had best wrap up quickly. She had been trying to bypass the biometric reader's scans for the past half hour, but the door did not budge even a single inch throughout that time.

Leia, in a rare display of impatience, took out her lightsaber and advised everyone, "I think it's about time we considered more aggressive options, or find a way out of here and join the greater battle. Whatever secrets buried beneath us aren't going anywhere, and we still have a planet to liberate from Sith domination."

"You might want to look again, Master Organa Solo." Ferren patiently objected while witnessing Phasma stumbling away from the door, deeply inhaling gulps of air to keep herself steady on her feet.

"I'm guessing that it worked." Phasma shakily answered.

"You think, or you know? We can't afford to make any more mistakes down here." Mirta pointedly reminded the armored Sith turncoat.

"Just give it a minute or two." Phasma insisted. "The system was more complex than anything I've ever encountered. Dician's instructions did not do them justice." A moment later, the concealed door deactivated its camouflage systems, revealing a red door against the silver wall.

"That seems promising." Gorim noted, moments before the door started to slide open, and everyone, Force User or not, could feel the oppressive aura increase exponentially from the door that held a large turbolift. Whatever the Sith were hiding, this was clearly the way down to locate it.

"So, when are we going down there?" Vestara broke the awkward silence while slowly standing back up. "I might be a bit worn out, but I'm not out of this yet."

"We've waited this long already. A few more minutes of recuperation for you won't hurt anything." Ferren cordially advised the wavering woman. "And judging from the glares being aimed at you, I think the Jedi and Captain Seii would like to ask you a few detailed questions about this underground facility."

Vestara should have seen that coming. But as much as she did not want to revisit those dark memories down there, she knew it had to be done. In the name of every child she had kidnapped for the One Sith and delivered to this place, this inhumane operation had to be shut down.

Stumbling over, she embarrassingly asked Ferren, "Can you help me stay on my feet for a few more minutes? Those stimulants must not have fully kicked in just yet."

"Of course." Ferren draped one of Vestara's arms over his shoulder before suggesting to Akku, "Perhaps you ought to try and send the Resistance the footage and data we gathered on this facility, just in case we don't make it out for a while."

"Agreed. Better they have some information to use than nothing at all." Akku concurred. "And while I do that, Miss Khai can regale us with her knowledge of whatever Sith structure lies right below us."

"It's a multi-purpose facility." Vestara began, ready for whatever umbrage that came her way once she finished her briefing.

Falleen Orbit

Aboard the Knol Ven'nari

"I want answers, and I want them immediately. Where in the blazes did this new fleet come from?!" Traest barked at everyone on the bridge as the Bothan Assault Carrier rocked from the impact of several blasts. Just as the Confederation fleet was ready to break orbit and launch their forces against the Sith's, they found themselves the victims of an ambush by twenty-five battlecruisers and fifteen escort ships, already losing two Corellian escort craft and disabling a Victory Destroyer.

If the readings he was seeing were accurate, then according to his flagship's database, almost every military vessel had been decommissioned over the last three decades and eventually fell under private ownership to many wealthy citizens across the galaxy or were reported destroyed in major engagements. Traest did not need his well-honed instincts, military or political, to know a series of fronts for the Sith's military buildup when he saw them. It was just a shame that so many old New Republic vessels had to fall into such despicable hands.

Unfortunately, the aging Bothan did not have time to scan through even one of those individuals' records, so he would have to settle for sending them to Confederation High Command for them to follow up on. And while he had a moment, he would send this information to his old friends in the Galactic Alliance, Empire, and Jedi Order to ensure no stone was left unturned. Hopefully, they could all get along long enough to get the job done, and Traest could survive to see what came of such cooperation.

But before he could do so, he felt his personal holocomm buzz in his pocket, and he pulled it out expecting to receive a call from either his allies planetside, or from the enemy fleet to demand his surrender.

Instead, he found himself face to face with the image of a leathery and purple-skinned humanoid known as a Dornean, and it was one that Traest recognized from somewhere in his long memory. It was not General Etahn A'bhat, long serving general of the Dornean people, Rebel Alliance and its three successive governments before his impoundment by both Caedus and Daala. According to all reports, he was still convalescing on Bastion while aiding the Empire's fleet and army reorganize their diminished forces.

With all that in mind, the person speaking before him had to be one of his old friends and subordinates in the Dornean Navy. But since the Dorneans had all but cut themselves off from the galaxy for eighteen years, Traest, the Bothan Spynet, and the entirety of the Confederation, had only kept sporadic tabs on the isolationist people.

To Traest's gratitude, the mysterious individual broke the former's reflection by quickly introducing himself, "It's been a long time, Admiral Kre'fey. In case you don't remember me, this is General Kiles L'toth of the Dornean Navy. Prepare to take advantage of the enemy's distraction to reinforce the Alliance of Light down at Port Nowhere. Oh, and I have a program for you that will come in handy against the Sith's groundside forces."

