Good evening, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm night of Tuesday, June 7, 2022? I'm well, as I took a bit of a break from writing because my sister's high school graduation took place yesterday, and we had plenty of celebrating to do over the weekend with friends and family. And I've been reading more of that book I mentioned a couple chapters ago, and it's full of very grisly stuff, and not for the reasons many of you might believe. In other news, work's letting up a bit for a week or two, so I will hopefully be able to write this chapter in a decent amount of time. And hopefully, I'll be able to publish the first two chapters I've written soon, as I know you are all eager for more of my story. Of course, I'll need to devote a bit of time towards looking for full-time work, as my search is still ongoing. Well, with all that out of the way, I'd best get started on this chapter. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

(Sunday, June 12, 2022, Addendum) Hey, everyone! I hope you all are doing well on this warm weekend evening! I'm well, but I need to let you know that I'll need a bit more time to finish this chapter, as I needed a bit of a break to decompress from the madness of the world, and my own fears eating away at me. Man, the world desperately needs God's light now more than in a long time, especially with all the deceitful voices and minds working in the shadows to drag countless souls into the darkness. Sorry for bringing real world stuff into this talk, but I just needed to vent a little. Oh, in better news, I saw Top Gun: Maverick a couple hours ago with my dad, and it was beyond phenomenal! A true work of art with good old-fashioned storytelling, brilliant action, and amazing character dynamics to entertain its audience, and nothing to incite controversy. Well, I'd best get back to writing. This chapter won't write itself, after all. May God be with us all in these dark times. Oh! Before I forget, I hope you enjoy the three previous chapters of my work, as I am worried that the first two may have been glossed over the Edaan Interlude. If you like them and have something constructive to say, feel free to shoot me a review or PM. Have a blessed day.

0110 Hours, Kelona 4th, 59 ABY

Dathomir System

Aboard the Nantz

'Well, I suppose our residential Jedi Council member's renowned instincts were spot on once again.' Thern reluctantly admitted while ordering his fleet right into the fray. Seeing the twenty enemy capital ships, with a Pius Dea Cathedral warship in the center of the enemy formation, and five carriers and its fighter complements bombarding the shielded planet below, he knew his fleet would once again have its work cut out for them.

But with only three Nebula-class Destroyers, a Galactic-class Battle Cruiser, two MC90 Capital Ships, and thirteen support ships still comprising the Galactic Alliance's diminished force, they would be at a severe disadvantage in this fight, especially with the lingering wounds the repair crews were unable to patch up.

Even with the Mandalorian Protectors sending three heavy cruisers, a troop transport, and a wing of Bes'uliiks, Vyrhawk fighter-bombers, and Aggressor assault fighters under Colonel Wren's direct command to reinforce the GA and Jedi, and the two fighter wings, three light warships, and seven frigates granted to them from Vinsoth's Imperial garrison, this battle would be an all but certain victory for the Sith when facing their superior numbers, greater firepower, and well-established strategic position.

The only chance the Alliance of Light had to triumph here was for their combined force to keep the enemy off-balance and away from continuing its orbital bombardment until sufficient reinforcements could arrive in the next seven hours, even as numerous and powerful as this "Paladin Lieutenant Terall" claimed them to be.

Honestly, these Force Users with their unconventional ways and countless secrets was almost enough to drive most men mad with fear and envy. Thankfully for everyone serving with and under him, the GAS lieutenant colonel still had his duty and the countless people and worlds that were counting on him to succeed, and that was just enough to keep him right on the edge of sanity.

0145 Hours

Lajinda Outskirts,

Aboard the Mon Adapyne

"It makes no sense." Haxim griped, went over the last few minutes of data from the Horus garrison's self-detonation. "Have the Sith and my father gotten so desperate to deny us precious resources and soldiers that they would resort to such terror tactics and unite the world against them? When word gets out and we capture or kill them all, only a braindead idiot would side with their masters."

