Hey, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm and cloudy day of Tuesday, April 26, 2022? I'm well, as I just finished Chapter 24 a few hours ago, and will be going to work tomorrow morning. So, I figured I might work a bit on the next chapter, an interlude chapter that features Edaan Palpatine in the Unknown Regions. But I think I'll mix things up a bit by starting in the known galaxy by tying it into one of the Jedi Knight's companions, a rather stoic one for a warrior captain if you catch my drift. Oh, and I might retcon a little from the first story, just to have the story have more cohesion and so I don't lose track of everything. So, I hope you all have a blessed day, and can stay safe in this increasingly mad world. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

(Saturday, April 30, 2022, Addendum.) Hey, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm afternoon? I'm well, as I'm nearing completion on this chapter. All that's left is to take inspiration from my Star Wars: Galaxy at War mini saga (inspired by JSailer and Squasher, of course) so I can create a good diplomatic meeting between the Jedi and two future allied powers that live in Wild Space and the Unknown Regions. It'll hopefully be riveting and entertaining for all. I should be done with it by tomorrow night or the next day, so I'll hopefully have it published in the next few days to a week alongside Chapter 24. I hope you all enjoy and have a blessed weekend. I especially hope that free man writer's Avengers: Infinite Wars is done in the next couple days, because I am desperately excited for the conclusion of the Mortis arc. Oh, and I'm reading Jaqueline Carey's novel, Kushiel's Justice, and it's very romantic and steamy so far, plus it's full of courtly intrigue now and to come, which is a good divergence from my original stack of books. Well, I'll talk with you all later.

2100 Hours, Yelona 23rd, 53 ABY

Mid Rim, Anzat

Inside Maggot's Cantina

"I heard you had an offer for me, Captain Seii II." Edaan politely addressed the Mandalorian Anzati, before nodding to the younger Kiffar sister bashfully staring at him, warmly smiling at her, "Hello, Shara."

"Hi, Edaan." Shara Vos nervously replied. "It-it's great to see you again. Are you still single?"

"Yes, but I'm afraid I'm still looking for the right girl." Edaan kindly chuckled at the woman's blunt and hopeful flirting. Getting back to business, he turned to Akku, "So, what kind of job do you have for me this time?"

"It's more of repaying a debt I owe you from our last mission and fulfilling the need to start cultivating a strong working relationship with potential allies of the Mandalorian clans." Akku carefully elaborated. "Matters are rather… tense on Mandalore, and I have a feeling we'll need many well-connected friends and powerful organizations to help end the growing schism in our very society's fabric.

"How bad are we talking here?" Edaan anxiously asked, ready to gather all the information he needed to report back to the Council and his master.

"We may be teetering on the edge of a civil war between Fett's Protectors and a new incarnation of Death Watch." Lona Vos gravely answered with a grim demeanor, even for a deserter Guardian of the Kiffar people. "With all this in mind, hopefully, you can understand the gravity of our situation here."

"Definitely." Edaan anxiously nodded. "I'll take your request to the Council, but first we ought to settle things up here. You said you had something rather time-sensitive to talk about regarding my order."

"It's about an old secret in my family. One that holds a valued resource for your Jedi Order that you can't afford to pass up on." Akku quickly began before standing up and gesturing, "Come on. I'll explain more once the five of us are on our way."

"Wait, who's tagging along with us?" Edaan inquired.

"Shara, Lona, and Gorim, of course." Akku pointed out as it was the most obvious fact in this cantina. "Since you're coming with us to meet her mentor, we figured it'd be best for you to hear the story from her in person. Besides, with all the dangerous wild beasts plaguing the way to the sacred grove, we'll need a couple extra hands or three in staying alive."

"Just how far is this grove if we're going to meet a Force Adept?" Edaan nervously asked.

"About two hundred kilometers to the west, a few klicks beyond the boss's family estate." Shara rose from the table. "And you'd do well to mind your usual bluntness when meeting with my Master. She might be a serene tree most of the time, but she has a stern hand when provoked."

'Just what kind of shabla mess have I gotten myself into this time?' Edaan ruefully lamented while following his current three escorts.

0100 Hours, Yelona 25th, 53 ABY

Within the Woton Forests

Near the Seii Burial Grounds

Panting and wiping the sweat pouring off his brow as he entered an ancient burial site, Edaan suddenly felt a feeling of serenity and remorse purge the anger and weariness from his very being. It was a great relief after trudging through twenty kilometers of marsh, facing many lethal predators, and warding off the few Anzati assassins hoping for an easy feast.

"We have arrived." Shara stoically told her crush with a reverence he did not know she possessed. "My master will sense your arrival and judge if you are worthy to commune with her."

"Neither of you ever spoke about her until now. Who exactly is she that you would hold her in such respect and admiration?"

"A woman with the wisdom and serenity most Jedi can only dream of achieving, and the longevity most Sith crave but can never attain." Akku enigmatically answered. "This is a journey only you can take this time. Open your full heart to her, and she will see if you are able to learn from her."

Confusion crossing his face but trusting his friends, Edaan nodded before, acting on instinct, handed his lightsaber to Akku. "Guard it with your life until I return. I have a gut feeling I will not need it up ahead."

Nodding as he accepted custody of Edaan's prized weapon, Akku stepped aside and allowed the Apprentice to slowly walk up to the ancient grove. With every step he took, Edaan could hear a whisper echo within his mind and very being by use of the Force.

About two-thirds of the way towards the center of the grove, Edaan spotted a peculiar tree, one that stood out from all the others with its sheer vibrancy in the Force. What could this mean?

Reaching out to try and connect with the tree, Edaan found a strong wall blocking his attempts, making him realize just what, or rather, who, he was in the presence of.

Quickly falling to his knees and bowing in the presence of a Jedi Master far older than any in living memory, he reverently called out, "It is my deepest honor to meet you, Master T'Ra Saa."

Hearing branches rustle as the tree began to shift its appearance, Edaan could only fearfully imagine what kind of discomfort T'Ra must be enduring to revert her appearance from that of a sleeping tree to her more humanoid form.

Eventually, after several minutes that seemed to stretch on for countless days, the serene and captivating voice of the Neti Jedi Master called out to a prostrated Edaan, "Rise, my fellow Jedi. There is no need for such reverence for me, or any other living being."

Slowly rising to his feet, Edaan found himself speechless at the majesty of the awakened T'Ra, and struggled to utter, "I never was one for conventionality."

Actually allowing a wan smile to cross her lips, T'Ra agreed, "So I've heard through the echoes you leave through the Force wherever you go, and from my latest pupil. You aren't exactly a subtle one with your actions, a rather interesting contrast for a descendant of Darth Sidious."

'Well, this is going to be an interesting chat.' Edaan genuinely chuckled as he slowly walked over to better converse with his elder Jedi. "I believe we have much to discuss."

"Yes, and it starts with the Sith woman you call Vestara Khai." T'Ra knowingly agreed.

"That good at reading my mind?" Edaan mentally kicked himself at how clumsy his mind's defenses were.

"No, Akku and Shara told me the basics of your quest." T'Ra wryly answered. "But I want to hear the whole story from you yourself, and what has driven a man as talented, spirited, and stubborn as you to try and save her when others closer to her failed."

"It's a long story." Edaan pensively warned.

"We have time, and I could very well use a captivating story after a few years of meditation." T'Ra patiently pressed.

1900 Hours, Yelona 28th, 53 ABY

Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple

Within the Raven's Claw

"Once again, you've outdone yourself, Edaan." Kyle praised his pupil upon hearing of the latest gift Edaan had presented to his master. It was not every day a survivor of the Great Jedi Purge, let alone a Jedi Master belonging to the ancient Neti race, returned to the galaxy after decades of self-imposed exile when her lover passed away near the start of the First Galactic Civil War.

With T'Ra Saa and her wisdom from centuries of experience serving old Jedi Order about to be added to the Jedi Order's growing strength and font of knowledge, their chances of restoring peace, liberty, and stability to the galaxy were about to improve a little further. And the promise she made to help Edaan in his own personal vow of redemption would only be the icing on the cake for the coming war.

"I live to please." Edaan dramatically bowed, before professionally continuing his briefing, "Master Saa will join us on Shedu Maad by the end of next month. She just wants to settle her affairs with Rayder Seii and his family before she leaves Anzat."