"Acknowledged, and we greatly appreciate all of your imminent aid, General." Traest curtly ended the communication, ready for the diversion Kiles promised him.

Aboard the Secutor-class Battlecarrier Conquest

"I sense a bright movement in the Force." Darth Irola cryptically warned Danial Gage, commander of Malleus's reserve task force as the duo observed their forces push the Confederation flotilla away from Falleen's atmosphere. Having long worked together to build up the One Sith's war fleets with Lord Malleus's authority and resources, the Zabrak admiral knew that more information would be quickly forthcoming. Right now, the Mirialan Sith Lady needed silence to continue her work.

Bolting her eyes wide open, Irola quickly warned the Conquest's comms officer, "Contact the Warden's commander immediately. Have her raise their ship's shields to maximum power and scan the system for any kind of enemy incursion! I think we're about to have a few unwanted house crashers interrupt us."

Following the Sith Lady's instructions, the lieutenant gulped before anxiously reporting, "Lady Irola, the Warden is not responding to any hails. Wait… it looks like a jamming field has been set up around our fleet. None of our ships can communicate with each other."

"My Lady, Sir," A sensors officer called out. "Our sensors may have been crippled by the jamming, but we were able to pick up several images of a fleet of fifteen warships bearing down upon us. Their configuration is not one the system can identify."

"Give us a visual right away." Danial ordered him. Moments later, the monitors were filled with images of the ships.

From what every bridge officer and their Sith overseer could see, the five ships along the right flank seemed to be a hybrid type of warship, combining the Dorean Navy's Braha'tok-class gunships and Old Republic Centurion-class battlecruiser with the former's weapons bubbles and latter's sleek hull.

On the left flank, there were five escort frigates that resembled the EF76 Nebulon-B escort frigate, but with a thicker hull and spine, much more advanced weaponry, a concealed bridge, and solar panels on its flanks. They were not of a design either commander recognized, but they recognized the merit of capturing one for study, or at least get a detailed scan of the vessel, especially if the design could be of any use to the One Sith's growing navy.

Finally, in the center were five battlecruisers that very well looked like a hodgepodge of old capital ships, but they looked like the most dangerous of their own, with each of their fronts shaped like a front hatchet loaded with laser cannons, ion torpedoes, concussion missiles, and turbolaser batteries. Along their sides were multiple landing bays that could likely hold multiple corvettes and transports at once, and several wings of starfighters across each side.

Before either Irola or Danial could issue any orders, the comms officer warned them, "Sirs, we have a problem! Our communications are being hacked, and it looks like it's affecting the entire fleet!"

"Can you trace it?" Danial questioned, hoping to find a way to turn this situation around. Suddenly, Malleus's planned ambush was not guaranteed a certain victory as he expected.

"No need, Admiral. They're broadcasting on an open signal. The lead warship's designated as the Etahn A'baht, and their CO is identifying themselves as General Kiles L'toth. He claims to be representing the Dornean Navy, and is ordering our forces to stand down, or risk facing utter annihilation."

The Dorneans. That was a species that neither Sith Lady nor her longtime friend in an admiral had expected to hear from after their withdrawal from galactic affairs, and their timing to return could not be worse for the situation for their operations on Falleen. Unfortunately for the Sith, their latest enemies had overhauled their navy with ships never seen before by the known galaxy and given the size of their vessels, were likely more than strong enough to back up their threats. This did not bode well for them.

Already, several Confederation ships were taking advantage of their new opportunity to make a break for the planet below, and their main warships were quickly preparing to follow suit. Unfortunately, there was nothing to do about it for the time being.

With the new arrivals distracting them by attacking any nearby Sith vessel, even destroying a few escort ships with the strength of their attacks, their armada was stretching itself precariously thin with simply defending itself. And with communications being jammed, there was no hope for coordination by the beleaguered force. That is, unless Irola could reach out through the Force and reach out to Malleus and Ship below for help.

Irola and Danial needed reinforcements to deal with the Dorneans, and she just hoped enough would come before their force was truly in danger. She had a gut feeling that these new ships had even more surprises to them than their first impressions allowed.

Falleen, Ten Kilometers Eastward of Port Nowhere

Aboard the Mon Adapyne

"No one likes a good battle or rescuing our stranded people more than me, but since we're heavily outnumbered here, we can't afford to throw away any of our people, Farlander. We ought to finish establishing our defensive position here and hold out until our reinforcements arrive." Lasat general Garazeb Orellios, longtime freedom fighter and leading officer of the Lira San Expeditionary Force, cautiously warned Keyan and Haxim.

"And let our best and likely only chance to delegitimize Redhan's authority among his people slip away, Orellios?" Haxim aggressively reminded his ally. "We need to get those teams embedded in Port Nowhere, and then work with our inbound allies to attack the enemy on two fronts. I have several ships and crews prepared outside the region's outskirts that would be perfect to sabotage the city's defenses."