"They'll do anything to strike a blow against us, and don't forget we haven't won this final battle yet. IF we aren't careful, Phobar and his people might yet slip through our grasp." Keyan sadly reminded the exiled prince, knowing their imminent victory over the Sith would be made hollow once word got out to the rank-and-file troops of the Batuu catastrophe. They, and likely many higher-ranking leaders, would quickly call for blood against any captives or defectors, which meant the rest of the leadership had to ensure the coalition remembered what it was truly fighting for outside of trying to win a war and defeat its ancestral enemy.

If the Alliance of Light ever lost sight of its true purpose, they might very well become just as bloodthirsty and evil as those they were battling against and would instead end up continuing the Sith's twisted legacy instead of trying to end their scourge.

"Well, simply talking about this battle's outcome isn't going to get us what we want." Garazeb sternly reminded his two fellow generals. "We need to make our final move now, before they can cause any other disasters. Good thing we have enough ships to break through Redhan's last defenders, and plenty of good intel on their defenses from all their defectors, regular goons and Sith alike."

"Even so, a direct assault is still a risky move on our part. Not unless we make sure the Sith don't draw us into another trap, especially with their sentient war vessel and their brain in a chair still running free and plotting who knows what." Mirta pointed out, acting as Thornton's agent in this meeting while he helped prepare his Mandalorians for the coming assault.

"I never thought I'd see the day a Mandalorian would shy away from a good battle." Kiles insultingly remarked. "I suppose your people aren't what they once were under Fenn Shysa in more ways than one."

"Don't insult my people's honor so easily, General." Mirta ardently defended herself. "I might enjoy a good fight, but I prefer it on my terms and when we're not about to walk right into the Tuk'ata den. Besides, if we want to keep the Sith off-balance and ensure our victory, that means we're going to need a blasted good diversion to keep their attention occupied while we undermine their defenses."

"Then, might I make a… radical suggestion in creating a sufficient distraction for Ship and its masters." Keyan apprehensively admitted, gaining everyone' attention at his reluctant tone before turning specifically to Leia. "One hour ago, one of your Jedi Knights came to me with a proposal that is highly dangerous but holds immense strategic value for us. I would be indebted to all your counsel on coming to a decision on her idea, or if we should chastise her for such a reckless idea."

0200 Hours

Dathomir, Allya Mountains

10 Kilometers from the Jedi Praxeum

After many decades of staying on the sidelines and letting his followers and agents do most of his dirty work, this planetary assault was exactly the kind of challenge Krayt had longed for. It reminded him of the hundreds of battles he partook in when he was a naïve Jedi Knight and Master during the Clone War, even as the last remnants of A'Sharad Hett desperately wished the nostalgia for combat would finally fade away. He had lost countless friends, comrades, and loved ones from war, and what miniscule morsel of vulnerability remained in him regretted the desperate and hypocritical actions he took in working to restore order to the galaxy.

All his regrets and trauma over the years nagged at him and threatened to disrupt his efforts, and this weakness had to be expunged before he became a liability to his Grand Design. If his followers detected his conflict, then they would very well turn on him and try to carry out his vision all on their own. And as qualified and powerful they might be, he knew now was not the time for the students to supplant the master.

Locking away his deep remorse deep beneath a Force-imbued air of confidence, Krayt refocused his efforts into leading his followers in the slow but steady progress on their approach to the Jedi's academy, even if the endeavor was costing the Nightsister thralls dearly. With the wide variety of traps and the antipersonnel turrets still wreaking havoc on their beasts and any sentient idiotic enough to defy common sense and brave the impressive gauntlet, that approach was proving to be far more difficult than previously anticipated.

Still, Krayt and his disciples always came up with a contingency, and with the assignment he had given Sorzus and Prosset before the assault began, this unfortunate delay would hopefully not last too much longer. But until that moment came, he still had an example to set for his legions and utter Chaos to unleash on all their enemies and their fortifications. At the bare minimum, it would set a good example for his acolytes and serve as a reminder for any would-be opponents that might try to fight against them.