"That makes sense. She does need to make sure that her return doesn't leave any large ripples that our large score of enemies can't detect." Kyle agreeably nodded. "What about Captain Seii and his crew? Can we count on their assistance if we require their unique brand of help?"

"They'll work with us." Edaan smiled. "Akku and his company might be Mandalorians, but they're no fans of the Sith, and I've struck up a good rapport with his crew through our missions together."

Daring to give voice to his deepest desire, the Apprentice continued, "And I think Akku and his crew might be able to help me with my little project. You know, the one regarding Vestara Khai."

"Do you believe he'll agree to this?" Kyle cautioned his pupil. "It won't be a typical contract, and even if this Mandalorian likes you, he and his team might not like taking orders from a Jedi or working to redeem a Sith Lady of Vestara's notoriety."

"I think he'll agree, considering that I've already told him of my entire plan." Edaan coyly admitted. "He said he'd help me, since he owes me a few favors, and understands the value of personal quests and saving loved ones. But in return, he might need our help in trying to solve the Mandalorians' divisions when the time is right. They might be edging close to a civil war soon if drastic actions aren't taken."

"Are the clans really that fractured that they would risk civil war now?" Kyle gravely asked.

"There's more." Edaan anxiously interrupted before pulling out a code cylinder. "Akku provided me with confidential information on the clans' movements and dealings, and his fixers have uncovered substantial evidence of Sith involvement in this 'Neo Death Watch'."

Taking the code cylinder from his apprentice, Kyle thanked him, "Good work, Edaan." Sighing, he continued, "I'd best convene a Council meeting first thing tomorrow morning. The timing might just work perfectly."

"What do you mean? What's going on this time?" Edaan wearily ran a hand over his forehead.

"More reports from Masters Skywalker and Veila in the Outer Rim, along with a report from our Quest Knights." Kyle answered before warning Edaan, "I suggest you refrain from hacking into the meeting this time. I'll get you a transcript later after the meeting ends."

"That bad?"

"No worse than the usual." Kyle truthfully answered, allowing a hint of anxiety to enter his voice. "But at the rate things are spiraling, we'd both best prepare for the worst."

0900 Hours, Yelona 29th, 53 ABY

Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple

Within Edaan Palpatine's Quarters

Rage. Helplessness. Despair. These three emotions were coursing through Edaan's soul, poisoning his every thought as he listened to the latest report Ben Skywalker gave on Vestara Khai's growing list of atrocities.

Leading Mandalorian pirates on raids on major shipyards and military bases for war materials, anyone with a few brain cells could determine that the Lost Tribe was preparing for a renewed war and had found allies with many Mandalorian renegades in rebuilding their war fleet. Unless decisive action was taken immediately, the galaxy would find itself embroiled in yet another war.

But thanks to the Galactic Alliance's moronic Neutrality Act that prevented them from interfering in the wars between the Jedi and Sith, much of the galaxy had essentially been abandoned all to save the Senate's shattered pride. How could this body repeat the idiotic and indecisiveness of the New Republic Senate under Borsk Fey'lya throughout the first two years of the Yuuzhan Vong War by scapegoating the Jedi for all its losses? Such hypocrisy sickened Edaan right down to his core.

Sure, they still had many powerful allies in individual planetary governments and the rival galactic powers, such as the Hapes Consortium and Galactic Empire, that were wise enough to see the value in the Jedi. And the Galactic Alliance still contained many noble individuals and leaders trying to overturn their most ridiculous piece of legislature. Sadly, though, the galaxy as a whole was still unable to recover from the crises that had plagued it over the last two decades and unwilling to look past old grudges and errors in judgement to do what was right for their citizenry and all worlds outside their borders that looked to them for deliverance from evil.

And the Skywalkers and Solos, they were off doing Force knows what in their semi-retirement when the galaxy could still use their many talents and decades of experience to the galaxy. But Ben Skywalker, he was the worst of them all for his unbridled hatred of Vestara, the woman he loved and should have and saved from the darkness devouring her soul, but instead vowed to kill out of spite, proving himself a hypocrite of all his family claimed to stand for.

Why the Jedi Council tolerated his double-standards and obsession with revenge, never mind promote him to Jedi Master not even a year previously, Edaan would likely never understand. He should be focusing on serving the Force, upholding the most sacred tenets of the Jedi, and working to follow his father's example of leadership and compassion for all.

Still, Ben's psychological traumas ran deep, and even Edaan could understand the pain and heartbreak that the older Jedi endured from losing so many members of his family and loved ones because of the Sith and the endless void the Dark Side created. But regardless, he hoped the years and his experiences of doing good for countless worlds and souls would temper the rage boiling in the nascent Jedi Master's heart.

Somewhere in his soul's deepest recesses, Edaan knew that if a clear path or solution did not arise soon, then his mission to save Vestara Khai from the Dark Side might never succeed where others failed, let alone take off at all.

After nearly ten years of training and undergoing missions, the Jedi Apprentice began to wonder if his quest was doomed before it even started. Throughout history, countless souls were unable to save themselves from the darkness, whether it was from their own making or outside forces and were doomed to remain in eternal torment after they died. And many souls that were born into darkness, even if they were offered a way out, never took the opportunities given to them.

But if the Jedi could not serve as a beacon of hope and redemption for all as the order's teachings proclaimed, then what was the point in preaching forgiveness for the wicked?

'Perhaps you are looking in the wrong place, young Palpatine. Not everything can be found in a cloistered location.' A familiar voice echoed through Edaan's chambers and mind, revealing itself to be none other than Revan.

"I assume you have a sermon for me in your next lesson, Revan." Edaan glumly surmised, impatiently adding, "Just give it to me straight, I'm not in a good mood right now."

"I cannot help you, Edaan, not in the way you think. I, and all those you allow into your heart, can only point you in the right direction and hope you can travel the road that will guide you towards your destiny." Revan patiently reminded his pupil. "But there are three people out there that can give you the inspiration you seek and remind you of what it is you are truly fighting for."

"Who are they?" Edaan quickly asked.

"They are the Hawkes family, and they can be found on a world named Odessan, hidden within the void of Wild Space near Jedha." Revan answered before flashing a series of hyperspace coordinates into his unofficial pupil's mind. "Follow them there, and you shall be granted the hope and courage you seek in your journey. But whether you will use it correctly depends entirely on you, and if you will respond correctly to the mysteries that lie further beyond the known galaxy."

"What do you mean? What don't I know?" Edaan wondered.

"More than you could ever imagine. And do not forget, you still have a great deal of personal growth to go through before you can even consider starting to save Vestara. No one needs another reckless Jedi running amok in the galaxy in your current era of turmoil." Revan sagely replied, his image vanishing as quickly as it appeared.

"Revan!" Edaan called out, hating whenever one of his masters did such a vanishing act when he needed guidance the most. 'Why do they always leave me with half the answers I want or need?'

Well, if he did not have the answers he desired yet, at least he had a destination in mind for his next trip. If the coordinates Revan gave him were accurate, then it would take him at least two weeks before he could even come close to that world.

He also needed to figure out how to best choose a ship that could travel throughout the galaxy with speed and secrecy. After all, Jaden had traveled in a Z-95 Headhunter for decades with only his trusted R6 astromech droid as a companion, and the duo had survived against many adversaries and rogue powers. But this time, he felt he needed to do this on his own, without his master and friends. With the madness devouring the galaxy and the Sith still on the rise, there was no telling what lengths they would go to if the Order took a team to journey deep into the galaxy's fringes.

The idea then came to him as quickly as a bolt of lightning. If the Jedi could not get involved, then Edaan would just have to commandeer a ship. And how fortunate that he had just the ship and navigation droid in mind to ferry him halfway across the galaxy.

All that remained now was to find the right time to take Jaden's Headhunter and make his way to Odessan.

0400 Hours, Yelona 31st, 53 ABY

Within Hangar Four

'Well, it's now or never.' Edaan anxiously gulped as he stowed his gear and provisions aboard Jaden's personal Z-95 Headhunter before leaping into the ship's cockpit. Having reprogramed the Jedi Knight's personal astrmoech droid to serve him for the mission's duration, he knew Arsix had the starfighter ready for takeoff long before he finished the final takeoff procedures. Edaan even made sure the droid had the correct clearance codes to allow for a seamless departure.