"I know you want to save your people and take your corrupt family down, General Haxim, but even I think you're getting a bit too bold." Thornton Rhal pointed out before adding, "Commander Gev and General Solo's people have reported suspicious structures embedded throughout the city's perimeter, and we've already identified them as anti-aircraft guns. Going in with full force now would be borderline suicide.

"Right now, we need to focus on one battle at a time, which means we deal with Malleus's fleet first. After we break them, we can work on capturing the city. Besides, our insertion teams are already ready to wreak some havoc across the city, and they can gather more intel for us on them. If they're lucky enough, they might be able to disable enough of the guns to create an opening."

"Agreed, Commander Rhal." Keyan concurred with the Mandalorian. Addressing his fellow generals and commanders, he doled out their tasks; "Rhal, you will lead our forward forces in slowing down the enemy's advance.

"Orellios, you'll coordinate our commandos' efforts to slip in and assist General Solo in sabotaging Port Nowhere's defenses.

"Haxim, you'll help me coordinate the overall defense until our newest batch of reinforcements can arrive." Showing a modicum of sympathy, Keyan reminded, "Once the Sith's force is distracted enough and we gather enough intel on their forces, then we can begin to look towards Port Nowhere and rally your people. Until then, we'll just have to put our trust in our advance teams to survive and gather the proof we need to put your corrupt family out of business."

Realizing the folly of his impatience, Haxim reluctantly nodded, remembering how he had to rein in his burning anger towards his family and their overlords, at least until he could confront them face to face. Then, and only then, could he reveal his true emotional scars to the people that would bring ruin to their people if they remained in power much longer. He had waited for over a decade to reveal the truth to the planet's populace, so a few more days or weeks would not matter much in the long run.

Port Nowhere, Above the Main Garrison

Aboard Ship

Malleus heard Irola's call for help and agreed to help her deal with the Dorneans and their shiny new toys. Quietly making a note to properly discipline his acolyte after the situation was stabilized for her failure in handling the two enemy fleets on her own, he ordered Ship to take off and head straight for the planet's atmosphere. But before he did so, he sent a message to Soonpaa and Meeka, ordering them to maintain their surprise for the Alliance force if they managed to get too close to the city's perimeter.

Luckily for him, even a narcissistic Sith like Malleus knew he could not stop an entire force with a single warship, so he would have to recall a strong portion of his fleets to aid him in this new battlefront. To help Irola, Malleus would need his very best to dispose of these cursed interlopers, and that meant his personal force from the Unknown Regions would have to be removed from this battle.

Hopefully, the withdrawal of his best warships would not hamper the rest of the armada's efforts in destroying the Alliance of Light. Though, given their miraculous, borderline insane, even, luck up until now, he thought just about anything could very well be possible for those naïve do-gooders. And since Ship was warning him about an old friend of his arriving, he had a good idea on who was about to try and reinforce the team already inside Warehouse Two.

Unfortunately for them, they would be rather tardy in helping their teammates, thanks to Malleus's precautions. As for Ship's assessment on Lady Kitai, well, he would have to keep his options open for now.

Within the Main Cargo Facilities

Aboard the Rude Awakening

Taking a final look at the motley crew of mercenaries, two dozen fighters from six different species before examining his own equipment, Ben only hoped that Sidon and Thornton's word and money was enough to keep them loyal to their contract. Even with the crews of the Rude Awakening and Dominance assisting him, and Knight Indigo Reel providing Ben a measure of Jedi backup for the dark secrets awaiting them in this Sith stronghold, the Jedi Master could not shake the sinking feeling in his stomach, and he knew the aching cause.

For everyone's sake, and his own sanity, if he kept coming back to this dreadful possibility, he had better be right about Vestara, or he, his family, and many others would suffer the consequences of giving her a final chance at redemption.

Interrupting his dreadful reflections, Tesar gruffly reported from the cockpit, "This one has received word that Ship is heading straight for the atmosphere, so here's our chance. Prepare for deployment in one minute."

Kix, sporting a gray and red-colored Katarn-class commando armor he was given by a wealthy Coruscanti who still admired the Clone Troopers, along with multiple pouches for medical equipment and various weapons, addressed his squad of a dozen mercs that made up Aurek Squad, "All right, this is it. The second we get out there, we need to spread some chaos, gather intel, and earn our paychecks. Watch each other's six, check your shots and ammo, and no one gets left behind."

Even through his fog of fear, Ben could not help but be amazed at Kix's leadership skills as the mercs finished prepping their equipment. If only more soldiers and warriors were as disciplined and principled as Kix, then the galactic powers would not suffer from so much corruption and vulnerability by the criminal element. He would have to ask Kix if he was willing to lead his own squad in this coalition going forward, or maybe even join the Jedi or Galactic Alliance, so his commando skills were put to better use and carried on by similar liberty-loving souls.