0300 Hours

Korriban, Sith Catacombs

Darth Krayt's Citadel, Within the Dungeons

"So, you're back. I assume you have a new offer or ultimatum for me?" Jaing sarcastically asked, his weathered face not betraying any emotions to 0-0-0's red photoreceptors. If the would-be deserter was not short on time, then he would make a clever remark on how impressed he was with the Clone Trooper's incredibly stubborn resilience.

"Not quite, elder Skirata. I was ordered to give you a few pieces of information that will hopefully make your decision exponentially easier for you." The black-colored torture droid explained. "There is a young man here that will be crucial to our escape, and once he is free from his current obligations in healing Ochi of Bestoon, I would like you to meet with him. He is strong with the Force, has a sharp mind that could rival that of your brothers combined, and bears absolutely no love for the Sith, even knowing their role in creating him, so I think you two will get along reasonably well enough.

"Among your clan, you were at least far more pragmatic when it came to dealing with the Jedi and other likeminded Force Users, and I know you will not blame my friend for being blessed with his template's prodigious gifts."

Before Jaing could give voice to any doubts or incredulity, 0-0-0 warned, "More than that, I dare not say right now, not until he is able to speak with you without being scrutinized. But I urge you to consider our offer immediately, for our window of opportunity fast approaches. Darth Wyyrlok is on his way back from your home sector, and once he returns, we will need to be more judicious in our final few meetings."

Shuffling away to leave the Mandalorian to put together the new pieces of information, it was almost too great to process: Did the One Sith manage to perfect the cloning process for Force-Sensitives and use a captured Jedi as a template for an infiltrator, or as the prototype for a new army? Even just one of these implications could hold devastating consequences for the Mandalorian Protectors, even if the supposed clone, as crazy as it seemed, had his preprogrammed allegiances altered to now oppose his creators.

Unfortunately, if Wyyrlok was returning, then he would have to make that decision rather quickly, and risk everything to see if this supposed gang of deserters would make good on their word. But hopefully, before then, he would like to find out who this supposed Jedi-clone was and see if he could gauge his true intentions. As out of practice with Jedi he might be, he was still a great judge of most people's character.

0400 Hours

Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple

Within the Intensive Care Medical Facility

'Finally, we have a bit of good news to deliver in our work!' Taselda silently rejoiced after she and her peers finished examining their latest batch of data. If the provided readings were accurate, then the tumors growth, at least, the precious few that the medics had been able to remove from Luke's abdomen, had completely been halted by the diverse assembly of Force schools and their combined pool of knowledge.

Between the Blackguard, Luka Sene, Dagoyan Masters, Theran Listeners, and the elite scholars within Church of the Force, they had combed through countless records and tried dozens of techniques on the cancers and were able to make a breakthrough the Jedi alone would not have been able to accomplish.

Now, if the same practice applied to the remaining abominations embedded in the Jedi Master's flesh, then the Skywalker elder would soon be on the mend. They just needed about a day to assemble their equipment and prepare for the surgery that would require their entire focus and every bit of energy at their disposal to keep Celestial-related injuries at bay.

And speaking of gathering every bit of necessary energy, it would only help their cause if all of Master Cilghal's elite students were brought into this operation. In fact, they should probably recruit the rest of the Jedi stationed at their headquarters to pool their powers into a single point. If they hoped to heal Abeloth's horrific echoes, it would take every bit of strength this diverse group of Force Users could assemble for their surgery.

Once Master Skywalker was cured of his afflictions, hopefully the rest of his family would be able to spare a little time to look after their own. After sacrificing and losing so much to protect the galaxy for so many years and helping to win countless battles for the Light, their friends and allies could afford to give them at least a week, even during a galactic war of this magnitude, to let them care for a wounded loved one.

And without forgetting the bigger and more strategic picture of this war, no one in their right mind wanted to lose the man who almost single handedly revived the Jedi Order from near extinction, especially during a turbulent time that his wisdom would be sorely needed by all to win one final war.