With all the preparations he made, he still felt a terrible pang of guilt in his stomach at deserting his post and going off on a reckless trip. He knew the consequences would be grave when he returned, but if he was able to get the answers and clarity he desperately sought, then he was willing to accept any punishment his master gave him the moment he returned to the Temple.

Arsix chirped to Edaan that everything was in order, and Edaan piloted the ship out of the hangar, jostling into the clear skies of Shedu Maad to soon climb out of the planet's atmosphere and make the first jump towards Wild Space.

1400 Hours, Relona 9th, 53 ABY

Wild Space, Odessan System Outskirts

After thirteen days of being smooshed in a cockpit and spending most of the last twelve days in Jedi hibernation trances, Edaan was ready to blast open the canopy even if it meant being exposed to space's cold vacuum.

But before he could stretch his legs and undergo whatever lesson Revan had in store for him, he had to finish tracking down the old headquarters of the Eternal Alliance before anyone figured out where he absconded to. And he did not have the time or resources to scour the entire planet for derelict facilities.

That meant he needed to employ more obscure methods through the Force. More specifically, he had to rely on a technique Je'daii Ranger Tau Koda taught him when searching for a target. Allowing his spirit to leave his body while treading right at the perilous edge of the Dark Side, Edaan extended his sense to scan the planet's surface.

Remembering what Revan told him of the planet's perfect balanced signature in the Force, but how Odessan endured an invasion from the Eternal Empire near the end of the Force-ruled government's rule, Edaan followed the ancient echoes in the Force to track down the old fortress.

Vaguely resembling the Senate Rotunda perched in a mountaintop, Edaan eventually found the ancient base and felt something else there, something equally old but far more powerful than anyone the Apprentice had met.

Wondering who or what the presence was, it was able to shield itself almost perfectly from any probes, leaving only traces of its power known to Edaan. He had to get down there to figure out what was calling him down to this long-abandoned world.

Plugging in a series of coordinates for Arsix to take the ship down below to the planet's surface, he prayed that no one interfered with this odyssey. If any of his fellow Jedi interrupted him or tried to stop him, then he might very well have a nervous breakdown from the mounting pressure in his soul. He needed to figure out how to save Vestara and the Jedi, and he did not need any well-meaning intrusion.

0900 Hours, Relona 10th, 53 ABY

On Odessan, Inside the Hawkes Mountains

Within the Alliance's Command Base

I'm not going to make it! Edaan feared as he ran through the ruins of the ancient fortress based in a series of mountains, before coming across a large series of durasteel doors that were bolted shut through the erosion of time, never mind the large piles of debris that covered most of the doors.

Moments after Edaan debarked the Z-95 Headhunter beneath the mountains and took a week's worth of provisions with him, Arsix took back control of the pilfered starfighter and flew away from the mountains. Having communicated with Edaan how his reprogramming skills needed work, and that Jaden and Kyle were on their way to Odessan to bring the wayward Jedi Apprentice back, he quickly grew frantic and entered the fortress to try and track down this enigmatic signature, but to little avail.

Every hallway he turned down led him into a terrible trap that nearly got him killed and led him no closer to the answers he needed. Was this the lesson that Revan wanted to teach him? Was he supposed to be brought to his lowest point just to receive the wisdom he so desperately craved?

But even with the door welded shut in front of him and the powerful presences mere meters away from him, he still could not see the meaning behind this entire accursed experience.

Struggling to control his turbulent mind while sensing Kyle and Jaden fast approaching him, he briefly considered breaking through the doors with telekinesis. But he thought better when he realized that'd probably drop the mountain on them. No matter what he'd try, there was no way through without killing them all.

He collapsed to his knees as Kyle and Jaden caught up with him, Kyle seeing him sobbing. "Are you okay, Edaan?"

"No, Master, I'm not. Vestara is becoming a monster, and Ben's not far behind in his quest to stop her... and I don't know if I have the strength to stop this madness. And all my answers stopped by a damned ancient barricade!"

Kyle put a hand on his shoulder as he countered, "Edaan, you wrote a passionate and brilliant dissertation on how Revan and Meetra Surik didn't save the galaxy from the Sith on their own. They had a crew of friends and comrades, as well as armies at their side in order to defeat Darth Malak and the subsequent Sith Triumvirate."

"And you don't have to carry the whole burden on your own, nor do you want that, not if you want the weight of the galaxy's problems to crush you." Jaden added. "You have friends in the Jedi who are willing to help you, and we both know that you haven't been undertaking all of your dangerous missions just for cheap thrills. Never mind the six deceased masters you have teaching you your more advanced skills and teachings."

"I know, but... it's just hard for me to fully process and comprehend that. You know how stubborn and difficult I can be. And it certainly doesn't help that history seems to be against me in almost every instance." Edaan ruefully acknowledged.

"But you are getting better at it, and you'll keep improving until you're ready for your mission." Kyle reassured him before amusingly adding, "Besides, you yourself said that history is against you in most instances. Not all. That alone should give you at least a glimmer of hope."

Helping his apprentice to his feet, Kyle asked him and Jaden, ""Can either of you sense any Dark Side presence beyond here?"

"No. Strangely enough, the Force here seems to be balanced, just like this world has been. There are scars here of both Light and Dark, yes, but it almost seems like an ancient Tython, back in Tau's time of the Je'daii Order just before the Rakata invaded." Edaan responded.

"Then we press on. If you really are hearing a call and receiving visions from the Force, then we would be remiss to let you ignore this opportunity. But we'll do this as a team, so no running off on your own. Understand?"

Edaan's face brightened up at the assent, and nodded, "Yes, Master."

"Good. We'll discuss your punishment later." Kyle playfully added before observing the rubble that blocked their way. "Looks like whoever sealed off this room didn't want just anyone to get through. Which means we'll have to find another way to get through if you're to get the answers you seek."

It was then that they heard a strong female voice calmly explain, "Actually, that will not be necessary, for the one we hoped would have heard our call came, if with a few extra Jedi."

The three Jedi immediately whipped around, their sabers drawn when they saw a woman with blonde hair, fair white skin skin, and gray robes with silver shoulder pads and a lightsaber attached

to her belt. But what truly shocked them was the woman's eyes. They were a bright yellow, a sign of the woman's affiliation with the Dark Side of the Force. And yet, this woman seemed to be at peace, with no malice or anger directed at the young Jedi.

"Who are you? And what do you mean by 'our call'? We can only sense you, Sith." Edaan cautiously said, ready for a fight if it came to one.

"I was not the only one to call you to this planet, Edaan Palpatine. My husband was the second voice that you have heard for the last two months. Though I did not expect your master and his former pupil to track you down." The mysterious Sith woman replied, causing Edaan's eyes to harden as he kept his lightsaber lit.

"And just who would that be? Another Sith, I assume?" Kyle skeptically asked as he stood his ground.

"No. He's a man that you three and the rest of the Jedi Order should know all too well." Lana said as another spectral image began to form, which revealed a man who appeared to be approximately thirty-three years old, had black hair, Jedi combat armor with a lightsaber attached to his belt, and was holding the hand of a blonde-haired young woman that couldn't be older than thirteen years old.

Judging by the way that the Sith woman fondly and lovingly looked at the Jedi, the three Jedi astonishingly assumed that the two people were married, and that the child the man was holding was their own. Jaden was so shocked at the couple standing in front of him, that him just had to ask Edaan just who those two were. "Edaan? What exactly am I looking at here?"

"For once, I'm just as in the dark as you are, Jaden." Edaan numbly answered.

After warmly chuckling at the incredible amount of surprise their three guests were feeling right now, the male specter answered, "I am Davin Hawkes, but you might know me better as the Jedi Order's Hero of Tython. I was also the commander of the Alliance that triumphed against Zakuul's Eternal Empire, and one of the first known Gray Jedi. The woman that is next to me is Lana Beniko Hawkes, the former head of Sith Intelligence for Vitiate's Sith Empire, my wife, and the mother of their daughter, Kira Marr Hawkes. Though I suppose history hasn't been kind to any of us if you don't know of us."

After hearing those words, Edaan felt as if he lost his footing, and was freefalling down an endless chasm at the revelations. "I... I don't understand. How can a Jedi and Sith have a child together? I thought that the two orders despised each other due to their different views on the Force, to put it

lightly."