Clearly, the Grand Army of the Republic was a force to be reckoned with, even if only two of its soldiers still existed. But Kix and his brothers, they deserved better than to be vilified for crimes they had no control over when they were conditioned to unquestionably obey Order Sixty-Six, with their free will being stripped away from them. The few that were strong-willed and independent enough to resist the order and help some of the Jedi escape initial persecution, even desert the nascent Galactic Empire, was evident proof of Ben's conviction.

The landing bay doors opened, and the large band of misfits quickly prepared to deploy their jetpacks to descend into the city about one hundred meters below.

"Go! Go! Go!" Kix shouted through everyone's comms, and the teams hurried out of the ship and flew off to carry out each of their duties. Now the easy part was over, and the real mission could begin.

Mandalore, Kyrimorut

Outside the Starlight Cantina

"I'm sorry about your mother, truly. But you're not the only one to lose family to power-crazed despots and megalomaniacs, Commander Versio." Venku emphatically pointed out to Iden while they observed the townspeople go about their business. Having shared pieces of their history to each other and allowing the Imperial commando to release years of pent-up emotions on the Mandalorian clan leader helped foster a small measure of mutual understanding between the two fighters.

In a rare gesture of compassion for an outsider, Venku removed his helmet to show Iden the pain in his eyes before going on, "But at least you have the years you had with your mother watching over you. I never got that chance because of your dar'jetti of an Emperor and Order 66.

"I wonder if your Jedi friend in Empress Fel told you all of this?" He speculated out loud, privately enjoying how tense the Imperial grew after the last reveal.

"If you have something to say, Skirata, just go out and say it." Iden suspiciously lobbied. "I already know about your mother's death and father's disappearance not long after, but I never thought you'd be one for double talk and bitter sentimentality."

"Fair enough." Venku conceded, quietly continuing, "We know all about Jaina's little Imperial covert ops project in Darkmeld, and Fett has a particular job in mind for you and your squad."

Holding back her questions at the bombshell of an admission, Iden kept levelheaded enough to ask, "What kind of job?"

"Helping Beviin and his crew hunt down a few traitors in our ranks. We know that someone high up, or well-connected in our clans leaked word of your rendezvous with Parella and the others to Lecersen and his masters."

"So, you need outsiders to help you clean up another one of your messes. Why am I not surprised?" Iden bitterly deduced.

"Fair warning, I think you'd best tuck away your stuffy and bitter Imperial attitude while you're here, Versio. Not very many of us are fond of your government and soldiers after you occupied our sector for over two decades back when Sidious ruled, and later helping Caedus by lacing that hu'tuun nano virus on this world for protecting our partners." Venku warned her.

"Fair points." Iden conceded, before pointing out, "But then why did you agree to ally with us now, after all the bad blood between our two groups?"

"Because the last thing the galaxy need is another Draggulch Period, and at the rate everyone's going mad, a return of that era is a growing possibility." Venku bitterly admitted. "So, pride and old grudges aside, we Mando'ade have to be the bigger and better people this time around. At least, those of us that don't want to imitate Tor Vizsla and his pack of barbarians."

Iden stared at the veteran Mandalorian, wondering if the grizzled warrior was being genuine with her. All her instincts told her he was being honest with her and should be given a chance to prove his sincerity and honor. But given the anti-Empire sentiment permeating Mandalorian Space and vice versa, she had to tread carefully. Still, that did not mean she could not be respectful to the mercenaries unless proven otherwise. Surely not all of them agreed with their supreme leader's decision-making process.

Venku interrupted her reflection, jovially proposing, "Now then, I think we'd best go back inside the restaurant. I think we could both quite enjoy a delicious roba steak right about now before going back to the meeting."

"Don't treat me like a spoiled child, Skirata. I'm a military woman, so a simple rations bar will do just fine for me." Iden gruffly chided, about to pull a bar out before her stomach rumbled loud enough to shake a brick house, making her timidly blush. That blush deepened even further upon hearing Venku's raucous laughter. The tanned-skinned woman had a sinking feeling that she would not hear the end of this for a long time. Hopefully her skills would make up for this shaming moment in the mercenaries' minds.

Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple

In the Temple's Medical Wing, Intensive Care Facility Three

Jaden could feel the terrible coils of the Dark Side weave their way through Luke's very being. And this presence, this echo of a previous battle, was all too familiar to both him and Cilghal. It took them a brief period to recall where and when, but now both Jedi knew they had dealt with this type of wound twice before. The first time was when Luke had been injured in his spiritual assault against Abeloth alongside Krayt. And the second incident was after Luke and Leia had entered the monolith inside the Chiloon Rift not even a year later.

This insidious force, it was tied to the Celestial monstrosity and the wounds she inflicted on Luke, and the new Dark Side nexus created from the deceased Kam Solusar clone were likely only exacerbating the injuries.