0425 Hours

Dathomir, Allya Mountains

Jedi Praxeum, Within the Communications Center

"Masters, we've just lost contact with the Great Desert outpost." An apprentice anxiously informed Taron and Streen. "None of our backup comm channels are working, and the fortress's shield generator is down."

"Then we'll have to assume the Nightsisters and Sith razed the entire structure to the ground, just as they did the other five." Streen grimly answered.

"The planetary shields are down to less than a quarter maximum strength and are still dropping!" An aide warned the two leading Jedi. "We don't have enough working generators to keep all our defenses up for more than another two hours. If I redirect power from uninhabited sectors, we might be able to stretch it out for four hours at the max, but it'll still be putting countless people at risk."

"I think it's our only option at this point." Taron sadly ordered the generator team, who reluctantly followed his orders. As much as he wanted to protect every part of the planet from the Sith's invasion, this decision would be the only viable option to ensure his homeworld and this vital Jedi academy, a beacon of freedom and stability across this region of space, would not be obliterated from the ensuing orbital bombardment.

The forests would grow back, and empty villages and cities could be rebuilt, but the people inhabiting them could never truly be replaced, which meant they needed to make a few smaller sacrifices for the greater good. And if the Sith armada avoided the more populated centers long enough, then, Force willing, a miracle could occur.

"What about our comms blackout?" Adari addressed her husband while he tried to help the Praxeum's technicians while they still attempted to slice through the enemy's jamming signals. Despite knowing the Order and Alliance now had a fleet in orbit to keep the Sith's spacefaring forces occupied, if they had no communications, then they had no coordination between space and ground forces. Without a working comm network, neither could mount any kind of effective counterattack on Krayt and his allies, never mind call for help.

"Unfortunately, we haven't made any progress on that front." Edaan wearily shook his head. "Every time we're just about to crack their encryption, the Sith change their coding and switch it to another ship and network. Whoever's in charge of this network knows what they're doing."

Sighing, he shakily added, "Honestly, I've got a feeling that it'll probably all be up to Master Solo Fel and whatever fleet she came with to knock out whichever ships are jamming all our signals."

'Then she'd better take care of the job quickly, before Krayt's army can reach us.' Taron gravely mused as he observed one set of defenses after another systematically be destroyed, and the Dathomirian hybrid Jedi Master knew that they had little time left before everyone here stared right into oblivion at the Sith leader's hands.

But before that moment came, there was one critical security matter he and a few Jedi had to attend to, if the dark whisper in the Force skirting the edges of his senses was accurate.

0430 Hours

Falleen, 100 Kilometers from the Capital City

Aboard the Phoenix Whirlwind

"Not that I'm complaining about being a part of the action, Allana, even in an infiltration mission, but why did General Farlander want me on your team for this task, Allana?" Vestara confusingly asked the young Jedi Knight she once tried to kill on the Lost Tribe's behalf. "I don't exactly have a good track record with you or most of your family."

"And I'm a Solo, which means we've been known to defy logic and well-founded reason for daring heroics, so what's your point?" Allana conversationally reminded her before getting serious. "I wanted to show all the doubters out there that I'm willing to trust you, even when you cost me so much and turned me into a killer.

"You proved your sincerity in efforts at Port Nowhere, and I felt it best to return the favor with a bit of trust, even if my grandparents don't approve of the gambit. That's why I was the one to ask for your help on being part of the diversion for the Palace's defenders." Allana emphatically clarified for a surprised Vestara.

"Besides, I'm hardly alone on this mission, and if you do decide to fall back to your old roots, I'm sure that I've got enough training and protection to take you down. But I'd hardly want to be the one to have to kill Cousin Ben's lover." She finished, smirking when she felt Vestara's embarrassment creep over her face in a fiery red blush and through the Force, openly laughing moments later at her rising discomfort.