"Well, young Apprentice, as you said, that is only a fraction of the truth, because, just like the Jedi Order can produce some bad Jedi, two such Jedi of my time being Jedi Master Jun Seros and Jedi Knight Zylixx, the Sith can produce noble members of their order, such as Darth Sajar, Lord Praven, and Lord Calphayus of the Dread Masters before they defected to the Jedi. And don't make me forget about my wise and beautiful wife." Davin flatteringly said by the end as he lovingly looked at Lana, who humorously rolled her eyes at her husband's fawning.

"Davin, we talked about this." Lana said with no heat in her tone as she then turned to face the Jedi Apprentice, and continued, saying, "We called you here because of your all-but immeasurable powerful connection to the Force, as well as your cause to redeem Sith Lady Vestara Khai."

"How do you know of this?" Edaan asked as he deactivated his lightsaber with the two veterans following suit, not sensing any malice from either the Jedi or Sith.

"Because when we died, Edaan, our spirits came back to the planet where we led the fight against Valkorion and his offspring's Eternal Empire, while strengthening our bond of love, and soon marrying each other." Davin replied, confusing the three Jedi.

"I don't understand. Who is Valkorion, and what is this Eternal Empire that you are talking about?" Kyle confusingly said as he adopted a puzzled look on his face.

"It is a long story, Edaan, but we will tell you of it, as it will help you in your journey." Lana said as she and Davin began their tale of how Lana had met Davin during the Order of Revan Crisis, and how they fell in love over the next year before the cataclysm of Ziost that was caused by the disembodied spirit of Vitiate, the former Sith Emperor of the Reconstituted Sith Empire.

Soon after, Davin and Darth Marr discovered that Vitiate, under the form of Valkorion, a native of the planet Zakuul had built another empire, the Eternal Empire. Davin was then captured by Valkorion's sole surviving son, Arcann, as well as his daughter, Vaylin, after Davin had destroyed Valkorion's physical form.

Davin was trapped in carbonite for five years while Arcann and Vaylin had conquered the known galaxy in that time, and was eventually rescued by Lana and his old friend and astromech droid, T7-01, and, with the help of many allies, formed a military coalition known as the Alliance, which caused Arcann to turn to the Light Side of the Force, while Vaylin was killed by Davin, and Valkorion's spirit was destroyed by the combined efforts of Davin, Arcann, the spirit of Vaylin, and Senya, the former wife of Valkorion, and mother of Arcann and Vaylin.

Once Valkorion and his powerful and malignant spirit was finally slain for good, the Alliance merged with the Eternal Empire to become the Eternal Alliance and become a humanitarian and peacekeeping force across the galaxy. That is, at least until it was devastated by a Zakuul fanatic and forced to ally with the Old Republic in finally destroying the reconstituted Sith Empire.

A few months afterwards, Davin proposed to Lana, who joyously accepted, and the two were soon married. One year later, they even had a daughter, who was named in honor of Davin's old friend and former apprentice, Kira Carsen, and Darth Marr, a leading member of the Dark Council, and a firm patriot of the Sith Empire before he was killed by Valkorion.

Later, as a Force Ghost, Marr worked with disgraced Jedi Grand Master Satele Shan in aiding Davin to retrain him in leading the Alliance and finding a new approach to the Force, one that adapted to change and utilizing all his skills instead of the Jedi or Sith Codes.

After what must have taken at least two hours for Lana and Davin to finish their lesson, an astonished teenaged Edaan said, "I can't believe what I am hearing. How did the two of you fall in love?"

"Well, it wasn't easy, Edaan. We had our differences, but, over the course of our time together, we reached an understanding after learning that we had many beliefs and opinions in common, and we soon fell in love with each other." Lana explained as she looked lovingly at Davin.

"So, it is possible." Edaan whispered to himself as he took a step back at the implications that he had learned, and continued, saying, "I had almost given up hope on the promise that I made Vestara all of those years ago."

"We know of the promise that you made, Edaan. And we've come to give you encouragement in these dark times, as well as tell you of what you need to do in order to stop the Sith, because they are causing so much strife across the galaxy, which will undo all of the efforts that Lana and I spent in trying to unite a broken galaxy." Davin passionately said as the Jedi listened intently to what the Gray Jedi and his Sith wife had to say.

"What do I have to do?" Edaan said, now fully believing the two people, as they knew of the current state of the galaxy.

"You will need to assemble a crew of loyal allies, and you must unite the galaxy in order to take the fight to the Sith. But, most importantly, you need to stay true to yourself and your principles, as the light within you will guide you throughout your darkest hours." Lana said.

"Wait, why are you helping my pupil, Lana? You're a Sith, so shouldn't you be supportive of their endeavors to take control of the galaxy?" Kyle skeptically asked as he did not forget just who Edaan was talking to.

"Because, when I was alive, I did not care for the trappings of power and vengeance. I only wanted knowledge, truth, and understanding of the Force, while the rest of my successors only want power for power's sake, and that is against everything that I stand for." Lana passionately replied.

"Good enough for me." Jaden said as he sensed the presences of the rest of his Jedi task force approach their position, and he quickly said, "You two need to go now, or the rest of our strike team will find you, and they will not be pleased that we're speaking with a Sith, even one as pleasant and good company as you, Lana. How can Edaan contact you again?"

"He won't. We'll contact him when his need is greatest, and you're in your darkest place before the plunge. Until then..." Davin then paused, and he and Lana said at the same time, "May the Force be with you." The three Force ghosts then dissipated from the room, leaving the three baffled Jedi to contemplate what had just transpired before the rest of the Jedi arrived here.

"You know, from what we've seen, a lot of the Alliance's headquarters' facilities are still in reasonably good shape, all things considered. Perhaps, once we regain the galaxy's trust, the Order can use this base as a listening post, a training facility, or a bit of both." Jaden noted.

"Then we had best keep the truth of this facility a secret from the rest of the galaxy for now. We don't want to give the public more ammunition about the Order trying to grab power for its own ends." Kyle ordered his two compatriots.

"I hate politics." Edaan groaned, earning two authentic laughs from his older peers.

"Welcome to our world, young pupil." Kyle joked as they prepared to return to their ship.

"Wait." Edaan stopped, a sudden idea coming upon him. "If we can't use this planet for the time being, then perhaps there's another way it can be used for noble purposes. It isn't too far from Chiss Space, after all, and since this world isn't inhabited by any sentients, perhaps they can use it as a forward base in their efforts to keep their borders secure and keep an eye on the rest of the galaxy."

Kyle genuinely seemed to consider the idea through stroking his greying beard, and quickly

decided, "And in return for informing them of this base, we can ask for a few small portions of the untamed land to use as an Academy for some of our more advanced students and their teachers when we regain the public's favor. This way, everyone comes away with something away from the negotiations. I'll contact Ambassador Fel and see if he can forward this request to the Aristocras. It may help us gain some goodwill back with the Ascendancy after Tenupe."

"I still can't believe they'd hold onto that after seventeen years. You'd think they'd learn to let it go in light all the chaos that's been consuming the galaxy." Edaan glumly noted.

"At least they aren't hating us like most of the Senate." Jaden jested, before he grew still, sensing a presence he had not felt in many years.

"Jaden, what is it?" Kyle placed a hand on his old friend's shoulder. "We have company?"

Growing stern and serious, Jaden warned the other two Jedi, "We do. Possibly the unwelcome kind."

Reaching into his robes to pull out his commlink, Kyle tried to communicate with any of his Jedi teams, only to hear nothing but static on his end. "Back to the Raven's Claw. Someone's jamming our transmissions."

"You sure it's not us just being too far inside the mountain?" Edaan speculated, even as the three Jedi hurried back to the Grand Master's personal vessel.

"Do you really want to take a chance with Soldier coming for us?" Jaden gravely countered, flabbergasting both master and apprentice at the divulgence.

"Soldier? As in, the clone of you that Thrawn commissioned decades ago, and disappeared with a kid after you uncovered and destroyed an ancient sentient Rakatan Space Station?" Edaan quickly recalled.

"Exactly, and I sense he isn't alone. Which means we need to hurry up and stop the chitter-chatter." Jaden silenced his friend before the three Jedi hurried to their ship, with Jaden coming Arsix and ordering him to return to Shedu Maad and report back to the Council. If they were attacked or captured by the rogue clone, then the Jedi needed to be ready to face whoever commanded him.