Grand Master Katarn needed to be alerted to this right away, and their allies in the other Force sects needed to move as fast as possible. If Luke succumbed to this corruption now, either through a physical death or spiritual damnation, it would damage the Jedi's morale worse than any other loss that came before.

Within the Grand Master's Office

"You were right to call this to our attention. Even more so to take the initiative so quickly." Kyle gravely agreed with Cilghal's assessment on the comatose Luke. Even if the Grand Master of the Jedi had not been near his longtime friend a handful of hours ago, he would have sensed the incredible taint emanating off him. The additional factor that Luke might awaken within the next few days, from a wound that should have him out cold for at least several weeks, was a terrible cause of concern.

But if Abeloth's legacy was rearing its hideous head again so soon, then the Jedi had to act quickly before matters got out of hand any further. Knowing how unpredictable and vindictive the demoness was, anything involving her had to be treated with absolute care.

It was fortunate that they had already taken measures to try and figure out a solution to this growing crisis. In fact, the Mon Calamari had just made the necessary arrangements for high-ranking healers and scholars of the Blackguard, Luka Sene, Dagoyan Masters, Theran Listeners, and their most trusted allies within the Church of the Force to journey to Shedu Maad with all due haste. Hopefully, by sharing their knowledge and insights to the Force in examining Luke's condition, it could be the first step in finding a cure for the affliction, or at least give him a fighting chance in this spiritual battle.

Now, all they could do was wait until their help was able to arrive. Force willing, nothing could or would make matters worse for the morale of the Jedi and all their friends and comrades.

Falleen, Five Kilometers Westward of Port Nowhere

Aboard the Miraj Scintel

De'ralla observed the tactical feed coming through her patrons' fleet, and the results did not look promising for their foes. Even factoring in the withdrawal of Lord Malleus's fleet to secure their orbital position, along with the Confederation about to try and reinforce their position, the One Sith still held the advantage against their enemies by a three-to-one margin. And with the Jedi's infiltration teams ready to run into Malleus's surprise, they had everything they needed to suck this little rebellion dry to the bone.

"Admiral, long-range sensors have picked up almost three dozen vessels approaching our position from orbit in Sector Three. Looks like the Confederation made good time." A sensor officer grimly warned De'ralla.

"Give me a visual." De'ralla ordered, soon seeing the image of one Star Destroyer, three Bothan Assault Carriers, eight Corellian corvettes, and twenty support vessels. She would have thought the Confederation would commit more ships to this assault, but perhaps Malleus's reinforcements gave them a greater beating than she assumed.

"Alert all command ships, and have our ships aim all available batteries at the interlopers." De'ralla commanded her crew, moments until the proximity alarms began blaring for the Gladiator-class Star Destroyer.

Before she could utter any further orders, her ship began rocking from what she recognized as barrages from heavy dual turbolaser cannons and ion cannons. Why didn't the Scintel's sensors pick them up?

"Ma'am, all of our systems … they're shutting down." A comms officer fearfully reported, before the capital ship lurched downward and began falling towards the ground from its inertia. And that was not all, since De'ralla could see five more of her people's warships' start plummeting to the surface.

"Well, don't just stand there like a bunch of dawdling idiots!" De'ralla bellowed. "Get the ship back online!" Reaching into her crisp military uniform to pull out her personal comlink, she tried calling out for help in evacuating her crew, only to find complete static awaiting her.

She did not know how, but somehow, the Confederation and the rest of the interlopers had to be behind this act of sabotage. The timing was just too perfect to be anything otherwise. If she survived her ship crashing, then she would live long enough to exact a terrible retribution on those responsible. Otherwise, her soldiers were doomed to face complete and utter destruction, and with them, so did the final hope of the Zygerrian monarchy and their sacred slave trade.

Aboard the Mon Adapyne

"I have to say, your timing could not have been better, Admiral Kre'fey." Haxim greeted the veteran Bothan with the respect a leader of his caliber deserved. "Am I correct to assume that we have you to thank for the decimation of the enemy armada, and for distracting Malleus away from this battle."

"Not me, I'm afraid. The Dornean Navy deserves all of the credit for that miracle." Traest corrected the exiled prince. "Without them, we would not have escaped the ambush Malleus had ready for the Confederation."

The Dorneans? That was an answer neither general did not expect at all. Fortunately, they kept their focus on the immediate matter, Haxim gratefully acknowledged, "Then the Falleen people will owe them a debt as well once we free them from their oppression." Haxim gratefully acknowledged.

And the opportunity of this batch of reinforcements was greater than anyone had previously expected. With the Sith's navy losing ten ships, including the Zygerrians' flagship, from the virus seeded away inside the ion blasts plowing into each ship, and the Confederation giving the Alliance of Light a chance to launch a two-pronged assault on the enemy, the tide of battle was quickly turning against the Sith's forces.

Now, perhaps they could go on the offensive and work to liberate Port Nowhere while discovering what the Sith had hidden away in this seedy city. Haxim could not wait much longer before his family's crimes were revealed for the Falleen people and the rest of the galaxy to see, while the rulers were reviled.