Deciding to go along with Allana's teasing, Vestara playfully rebuked, "Careful who you tell that to, Allana. I'd hate for you to have any more enemies for consorting with a notorious war criminal like me."

"I think I can handle a few more unrepentant souls, corrupt nobles, and warmongering Sith." Allana chuckled.

Growing serious, Vestara warned her new and unexpected friend, "But you know, I still have an old bond with Ship, and with Malleus and Phobar commanding him now, there's no telling how much of a menace they'll be for the Alliance, or if they'll be able to figure out our intentions."

"Which is why everything's on a need-to-know basis with everyone. Remember, I don't know the plan's full scope." Allana reminded before reassuring her, "But I'll let you know when we have to do a bit of our renowned improvisation."

Carefully gauging Vestara, Allana promised, "Don't worry. Ben's gonna be fine. He's been through worse battles, and you are notgoing to fall this time. I've got faith in both of you, and I know Edaan's work won't be a waste. If I know my old friend, he's always known for pulling miracles out of disasters."

Deciding to offer Vestara some words of Jedi wisdom, Allana added, "And don't worry about what you can't control or let your fears take hold. They'll just distract you and make you more prone to making a mistake. Just focus on the here and now by doing your part for the mission."

Taking those words to heart, Vestara took a few calming breaths before nodding, "Thank you Allana." Wanting to ask for more bits of well-honed advice, the older woman decided to wait and instead offered, "How about after we finish this fight and can get some downtime, we can have some girls talk and share a few stories? I'm sure we both have plenty of exciting missions to talk about, and I bet Mirta can add plenty of excitement to our discussions."

"Deal." Allana wholeheartedly agreed, getting a feeling that this would be the start of a good friendship between them. Though the emotional wounds Vestara inflicted on her still lingered, Allana knew Bazel would want her to let him go after he gave his life to protect her and would not want his name tainted with revenge. And besides, after she was able to forgive her father for all his atrocities as Darth Caedus, how could she not extend the same offer to a repentant Vestara?

For all their sakes, she would live and follow the example her friends and family set for her, no matter who or what tried to stand in her way. She just hoped the enemies rising against the Jedi and their friends would not take anyone else from her, as faint a hope like that would be.

Refocusing on the coming battle, Allana noticed the Phoenix Whirlwind was starting to fall behind the rest of the diversionary force. Increasing power to the Shriek bomber's engines, she felt the ship vibrate a little louder, and knew that her grandfather had made a few extra 'customizations' to make this ship feel a little more like the Millennium Falcon.

Flying in tight formation alongside the Rude Awakening, Dominance, along with the Mon Adapyne and twelve other capital warships and their fighter complements, the diversionary force was ready to begin their part for the mission. And with a dozen Jedi and Phasma ready to counter whatever machinations Malleus and Phobar had prepared for them when commanding Ship, the Sith would hopefully be occupied enough for when their real assault began.

Hopefully, Ferren and his fellow infiltrators would be ready to do their part and shorten this battle exponentially. Otherwise, the casualties would likely be staggering for the diverse force and weaken their resolve for the remainder of their war, an outcome none of the allied powers needed.

0505 Hours

Dathomir, Allya Mountains

Jedi Praxeum, Main Generator

He felt it again, this time closer than ever before. Whoever or whatever was stalking them, this was the shadow Master Malicos had warned the rest of the Jedi about. During the chaos of the last few hours, one or two Sith or their followers must have slipped past the Praxeum's web of defenses, and Edaan and Taron needed to apprehend or eliminate them before they commit any act of sabotage or assassination.

With the fortress's defenders preoccupied on facing the planetary siege while preparing to face the impending Sith army, along with trying to reestablish a secure comm network, very few Jedi and security droids were available to patrol their temple's lower levels.

Taron would not have allowed Edaan to accompany him and two of the temple's eight YVH droids, but the Palpatine heir was quite a persuasive speaker, and he made a good point that it would keep him out of Krayt's reach a little while longer. It eased Taron's mind that the Jedi Knight at least agreed to follow all his elder's orders to the letter, even if he was told to leave the older man behind and save himself.