0930 Hours

Beneath the Hawkes Mountains

Just Outside the Raven's Claw

"You certainly took your time getting back to your ship, Master Jedi." A man who startlingly resembled Jaden, aside from a few scars across his face that the Jedi Knight did not hold, amusingly chuckled as he stood in front of the three Jedi. Given Soldier's calm demeanor contrasting from previous encounters, and how he had two associates with him, two beings who's race and gender could not be determined behind their full-body armor, it would be safe to assume the three Jedi were quite surprised by this encounter.

Addressing Jaden, Soldier, dressed in golden armor and equipped with a lightsaber and several more conventional weapons, respectfully nodded, "It's been a long time, Korr. I see that you and your old master have done well for yourself, especially with most worlds as set against you since the Sith returned with a system's worth of them throughout the galaxy."

"What are you doing here, Soldier?" Jaden warily asked. "I thought I'd never see you again when you and Grace escaped Mother's trap." Remembering the little girl Soldier traveled with, he let his curiosity guide his next question, "Where is Grace? Is she all right?"

Faintly smiling, Soldier admitted, "She's fine. We're both fine and found a new home for ourselves in Wild Space." Frown returning, he elaborated, "But this isn't the best place to have this kind of conversation. We need to go soon, before the Chiss track you down and trigger a diplomatic incident between all of us."

"What are you talking about? We thought this system has been uninhabited for millennia after the Third Galactic War." Edaan suspiciously noted.

"Much has changed out here for everyone, including the Chiss." Soldier unfathomably answered. "Now, get to your ship and follow my people to our home. We'll explain everything once we get out of the system."

"And where exactly is your home, Soldier?" Kyle queried.

"The Aquilian Republic." Soldier curtly responded. "We'll guide you there, but we have to get out of the system while there's still time. Now, come on!"

Using the Force to unlock and open the bulkhead to the Raven's Claw, Soldier quickly explained, "My remaining crew can take my ship out of the system, but we need to hitch a ride with you for now. You need us to get to our headquarters, and you'll get a valued ally in your war against the Sith."

'Why do I have a feeling I'm not going to like whatever answer he gives?' Edaan remorsefully griped as the three Jedi and their hitchhikers made their way onto the Grand Master's ship, and he got to his station while Kyle and Jaden hurried to start up the ship.

Taking off, the Raven's Claw found itself following a compact ship off the planet. After the ship exited of planet's atmosphere, Soldier went up to Edaan's station and handed him a piece of flimsi with a series of numbers on the sheet. "Give your master this list of coordinates and have him jump to hyperspace straight away. Once that's done, we'll tell the three of you everything you want to know."

"Fine." Edaan acquiesced before reciting the hyperspace coordinates off to Kyle. After the jump to hyperspace was made, the Jedi Apprentice belatedly realized something, "Wait. This jump will take us a few sectors deeper into Wild Space. Where did you relocate to, exactly?"

"An ancient world that once served as the capital of the Eternal Empire and nearly brought the galaxy to its knees before the Hawkes and their precious Alliance defeated them and started their slide into obscurity for over thirty-six millennium." Soldier responded.

Remembering the lessons Davin and Lana just instructed him in, Edaan nearly fell off his seat from shock before shouting, "You mean ZAKUUL?! I thought that world was in ruins after the Third Galactic War! How in the Gods did you end up there, of all places?"

"It's a long story. And if you'd calm down, I'd be more than happy to tell the story to you and your fellow Jedi." Soldier stoically urged the frantic young man, who quickly worked to control his mental turbulence.

"Sorry. Most people say I'm too energetic and excitable as it is." Edaan humbly apologized.

"I can see why they'd all come to that conclusion." Soldier genuinely smirked at the surge of emotions emanating off Edaan.

1200 Hours, Relona 13th, 53 ABY

Deeper Within Wild Space

In Orbit Above Zakuul

Witnessing the fleet and dozens of mobile fortresses guarding the fabled world of Zakuul, now the capital world of the Aquilian Republic of three dozen other inhabited star systems, the three Jedi felt a shared pang of dread at the prospect of facing off against a new expansionist empire.

Even with all the stories Soldier told them over the last three days, they still found it hard to comprehend, but found it a great warning for any civilization at its precipice of glory.

After the Third Galactic War ended and Zakuul fully cut itself off from the galaxy, its ill-prepared and pampered population spent the first six centuries of its isolation laden with corruption and open warfare in its decaying cities. Not even mercy missions by brave privateers and occasional diplomatic entreaties were enough to stave off the world's complete fall from grace and drive into barbarism.

By the time of the Fourth Great Jedi Schism and its subsequent millennia of strife, after over sixteen centuries that followed the fall of the Eternal Empire, the once populous and advanced world had been reduced to a handful of scattered tribes and hundreds of ramshackle towns in Zakuul's few remaining fertile regions. It was then that salvation came for the world's downtrodden survivors in the most unexpected place: exiles from the Chiss Ascendancy.

Unlike the Old Republic and Jedi Order, the Chiss kept a close eye on the onetime powerhouse after its downfall, and often exploited the planet's resources and position for their slow expansion and industry base. Few in the Ascendancy challenged such duplicitous methods after the devastation the Eternal Empire wrought on the galaxy, and the worlds the Chiss were forced to concede just to remain relatively intact.

But throughout the centuries, several more open minded and compassionate Chiss leaders in their Sydnicature and military secretly funneled what few precious resources they could to the Zakuul people and ensure their survival. Eventually, such actions were made public to the entirety of the Ascendancy and forced those leaders' and their followers into exile to prevent a civil war.

Fortunately for those exiles, they were allowed to take a substantial amount of their legally owned resources and any personnel that wished to follow them into their final journey into the Greater Chaos.

Naturally, they journeyed to Zakuul and began the world's rebirth. Over the next two thousand years, they helped the population's remnant rapidly grow and flourish into a new republic, eventually, after five centuries of relearning their old craft and adapting the humbling lessons of their defeat and the Galactic Republic, maturing into what would become the Aquilian Republic.

But unlike their last form of government, they did not go out on such an absurd war of conquest or use droids and Force Sensitives as the bulk of their military. Learning from the Chiss the values of taking control of their destiny and protecting their rights, the people took a far more active role in their affairs and used diplomacy and alliances with the other inhabited planets that joined their republic, while using their expanded armed forces to defend their borders and reach out to other worlds in pacts of mutual protection and trade.

Honestly, Edaan was impressed with how far the one time dictatorship had come from its destructive and fanatical roots, even if it cost them so much time and blood to do so. Still, the Jedi and Sith could likely learn from them in a way of reforms and coexistence.

Now, after two hours of waiting in orbit above the rebuilt world, the Raven's Claw and its accompanying craft were granted clearance to travel down to the planet's political nerve center of the Endless Swamp.

1400 Hours, Zakuul's Surface

Deep Within the Endless Swamp

Inside the Capital City of Serall

Observing the cityscape the three Jedi were escorted through, reminded of the balance of technology and nature of the Core World of Corellia, they were surprised to see a number of Chiss Ascendancy officials and soldiers patrolling the world alongside with Chiss Aquilians. After two millennia of isolation from their peers, Kyle and his fellow Jedi would not have expected the mainstream Chiss society to be so cordial with the descendants of exiles, especially citizens of what they thought would be a rival power.

Obviously, much more had changed for the Chiss than they were officially letting on with their ambassadors. They offhandedly wondered if Jagged Fel and his fellow Chiss knew of this partnership and made a note to press them about this new discovery once they returned. Now, though, they needed to attend their hosts' hospitality and learn all they could of this old society to see if this republic could be a potential ally for the Jedi while quietly unraveling the mystery behind the Chiss-Zakuul alliance.

Edaan, in a typical teenage bluntness, asked their lead escort, "Where exactly are you taking us, Soldier?"

"It's Paladin Captain Terall around here when I'm on duty, Mr. Palpatine." Soldier patiently corrected the young man. "But I'm taking you all to meet with some of my people's leadership and two of our key allies. I think you'll find them quite informative on the many questions you undoubtedly have on the situation out here in what you consider 'uncharted territory'."

Referring to Jaden now, the Aquilian immigrant smirked, "But I think you'll be pleased to remember one of my subordinates. A young Paladin trooper that you and your old spacer friend helped save from two rogue Umbarans and Mother."