"General, uh, Sirs!" A comms officer awkwardly called to both Keyan and Haxim. "We're receiving a data packet and a message from Port Nowhere. It's eyes only for you two, directly from Captain Seii. He marked it as urgent."

Not expecting that answer so soon, Keyan quickly walked over to the officer, and downloaded the contents of the message into two datapads. "Thank you, Ensign. We'll take it from here."

Quickly reading through the message, Keyan stopped for a moment, and breathed a weary sigh. This was an unsettling development. True, Haxim now had all the proof he needed to throw the planet fully into his full-scale rebellion, but if the team was killed or captured while pressing onward into the Sith's secret operation, it would create a terrible crisis for the galaxy's free powers.

On the other hand, if they could escape with more evidence before Haxim went public with the storehouse revelation, it might be able to persuade even more officers of the Royal Family's army and navy to desert and make the Alliance's liberation efforts that much easier. He would have to have a talk with Haxim before the rebel leader made any rash moves.

"Sir, we have another transmission coming from Port Nowhere. It's coming from Jedi Reel." The same ensign quickly reported.

"Put it on screen." Keyan ordered. Quickly seeing the hologram of the Falleen Jedi, lightsaber drawn and deflecting blasts from at least two different directions before ducking behind a pile of rubble, both generals had a gut feeling what this call was about and braced for the worst.

Moments later, the Jedi Knight urgently called out to the viewing generals, "We've engaged the enemy, and are taking fire from multiple-

"Snipers! Get down, now!" Indigo yelled to an unseen individual, before resuming his communique, "It was all an ambush. Aurek Leader lost about a third of his men before they managed to scatter, and the rest of us have just been pinned down just outside the facility's westward entrance."

"What about Cresh Team?" Keyan pointed out. Ben and his team were unaccounted for in this debacle, and if the Jedi Master went off on his own, so help the Galactic Alliance general, a reckoning would come. As for Kix and General Solo, hopefully both their teams could survive until relief arrived.

"Pull up the left flank before we're overrun!" Indigo bellowed. "Cresh Team is engaging the enemy five blocks away! Malleus had his best hunters ready to fight Master Skywalker.

"We're stranded here. Our transports had to evacuate to avoid enemy mortars, and we're pinned down!"

"Understood. We have your position, and we'll be dispatching reinforcements to your position momentarily. Work to hold out until then." Keyan stated. "Farlander, out."

Closing the transmission, the human general quickly turned to Haxim, "Looks like you're getting your wish. How many of your people and ships can you spare for an immediate rescue mission?"

"More than enough to save your people and take it to Malleus's servants, Keyan." Haxim bared his teeth in an eager, borderline bloodthirsty smile at the chance to personally lead his people in this fight. It was long past time he proved to his twisted and corrupt family that the past had a nasty way of catching up with everyone.

Before he could depart, the Mon Adapyne received an urgent transmission from Galactic Alliance Security agent Adra Passik, a green-skinned Twi'lek woman Keyan knew all too well from his occasional and off-the-books cooperation with Wraith Squadron. And with the woman being General Loran's adopted daughter and one of the unofficial squadron's liaisons, whatever motive she had for intruding now must have involved a critical intelligence breakthrough.

"Agent Passik." Keyan patiently addressed her. "I assume you have a good reason for interrupting a vital military operation."

"Always the charmer, Farlander." Adra smirked before her expression hardened. "Intelligence has learned precisely what the Sith have hidden away underneath Port Nowhere, and it's exactly what you need to ruin Falleen's Sith-controlled monarchy. But you're going to need a lot of Jedi and firepower to ensure this facility and all its captives are liberated."

Attention rapt at the warning, Keyan warned Haxim, "About those reinforcements of yours, General, I think you'd best call as many as you can. I'll recall what Jedi I can spare you."

"A very wise and practical idea." Adra agreed, before she quickly continued her impromptu briefing.

Port Nowhere, Within the Main Cargo Facilities

Inside Warehouse Two, Within the Underground Levels

As the turbolift completed its descent into the bowels of the Observatory's, everyone, Jedi, ex-Sith, Mandalorian, or Noghri, could feel the horrendous rank of oppression and misery threaten to overwhelm each of their senses.

A natural reaction, if this facility was exactly what a guilt-ridden Vestara claimed it was after she regained her memories: A prison and secret Sith training facility for kidnapped children and adolescents, as well as a repository of Sith weapons and experiments, with Vestara and Mirta's band of Mandalorians having helped steal over three hundred children for indoctrination in the Sith Code over the last ten years, it had to be something out of an old documentary holofilm or dark holobook series.

When this mission was over, the two women and their followers would have to undergo a long interrogation to uncover and destroy as many of the One Sith's operations the allied powers could reach. Hopefully, with Vestara's memory mostly restored, the Alliance of Light would have the advantage this time around, only if the Sith did not get wise about their new plan until it was too late.