Defying his better nature left Edaan feeling hollow, but he knew he would do the Jedi and Alliance no good if Krayt captured him. Besides, Taron had survived worse odds against the Yuuzhan Vong's unnatural creations, so what were a few Sith and Nightsisters compared to them?

Following the Jedi Council member elect as they closed in on the dark echoes, Edaan knew they were walking right into an ambush. Even more troubling was how the trail was leading them right to the academy's primary power conduits. If the Sith had been able to bypass the security and wreak havoc on the defenses, well, the young human did not want to go up against Krayt and his army without a Jedi-Alliance division of their own.

Holding a hand up, Taron stopped his advance before Edaan did the same, and both ignited their lightsabers in a defensive position.

For nearly a full minute, neither Jedi made any moves, waiting for their enemies to make the first move and gauge their abilities. But as the seconds silently ticked by, their droid escort was not so patient and used their infrared vision to try and locate the Sith before they found their quarry.

Arming their railguns, the droid duo opened fire on one shadow each, forcing both to leap from their pitch-black cover and enter the light, revealing an attractive Chagrian female, no older than her mid-twenties, in infiltrator's garb, and a middle-aged Miraluka male with armor resembling that of the Imperial Inquisitorious of old before both enemies activated dual lightsabers to prepare for battle.

The girl was unrecognizable to either Jedi, but Taron knew the Miraluka as Prosset Dibs, a rogue Luka Sene instructor who was wanted for murdering over a dozen of his students when his heretical Dark Side studies were uncovered, and quietly ordered Edaan, "You deal with the woman. I'll take care of her accomplice."

Nodding before glancing at both YVH droids, Edaan commanded, "Figure out whatever these intruders did to our systems and undo the damage."

"I'm afraid 'the damage' is already done, Jedi Palpatine." The Chagrian predatorily smiled, showcasing her perfect white teeth, before the lights momentarily flickered and she grew serious again, "As much as I'd enjoy testing myself against a Jedi of your caliber, our master desires you alive, so our battle will have to wait until you become the ultimate vanguard of his armies."

"Keep dreaming, Sith schutta." Edaan snarked before unleashing a white blast of Force lightning on the woman, who countered it with a purple-colored blast equal in strength to his own before they began a contest of wills through the Force, while Taron clashed lightsabers with Prosset with an intense fervor and anger saved for only the worst of his foes.

"How long have you been with the Sith, murderer?" Taron solemnly demanded his one time friend.

"Long enough to see that your moronic order and all weak-willed fools who side with you are going to finally lose in this accursed cycle of war!" Prosset growled back before maneuvering away from the Zabrak-Human hybrid's quick and strong blows. "You should have joined us when I offered you the opportunity, but now you'll die in your precious stronghold, just like all the rest of our enemies here!"

While both duos dueled against each other, with Edaan and his opponent evenly battling each other while using every skill at their disposal to try and incapacitate the other, and Taron quickly gaining the upper hand against Prosset with his superior combat skills, neither side almost did not notice the YVH droids until they both started blasting at everyone in their way.

"What the kriff are you doing?! Just target the Jedi!" Prosset all but shrieked before getting nicked in his side by a stray shot.

"Virus alert. Control of targeting matrix disabled. Required to purge all intruders from the facility." One droid loudly warned before resuming fire at Edaan and the Chagrian.

Taron, seeing a brief opportunity to end this fight, telekinetically shoved Proseet into a wall before ordering the droids, "Override all commands and initiate hard reset at once. Authorization; Talus, Hespal, Rancor, Beta, Reda!"

"Command code accepted." Both droids synchronically spoke before freezing in their tracks. The young Sith woman, seeing the odds quickly turning against her and the injured Prosset, decided it was time to take her leave, but not without leaving a lasting mark on the Jedi's defenses.