"Grace? Good, she lives then." Jaden faintly smiled, before soberly adding, "That is a relief to hear, but unfortunately, Khedryn and I aren't on speaking terms now. We had a rather intense falling out not long ago."

"Oh, I see. A shame, I rather liked your friend, and so did Grace, especially." Soldier disappointingly noted, seeing the pain in Jaden's eyes, and knowing better than to pry right now, with the conversation dying down into an awkward silence.

1730 Hours

Within Serall's Diplomatic Center

Inside the Offworld Embassy

"I must confess, when we received word from our allies that intruders had found Odessan and that Soldier was bringing them here to discuss a potential alliance, I did not expect these guests to be such prominent Jedi." The elderly Chiss woman noted to the three men. "But allow me to introduce myself to your sibling students, Grand Master Katarn. I am Sev'eere'nuruodo, Aristocra of the Chiss Ascendancy's Fifth Ruling Family, and primary liaison to the Aquilian Republic. But for simplicity's sake, you can use my core name of 'Veeren.' It rolls off the tongue easier."

"And I am Syndic Arazi'ar'alani, Ziara for short, of the Third Ruling Family, and a student of Aristocra Sev'eere'nuruodo and ally of her in all matters pertaining to the security and prosperity of the Chiss people." The younger woman cordially introduced herself. "You three have been on the lips of many Chiss with your bold endeavors, especially young Palpatine with his infamous lineage."

"Thank you for your diplomatic wording of such a controversial topic." Edaan respectfully nodded to the Syndic. "I hope you have heard mostly good things about all of us. We have worked hard to rebuild our Order's crippled reputation."

"And you all have made excellent progress towards such a daunting endeavor." Ziara approvingly noted. "But that is not the reason we have agreed to meet with you."

"We need to understand what exactly you were doing on Odessan, so far from your headquarters in the Inner Rim and all the crisis points constantly erupting all over the known galaxy." Veeren began.

Turning to Edaan, Jaden and Kyle waited for the prodigy apprentice to sigh and forewarn them, "It's a long and complicated story."

"Just give us a sufficient overview, then." Veeren compromised. "You will be able to give a more detailed report to the Aquilians' High Council, and a few of the Ascendancy's more… forward-thinking minds in two days."

"Gee, no pressure or anything." Edaan nervously griped before he began his tale, starting with his obsessive drive to redeem Vestara Khai and the roots of his self-appointed mission, immediately catching both Chiss women's full and undivided attention.

0600 Hours, Relona 15th, 59 ABY

In Serall's Executive District

Inside the Vortana Building

"You're not nervous, are you, Master Jedi?" A young woman energetically probed the three guests as they were led into the Grand Councilors' office where they would meet with the Aquilian and Chiss leaders and discuss a potential alliance between the three powers.

"Wouldn't you be nervous at meeting with foreign heads of state and shadowy alliances, Grace?" Edaan snippily quipped.

With her red hair reminding Jaden of the late Mara Jade Skywalker, her boundless curiosity of the greater galaxy, and her strong connection to the Force, Grace Tirall, Soldier's adopted daughter and Paladin Corporal in the Aquilian Republic's military, proved to be an able escort for the three Jedi. She got along well with each Jedi, but she did regret not being able to converse with Khedryn and regaling him with her own adventures and service to a higher cause.

Still, willing away her disappointment, she especially enjoyed socializing with Edaan, as they were closer in age than Jaden or Kyle, and she enjoyed hearing of his travels and missions he underwent across the galaxy. To Edaan's utter relief, she was drawn to him out of a sense of kinship rather than a simple crush, since he already had enough women swooning after him back in the known galaxy.

And from what Jaden told him of Grace, she too held many terrible burdens and a great sadness from her trauma as a child. Though, she arguably had it worse with her former genetic ailments, the Force plague from Mother, and losing most of her community and all her blood relatives in a handful of days from mysterious intermediaries, their illness, and run-ins with Jaden and his friends. Honestly, it was a miracle she did not fall to the Dark Side long ago.

"Well, here's a few timely pieces of advice: Be honest, be respectful, and do not speak out of turn." Grace calmly reminded her friend. "Just remember everything you told Veeren and Ziara last time and use your diplomacy training to persuade the High Council and Chiss to ally with the Order. Simple."

'On paper, maybe, but not in practice.' Edaan nervously drawled out before the group walked up to the final security checkpoint. Thankful that the three Jedi had agreed to leave their lightsabers with Soldier's squad to avoid creating a diplomatic timebomb, they were quickly brought through and ushered through the wooden doors to greet the assembled Aquilian and Chiss dignitaries, whether in physical or holographic form.

Seeing the Aquilian's two Grand Councilors, one a Senator and the other a Paladin-General that led the Republic, their cabinet, comprised of two members from the Royal Senate, each Speaker of the Upper and Lower Houses, and three members of the Republic Military's Joint Chiefs of Staff, all here in person, each of their imposing stature nearly intimidated each Jedi into stunned silence.

And the Chiss's smaller delegation of Supreme General Ba'Kif, Aristocras Veeren and Prard'ras'kleoni, and Syndic Ziara, either in flesh or holographic appearance, was equally stressful for the three Jedi delegates. After all, it was not every day three outsiders, especially from a foreign power most Chiss were wary of, were exposed to a secret society in the insular Ascendancy that was meant to bring their government and society into the modern age.

Getting right to business, the Paladin-General Grand Councilor appraisingly began, "So, you three are the outsiders that have caused such a stir amongst our leadership. Quite a noted and accomplished trio of Jedi from what we have been told, I must admit.

"But where are my manners? Allow us to properly introduce ourselves. I am Thexan Reaf, Grand Counselor and retired Naval Praefecti of the Aquilian Paladins, and my peer is Diana Theyn of the Royal Senate."

"Thank you, Grand Councilors. We are all honored to be the first Jedi in millennia to grace your majestic homeworld in all its restored glory." Kyle diplomatically greeted.

Going through brief but cordial introductions, the three guests learnt the names and gleaned a little of the personalities of each dignitary and their differing responsibilities within Zakuul's Republic.

Akara Legeus and Olair Reeve, the respective Speakers of the Upper and Lower Houses, were both lower-class workers that were taken in by a sympathetic noble and surprised everyone with their innate grasp of leadership, impeccable integrity, and political acumen. The two women were as close as sisters and worked well together in keeping the peace and unity between the two rival bodies, as well as were leaning more towards expanding their people's influence through with other worlds and the greater galaxy.

Though, the two women still had their healthy share of disagreements. One key notable difference between them was how Akara preferred diplomacy to sharing their wealth and prosperity to restore countless war-torn worlds, while Olair wanted to use military force to help the galaxy police itself and eradicate threats to the galaxy's law-abiding populace.

Another key contrast between their positions was how Akara alone did not trust the Jedi due to the vast power and influence they wielded, though it was more likely a result of the Order falling short of its vaunted principles countless times over its existence. Olair, on the other hand, valued the skills and accomplishments the Jedi had and wanted to work with them in reestablishing law and order to the galaxy.

The two high generals and one high admiral that comprised the Chiefs of Staff's representatives were a more complex puzzle for the Jedi to solve. While High Admiral Julius Gaia spoke honestly with great candor with all and was well-regarded by most Aquilian citizens for his outstanding naval service, High Generals Arcann and Arriva Arcus were a more secretive duo and much harder to read their intentions.

Of course, with Arcann and Arriva overseeing the Aquilian Army's black-ops companies and Paladin-Inquisitors in searching for threats inside the Republic's borders, a healthy degree of secrecy and insulation was paramount to their departments' success.

Edaan, deep down in his gut, knew that this meeting would be a trying test of diplomacy for the three outsiders, since the diverse group of Aquilian leaders might disagree on certain matters, they would come together to present a united front against an unknown force and be tough to sway to their side. If only the Galactic Alliance could relearn that critical facet of being a governing power, they would be that much less susceptible to corruption and infiltration.

"It is an honor to meet the esteemed leaders of the Aquilian Republic." Kyle, taking the initiative, respectfully bowed, the two Grand Councilors and their subordinates returning the gesture.

"Have a seat, Master Jedi," said one of the Grand Counselors, a silver haired man with a worn face Kyle recognized as retired Naval Praefecti (Grand Admiral) Thexan Reaf, "there is much to discuss."