But for now, they had to uncover what they could, sabotage the Sith's plans to prepare this world for its deliverance from evil, and free any children that might still be kept here to try and reunite them with their families. Although just because the two Jedi and their allies needed help, did not mean they would lower their guard on their former enemies.

Their desire to repent might be genuine, but who knew how this terrible place would test each person's spirit. If their resolve was not strong enough, then Vestara, Phasma, and Ferren could very well succumb to the temptations of this place and put everyone else at risk.

Keeping those factors in mind, for the team to maximize mission success and ensure the survival of as many teammates they could, the group would split into two teams. Leia, two Noghri, and Gorim would accompany Ferren into the Observatory's main hall and dormitories, while K'Kruhk, Akku, Mirta, and the other Noghri would look after Vestara and Phasma as they scoured the vaults and prisons.

Everyone, prepared to expect and face the worst, kept a tight grip on their weapons as they exited the turbolift, and beheld the hellish landscape before them. To the Mandalorians and Noghri, it looked like something out of their worst nightmares from countless ancient legends.

But to the Force Users, they had a much more vivid description in mind for it seemed like the sanctum was a perfect replica of a Sith Temple. The chamber held several ancient and demonic-looking statues, dozens of torches lighting the area, and even at least a dozen Tuk'ata, ancient Sith hounds from Korriban to guard the tombs of deceased Dark Lords, sitting at attention before leaping down.

Even for those without an ability to use the Force, it was obvious to everyone here that those accursed war hounds, through their salivating tongues and thin bodies, wanted a hearty sustenance after nearly a decade of guarding this place, and they hungered for any kind of meat.

Pulling out their lightsabers, blasters, and exotic steel blades, everyone was ready to take the first steps in uncovering the whole truth of this Sith outpost while keeping themselves alive. Mirta quickly quipped to her longtime friend, "I don't suppose you or your buddies can call them off, like you did for Ben and his family like your first encounter with them on Korriban?"

"A good idea, but I doubt it'll work this time around." Vestara glumly answered. If Krayt was as smart as he was powerful, then he would ensure that any Sith beast that guarded his treasures was fully devoted to the Dark Side and its followers, no matter who could speak the ancient Sith language. And none of the three traitorous Sith here had any intention of returning to their wicked ways, so that meant the Alliance strike force would have to face this challenge with a much bloodier method.

This was not the outcome that Vestara was hoping for, but she anticipated it all the same, given her unfortunate luck. But now the time for ruminations had passed, and now was the time for decisive action, for her atonement and in the name of all the people she ever wronged.

Korriban, Within the One Sith's Citadel

In the Cloning Labs

"You wish to resurrect one of the old Empire's most proficient clone commandos for the Grand Design." Nox interrupted Nala's explanation upon finishing the impromptu examination of the Edaan Iteration. Hearing the Kaminoan's request on Darth Krayt's behalf, he continued his assessment, "You believe that our current range of assassins and agents are not sufficient, so you seek to supplement them with creations of your own people's design."

"Not quite, my Lord. I merely believe that by utilizing SCAR Squadron Ninety-Nine, it can free up resources and people that can be applied better at other operations." Nala respectfully clarified. "Well, provided they can be restored to their full fighting capabilities. If they are to serve you, then it can only possibly be at their absolute best for the war ahead."

"And that is where you need the One Sith's resources, correct? Your people were unable to recondition them before their ill-timed revolt against the Empire, and now they cannot do so on their own with what meager trickles of credits they receive from pitiful clients." Nox sneered.

Restraining the anger at the demeaning way the Sith Sorcerer spoke to her, Nala again deferentially nodded, "That is correct. But if the experiments become uncontrollable or unsalvageable, or should they fail to meet your expectations, I will take full responsibility for any errors that occur due to them."

"Truly?" Nox amusingly raised an eyebrow. "You would risk everything on these seven specimens? I did not take you for a gambler, Doctor Se."

"I do what I must for the One Sith, and the restoration of my people." Nala humbly answered.

Appraising the Kaminoan, staring at her for what felt like weeks on end, Nox began, "I have read the reports of SCAR Squadron Ninety-Nine. Impressive work, for seven meager clones against dozens of armies of Separatist Holdouts and would-be warlords. If they can be rehabilitated, then I imagine they would be put to good use right away."

He then surprised her by agreeing, "I will speak to Lord Krayt in favor of your proposal right away. The soldiers' records are too well-decorated to be left languishing in stasis pods for eternity.

"But allow me to warn you now; you will not have much time, a handful of weeks, at most, to bring them up to specs. The Dread Lord will demand results almost immediately, and we will soon be evacuating Korriban for safer waters."

"I will not have your trust in me misplaced, Lord Nox. I will have them brought to Korriban immediately." Nala enthusiastically pledged as Nox began to walk away.