Pulling out a detonator, she pushed the trigger faster than anyone could register, and a series of small explosions could be heard from inside the main generator room. Victoriously smirking, she playfully warned her prey, "That was fun. Now, if I were you, I'd hurry back up to the surface if you desire to attempt any final heroics against my master."

Hurling both droids against Edaan and Taron, the distraction gave her enough time to call on the Dark Side and utilize an ability few Sith could master: Using the Force to torture the minds of the two unprepared Jedi, the distraction let her help a fallen Prosset up to his feet and lead the way for their escape. These levels would soon be infested by Jedi, and the two Dark Siders needed to get back to Krayt before he made his final assault.

0515 Hours

Dathomir Orbit

Aboard the Nantz

"Sir, scans indicate that the Jedi's shield is coming down all across the planet!" A sensors officer alerted Thern, even as the Nantzviolently shook from the shockwaves of dozens of droid starfighters suicidally ramming themselves against the Lieutenant Colonel's flagship and the rest of his capital ships to weaken their defenses for the Sith warships to finish them off.

With most of their fleet being worn down from the ceaseless attacks by the Sith, the Alliance was barely able to keep half the enemy's attention away from Dathomir's decaying shields, and even that had cost them dearly. The GA fleet had already lost a Nebula Destroyer, a MC90, and four support ships, with the Mandalorians and Vinsoth detachment suffering several minor casualties of their own.

The only bright spot was how Jaina and her Jedi's Force-enhanced accuracy knocked out the enemy's jamming field and had taken out a few of the enemy ships along the way, allowing the coalition to send out a general distress signal from all adjacent sectors.

Even if they would not make it in time to save Thern and his people, they might be able to arrive before Dathomir could be razed and the Sith made off with their prize. Preparing himself for the end, he was ready to order all his surviving ships to fall back under Jaina and her Jedi, he found the Nantz's sensor and comm systems going into overdrive.

"Sir, we've got multiple bogeys exiting hyperspace right above our position, and one of the new arrivals is hailing us! They're identifying themselves as part of the… Aquilian Republic, and the flagship claims to be called the Bright Reaper being led by a High Admiral Julius Gaia."

Well, they're early, but in the nick of time. Thern silently breathed in relief before seeing approximately three dozen new warships revert to realspace, with all of them of various designs none of the Star Destroyer's crew could recognize.

Seeing the compact and tanklike designs of the ten smaller attack boats and corvettes, with eight compact troop transports strongly resembling them in configuration, and the other half of the fleet made up of large cruisers and frigates that were made for efficiency and resembling a disruptor rifle in design, Thern hoped this unique fleet would be enough to at least give the Sith force pause in their attacks.

Remembering what his comm officer told him, the lieutenant colonel quickly ordered, "Put High General Gaia through right away, and then inform all ships that these newcomers are on our side."

'Let's see exactly what the world of Zakuul can do when stacked up against the Sith.' Thern stoically reflected as the image of a grizzled human came into focus, one with several scars resembling gashes draped across his face, and the Aquilian officer wearing a type of commando armor that the GAS officer did not recognize.

"Judging by the state your fleet is in, Lieutenant Colonel Savar, I assume we came right in the nick of time." Julius friendly greeted before seriously stating, "You've done good work keeping the Sith at bay, but we'll take it from here. I would strongly advise you and your Mandalorian allies to pull your wounded vessels back for now and focus the bulk of your efforts on supporting the Jedi down on Dathomir's surface, once we dislodge them from their fortified positions."

"Just like that?" Thern disbelievingly asked, warning the high general, "Well, you certainly don't lack confidence, and while we appreciate the assistance, you'll still need all the data we've gathered on the Sith and the rest of our firepower to even hope to accomplish that feat."

"We already have the necessary information, thanks to one of our best forward scouts sending us all the data on the battle's progress, and we have our own secret weapons to stack up against the Sith's own type of surprises." Julius courteously declined before promising, "I'll explain everything after we drive Krayt and his people away, you just be ready to move in the moment you get your opening."