"Indeed," Jaden replied, "Paladin-Captain Soldier and Aristocra Veeren have told us about your dedication to protect your people and your loyalty towards redeeming the tragedies of your ancestors."

"Flattery will only get you so far, Master Jedi," Akara replied, the hostility evident in her tone even as her face gave away nothing.

"Of course not, Speaker Legeus. With that in mind, I suggest we get straight to the point." Jaden politely suggested.

"I would advise the same." Thexan agreed, "You are here, by sheer chance, mind you, to try and persuade us to enter a military coalition with the Jedi and your allied governments against the tide of lawlessness that is sweeping over the galaxy-"

"And the Sith." Diana added. "Yes, and the Sith, correct?"

"That, and the threat of a leftover bit of refuse from the time of the Celestials." Edaan pointed out.

"We are familiar with the threat of Abeloth, Apprentice Edaan Palpatine." Olair nodded. "We have very good agents spread out across the galaxy keeping us informed of current events."

Kyle acknowledged, "And thanks to your generosity, we are here to present the argument that would be most beneficial to you."

Thexan gave him a wan smile, "Then I'm sorry you had to trouble yourself rehearsing your probably very well-crafted arguments for this matter, Master Jedi."

"Then you will not hear any of our arguments?"

"Because we don't need to. My good friends, Soldier and Diana here, both made very simple arguments last night. The Sith and Abeloth are mutual enemies of ours, both politically and spiritually, if you will. In other words, if the Sith win this war, then I doubt our neutrality would keep them from gunning for us next. And if Abeloth were to come out on top if she fully returned, then nothing would stop her from coming after us in her insanity of having every living thing worship her or be destroyed."

"No dictatorship or wannabe god can stand a rival," Molay said flatly, "and we are precisely that. Even more importantly, we are one of the few bastions of stability and hope out here in what you all call the 'Unknown Regions'."

"Then you'll side with us?" Jaden said rather eagerly.

"We're not a dictatorship, Knight Jaden Korr," Carrick replied, "as you should well know by now. This will have to be discussed first. But I and Molay are of the opinion that allying with you is the best course."

"I must protest, Grand Councilor!" High General Arriva roughly asked, "We have remained neutral in the affairs of the galaxy for over two thousand years, and that has maintained our independence and freedom as well! Who is to say that once the Jedi and their allies are the sole ruling power, we would be integrated by force?"

"We have no interest in doing that!" Edaan heatedly exclaimed.

"For now," she replied sharply, "who's to say after this war? In a decade, or two? No nation who arms itself as you have would be content enough not to be ambitious."

"You mistake us for the Empire of my ancestor. Also, your own nation is extremely well armed, and you have only used your might to keep the rest of the Galaxy from finding you and protecting your sovereignty from legitimate threats."

"I do not speak of the Empire or Yuuzhan Vong, Edaan Palpatine. I speak of the Old Republic and old Jedi Order you descend from. The former's history is full of nothing but expansions and wars to forcefully draw other member states, and the latter betrayed its vaunted principles many times, triggered dozens of wars through your many traitors and schisms and adherence to ancient traditions, and pushed many rival Force schools into obscurity or extinction simply to maintain your dominance."

"That's being unfair, Arcus," Julius countered, "every nation has that kind of history, including ours. And Katarn is correct that we are a military superpower with a long-standing martial tradition, and yet we no longer conquer or expand."

"For good reason," Arcann pointed out, "the Eternal Alliance after our empire's had this world disarmed and allowed fanatics like Vinn Atrius to gain power while inviting corruption from the galactic criminal element. Our continued martial tradition is in many ways a lasting deterrent against such threats."

"That won't last, High General." Edaan rebuffed, "You may have been lucky to stay out of the last two millennia of galactic conflict, but I assure you that our enemies, should they discover you, will not let you continue to exist."

"Edaan Palpatine is correct," Jaden added, "The Sith and Abeloth, they are not beings who share power. They both want absolute control and will stop at nothing to get it. Ladies and Gentlemen, it doesn't matter whether you stay out of this war. Eventually, you will be discovered and be seen by all as a threat. When that time comes, our enemies will destroy you if they cannot conquer you. The best thing for the galaxy is to help us destroy them first."

The Aquilian speakers fell silent at that, before Akara sighed, "As much as it pains me to say, but there is merit in your argument. However, our concern about the matter of our independence is still a pressing worry, especially by our history with your predecessor state."

"Speaker Akara, we are not the Old Republic or Jedi Order you dealt with. We are the New Jedi Order," Edaan declared, "and we do not make the same mistakes as our predecessors."

"No, you just make new ones," Arriva rebutted, "such as siding with repressive societies, including female-dominated consortiums and 'democracies' housing power-hungry Imperial Moffs, and isolating yourselves from the galaxy while allowing the Galactic Alliance to dictate the terms of your war and hamper your ability to help the people and worlds that truly need your aid."

Reluctantly conceding the point, Kyle nodded, "A regrettable, but necessary evil, given the current climate."

"Since when do Jedi run from a fight, especially after you helped fan the flames of rebellion and freedom in dozens of outlying enslaved worlds when the Lost Tribe was on the rise?" Thexan pointed out. "Besides, I'd have thought you'd learn from such compromises after you handed Coruscant to the Sith and Abeloth before taking it back."

"You're right." Edaan suddenly admitted. "In a lot of ways, we can see where you all are coming from. The situation on Coruscant was, in many ways, the Jedi's fault.

"But don't forget how, throughout history, the Jedi have often led the charge of freedom and kept the light of hope alive throughout the galaxy when all seemed lost.

"The Jedi helped prevent the Old Republic from committing genocide against the Tionese people and allowed them to integrate into the nascent government, building a bulwark against Hutt aggression.

"When the madness of the Pius Dea Crusades reached its height, the Jedi Order ended its recusal and worked with the besieged species and cultures to destroy the Contispex Dynasty and break their hold over the Republic.

"When the Mandalorian Neo-Crusaders nearly brought the Old Republic to its knees with countless atrocities under their belts, Revan and his allied Jedi came to the galaxy's rescue and beat the enemy back, saving all of civilization from enslavement or destruction.

"After the Eternal Empire took over the galaxy and wrought untold devastation on every world, a Jedi and his trusted friends rallied the Alliance together to liberate the galaxy and show the population a path to coexistence and breaking the cycle of war between the Jedi and Sith. Even if such a possibility failed, the Alliance's example should be a beacon to all about the value of cooperation and respect.

"And when the Yuuzhan Vong invaded the galaxy and threatened all of creation with their pain-obsessed religion and biotechnological culture, the Jedi helped pave the way for a united galaxy to reach victory and allow the Yuuzhan Vong to find redemption and atonement in exile, keeping the fledgling Galactic Alliance from stooping to the level of its enemies.

"Time and time again, the Jedi made countless sacrifices to protect the galaxy and all its people, even when the galaxy was dead-set against them and determined to destroy itself. That is the legacy we are striving to honor now, even with the odds stacked so far against us.

"And that is the choice you all have to make now. Will you adhere to centuries or millennia of traditions that our enemies are using to choke us into submission, or will we all try to forge a new path, born from the lessons of history, that will light a fire of unity for all that can end this mad cycle of darkness and war?"

There was a great silence in the room as the various military and political leaders looked amongst themselves. Except for Diana and Ziara, who were smiling knowingly and proudly, and Thexan and Ba'Kif, who's grim eyes brightened a little.

"Well spoken, Mr. Palpatine. I can see why many in this galaxy are keeping such an eye on you." Thexan complimented the Jedi Apprentice.

"We will bring each of your cases to the Senate tomorrow morning and have them vote right after. I would expect little resistance in convincing them to ally with the Jedi Order, especially if you all give such a similar speech before our ruling body." Diana informed her people's guests.

"I think we can manage that." Jaden calmly promised. "But we will have to leave soon after to avoid any prying eyes from coming to this region of space."

"As for the Ascendancy, we will have to be more circumspect. For now, a more covert pact is needed between our respective peoples." Ba'Kif warned everyone. "My allies and I need secrecy for now to reform the Chiss for the time being, and without a viable external threat, announcing such an alliance now would only embolden our political rivals and doom our cause before it truly begins. But it would help our shared cause if there were an intermediary that can help clear away any misunderstandings while preparing our people for war."