"See that you do not disappoint me, or the consequences will be fatal for both of us." Nox alerted her, before advising, "I'd remove the Ysalamiri from the room. According to the readings, your Iteration's growth is complete, and I have a feeling he'll want to enter the world with a bang." With that he left the elder scientist to start making a few holocalls to her fellow Kaminoans, and orders to her staff.

Confusion; complete and utter confusion. That was the first emotion that roared through the mind of the One Sith's most prized Iteration as it grasped its cognitive capabilities with countless questions arising from his implanted memories.

What had happened to him since Darth Krayt had attacked his mind? Did the One Sith manage to capture him during his incapacitation? If that were the case, then how and where had he been taken off Falleen, and why was he blinded by a light that felt as strong and blinding as a supernova? What became of his friends and the war against the Sith?

Wait. After a few moments, the programming, both sets of orders from the One Sith and the rogue Aphras, began to freely flow into the clone's mind. The being contemplating his position was not Edaan Palpatine, but an Iteration, derived from the tissue samples from the severed hand of the original Palpatine scion. And he was finally ready for release from his gestation tube to start his predetermined mission. As soon as his vision stabilized.

But what exactly was it he was supposed to do? What set of orders was he supposed to follow? The Aphras, as clever as they were, did not account for the clone's feelings on the matter of being used by multiple people, a large organization, or grand causes.

Well, before he could determine his first course of action, he had to get out of this glass prison. And what better way to do that than with a grand entrance into the rest of the galaxy? Tearing off his oxygen mask while summoning his Force reserves by utilizing Edaan's memories, the Iteration pressed on the transparisteel glass, applying pressure to immediately start creating cracks across the clear surface.

Ignoring the faint blares that permeated the outside world, he created even more cracks in the tube before making his big move. Unleashing all his power, he released a telekinetic blast that blew the tube apart, allowing him to fall onto his feet at the bottom of the cloning chamber.

Staring at the dark chamber before him, even as his eyes adjusted to absorb what precious little light they could, he observed the Kaminoan woman staring at him, mouth agape as the clone contemplated the first thing to say after his creation.

Fortunately for him, the old scientist, given her professional garb and medical equipment that was spread all over the room, composed herself enough to say, "Y-you're awake, two hours ahead of schedule! Allow me to fetch your masters to evaluate you, young man, after I get you a fresh uniform."

Not knowing what to say, the clone merely nodded in silent gratitude before he grabbed a patient's robe and tied it around himself. No sense in letting Lord Krayt and his Sith Order see him completely bare.

Once he passed their battery of tests, he would have a nice, long, and private chat with the Aphra women about their questionable ethics in using him to achieve their own ends. After that uncomfortable discussion, he would decide for himself what path he would take with his life. He might just be a clone, but thanks to the Aphras, he had a freethinking mind of his own, and he had every intention to take full advantage of this state of awareness.

Well, I think this is a good place to end the chapter! So, what did you all think? It took me a week to work on this, but it was time well-spent. I didn't plan the Korriban bits so soon, but they just sort of happened, and I think it fits well for this story, and the overall saga. Now the battle for Falleen is in full swing, and the Batuu battle will soon follow. And Edaan finally confessed all his fears and realizations to his wife, and he will soon begin his trials to fully conquer the darkness in his heart. Luke, on the other hand, is soon going to face a greater darkness, but he'll need much more help to face it head on. I hope these ideas will work as the saga progresses. In other news, how are you all doing on this warm night of Monday, February 21, 2022? I'm well, as I only have a few days until my 27th birthday, and I had work for a few hours earlier. Oh, and I finished Killing the Mob yesterday, and have begun rereading Star Wars: Allegiance. It's a great 2007 novel by one of the legends himself, Timothy Zahn. Oh, and Free Man Writer posted the latest chapter of Avengers: Infinite Wars last night, and it is golden! You've got to check it out. Well, I think I've rambled on long enough. I'd best get this chapter ready for revision over the next few days. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times for so many, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

(Tuesday, March 1, 2022, Addendum.) Hey, everyone! How are you all doing on this troubling Tuesday? I'm all right, as my birthday was very recent, and I have been reading a lot of stories online and have read over half of Timothy Zahn's Star Wars: Allegiance. Then I'll go back to my real world-related books. I also got this chapter analyzed yesterday, and it barely needed any work. Unfortunately, I've also heard some of the very devastating news regarding Ukraine, and Russia's invasion of the former, and I can't believe the insanity of it all. Hopefully it'll be resolved quickly, with the freedom fighters fighting to defend their country victorious in this mad war. I'm also gonna be praying hard for things to be solved peacefully, though I admit that prospect of that is likely quite slim. I also think I'll take a little break from writing to better plan out the next batch of chapters. I already wrote out a prototype draft of my epilogue for this story, and it's a masterpiece. Well, I guess I've said enough for today, so I'd better get it published.