Kyle then glanced at Edaan, and offered, "What if we can spare a Jedi Master to act as a mediator between the Aquilian Republic and Chiss Ascendancy? Someone who has centuries of experience working between dozens of cultures as a Jedi Watchman but has very few ties to the galaxy."

"I assume you already have someone in mind." Soldier rhetorically deduced. "They'd better be good if they hope to navigate the minefield that's Aquilian and Chiss politics and intrigue, and you can afford to spare them for an untold number of years."

"I think the Jedi we speak of will more than qualify to thrive in the dangers you speak of." Kyle enigmatically promised. "The only problem will be getting her to this region of space without drawing any attention to us."

Relona 26th, 53 ABY

Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple

Inside Edaan Palpatine's Quarters

"And you are certain that Zakuul and the Chiss can be trusted to keep their word regarding this kind of alliance?" T'Ra coolly asked Edaan. "They have rarely been friends of the Order and our allies throughout the annals of history and have cost the galaxy countless lives when the Eternal Empire and Grand Admiral Thrawn each enacted their conquests."

Having been tasked by his master in convincing the Neti Jedi Master to journey to the Aquilian Republic and help the government prepare to aid the free galaxy in combating the Sith, Edaan knew he was in dangerous waters and needed to execute his next few moves perfectly if he hoped to succeed. But when paired against a woman of T'Ra's vast wisdom, and increased knowledge thanks to the periodic updates Akku's family delivered to her, he was critically short on options on how to best convince her of this course of action.

"That is why Grand Master Katarn is asking you to journey there, in order to ensure the Aquilians and the Chiss are kept honest and true to their word if they try to renege on their promise." Edaan answered. "The Ascendancy is a very secretive society, and the planet of Zakuul is one of their precious few full-fledged allies. That alone makes it critical to learn all we can of them both and how far they've come from their original roots.

"To even agree to allowing one Jedi a post as ambassador between the two factions is a considerable gesture of trust on both of their part, especially after all the grief we gave their respective peoples. And after dealing with a corrupt and power-hungry shrew like Tinté Vos as leader of the Kiffar people for many years, we are confident in your abilities to maneuver through the landmine of Zakuul." Edaan patiently concluded.

"And what of your training and mission, young Jedi Palpatine? Are you willing to leave your quest behind just to play politics and curry favors?" T'Ra disappointingly reminded him.

"Against the Sith and their many allies, and to rebuild the public's faith in the Jedi, we will need every ally and advantage we can get. And I'm not throwing away my chance to save Vestara, just postponing it for the greater good." Edaan reluctantly challenged, before acknowledging,

"Besides, I still have a lot of growing up to do, more missions and allies to cultivate, and much more training to undergo before I'm even close to ready for facing off against Vestara and her dark legions. When I go off to save her and take the fight to the Sith, I'm going to have to be at my best, and I can't afford to let any option simply pass me by."

"Would you even risk falling to the Dark Side if it meant saving the woman who betrayed the entire Jedi Order's trust, including her first love?" T'Ra pointedly challenged.

"I'd risk a lot more if it meant saving her." Edaan ardently admitted. "Remember, she showed me how I can be the best version of myself, even when the whole galaxy is set against you, and I owe it to her to remind her of that principle.

"Besides, you and Masters Tholme and Zao risked everything to save Quinlan Vos when he was being tormented by his deepest fears and the darkness of Volfe Karkko. The way I see it, I'm only following your noble example." Edaan reminded T'Ra with a hint of smugness entering his voice.

"I see you've studied your history, young Jedi." T'Ra closed her eyes, appearing to either fall asleep or meditate before asking, "Do you trust the Chiss and allies that you encountered, Sev'eere'nuruodo, Arazi'ar'alani, Soldier, and Grace? Can you vouch for the honesty and integrity of each of them?"

Here was the moment of truth. Edaan knew what T'Ra was trying to do, and such a judgment call, meant to test his judgement and trusting nature, was an excellent move. But he had spent much time conversing with the four individuals and peered into each of their souls and gleaned each of their hunger for righteousness and redemption for their societies and people whether their homes were the ones they were born into or adopted as their own.

The two Chiss leaders were eager to reform their culture to transcend their family's tangled web of loyalties, the constant power struggles between their government's separate powers, and its defense force take a more proactive approach in protecting their people and learning from their neighbors. And the Ascendancy's Club Bw'uatu-replica was especially eager to learn from their most controversial exile in his simple but boundless love of his people, along with his unpredictable military mind. In Edaan's mind, it might be a risk to ally with these extremists, but it would be far more dangerous to leave them to their own devices.

As for the reborn Zakuul, he remembered the countless atrocities its so-called "Immortal Emperor" and his offspring committed when they dominated the world and galaxy with its nearly endless forces over its five years of galactic rule. Those terrible stains were nearly impossible to atone for in most beings' eyes, even by almost all Jedi, and especially in the annals of history.

But thanks to one mother's unconditional love and relentless spirit, the only surviving child of Valkorion, the once volatile and spiteful prince Arcann, was able to turn himself around and work to save the galaxy from the mess he created while serving the Eternal Alliance and the Galactic Republic when war with the Sith Empire of its time resumed for the third and final time. Even Vaylin, the most dangerous and destructive of Tenebrae's human children, found a measure of atonement post-mortem when her spirit helped destroy both his consciousness, spirit, and last-ditch attempt to resurrect himself when called upon to twice aid her former enemies in life.

If a genocidal ruler could atone for his sins and find peace and redemption, then the same principle held true for his people and their destitute descendants, no matter how fanatical some of its citizens might be. And Soldier, a product of post-Imperial experiments and wayward soul before finding his purpose and redemption in protecting a pure soul such as Grace, held the same limitless potential as Zakuul and Arcann, and they all deserved a chance to prove their worth.

Taking a moment to mull this over, Edaan made his choice, and resolutely answered, "I can. And they have more than earned the right to gain your trust and the privilege of working with them."

Appraising Edaan and the sheer conviction he carried, T'Ra nodded, "Very well. Then I will give them the chance to prove themselves allies."

Bowing his head in utter gratitude, he quickly found himself confused by asking an obvious question. "There is one matter I should point out, Master Saa. How exactly are we going to get you to Zakuul with minimal fuss and maximum secrecy?"

"I think you and your little cabal can figure out that little wrinkle, Edaan." T'Ra amusingly challenged him before signing off from the holocall, leaving Edaan to inform his master and allies and figure out a plan. Well, perhaps it would be prudent to hire a client known for his discretion, loyalty, honor, and unlikely friendship with Edaan, even if he was a warrior leader and former scion of master assassins.

Well, I think this is a great place to end the chapter! Hard to believe I wrote this in just one week, but I did have a lot of it already written from previous stories. And I did draw inspiration from my AU collaboration and the Roman Republic, so it helped speed along the process. So, I think this will be the last interlude chapter I write for this story, so I'll need to plan the rest of my story accordingly and then execute it. But I need to let you know that I will be VERY busy this summer, as my workplace will need my help a lot, so I'll get plenty of hours, which will hamper my writing capabilities quite a bit. At least my paycheck will be high. In other news, how are you all doing on this warm day of Monday, May 2, 2022? I'm well, except a bit tired from work and having trouble sleeping. But that's normal for me at this point. I also plan to read more of Kushiel's Justice later today or tonight, and that'll be a great read. Well, I'd best get this chapter ready for publishing, as I hope to get it ready for reading by the end of next week. I hope you all have a blessed day, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

(Wednesday, June 8, 2022, Addendum.) Hey, everyone! I deeply apologize for keeping you all waiting so long, I revised my first two chapters for this trio post a bit and had to wait to get permission for publishing the last Interlude chapter, so that kept me busy. But I also need to let you all know that I need to take a brief hiatus from writing, just a couple weeks, due to the maddening burdens on my soul. You see, considering all the evil gripping the world and the darkness being propagated by so many willing souls, it's all overwhelmed me a bit, so I need to reflect on God and His love and mercy by reading the Bible, hanging out with family, doing good works for my community and friends, and reading lighter stuff before I lose my mind. I spoke with my mother on this, and she helped me reach this decision. I am sorry for disappointing you all, but I need to put my well-being first. I hope you all understand, because once I finish this brief retreat, I'll be back to finish this story with a bang. May God bless you all on this warm night, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!