0540 Hours

Falleen, Within the Capital City

Inside the Royal Palace, Within the King's Private Quarters

"The Jedi and Haxim have played their hand, and their first wave will be within striking range of the city within the next hour." Xaile morosely warned Redhan just as the king finished packing the last of his family's jewels and other priceless treasures from their personal vault. A bitter and heart wrenching end to the Axlan family's rule over their homeworld, but better to live in shameful exile for many decades than to have an extremely short lifespan while incarcerated in their traitorous son's vengeful custody.

Should the royal family's stash of credits run out, and their few remaining allies abandon them, then they would need a fallback source of income to stay one step ahead of their insurmountably high list of enemies. "Lord Phobar, Lady Irola, and our last few loyal admirals are mustering all available forces to blunt the enemy's approaching force, but they do not expect to hold out until the day's end. Not against the Alliance's full might."

"None of it will soon matter because we'll all be long gone before the day's over. And once we're out of their clutches, then we'll be free to rebuild our lives and plot our vengeance on all our enemies." Redhan promised his wife, not noticing the terrified glance in Xaile's quivering eyes.

0545 Hours

Within the Palace's War Room

'So, the fools have played their final opening hand.' Soonpaa vindictively smirked as he observed the attacking force near the capital city's perimeter. Thirteen major warships and the most high-profile vessels in the Alliance's combined force were all the Jedi sent to pave the way for capturing this rotten jewel of a city and finish freeing the world from Sith collaboration.

A meager force, barely able to contend with the thirty capital ships that remained under Redhan's command, but it would serve as an effective diversion for whatever their true battle strategy was. Not to mention how these crews had a proclivity for maverick tactics and strategies, so the odds would be more in their favor than the failing king realized.

Tragically for them, when their main occupation force arrived, the Sith would at last play their final hand, and Soonpaa and his associates would be well on their way to receive their well-deserved reward. Soon enough, the disgrace of a Jedi hunter in Aurra wouldn't be the only mercenary with a Force-based edge.

0600 Hours

Falleen Planetary Orbit

Aboard the Etahn A'baht

Kiles did not exactly relish this assignment, even as he gave orders to his crew to stay vigilant for any possible signs of enemy activity in the system. Having stayed in isolation with his people for so long, he and his fleet's complement relished getting back into the fight, but they would not likely be able to do that while patrolling the space above Falleen while the rest of the Alliance task forces made the final push against Malleus and Redhan's diminished forces.

Bitter feelings aside, the professional soldier and general in him still understood the military value of this task, since the Sith needed to be cordoned in and eliminated before they and their puppets could escape and spread their false message to any greedy or resentful soul desperate enough to listen. That task was best suited to the Dornean Navy and their unconventional bundle of ships.

But it never hurt to have a few friends to help a professional fleet out, with about a dozen Mandalorian, Galactic Alliance, Confederation, and Jedi ships detached to provide backup for the Dorneans should the need arise, especially if a few stragglers escaped or new arrivals threatened their space superiority. And if the Sith stationed here were as conniving and clever as the ones that triggered the travesty of Batuu, then they would need plenty of contingencies to match their own.

Besides, it would never hurt the fleet to run a few extra system checks and make any patchwork repairs to a few more troublesome pieces of hardware on the Starhawks. When the battlecruisers were being finalized for their rapid deployment, the engineers had to gloss over a few final evaluations, undoubtedly resulting in a few glitches slipping through the cracks that emerged in the last battle of this system.

0630 Hours

Dathomir Orbit, Aboard the Retribution

Zorra felt Krayt call out to him, ordering him to hold his position at all costs until they completed their mission, and of course the younger human would follow his master's commands. But that did not mean he could not resent the current situation his fleet was in, especially with their numbers being chipped away by the newcomers in the Aquilian Republic.

To think that Zakuul, a power that once ruled when both Jedi and Sith openly waged war throughout the galaxy, had been rebuilding their civilization and prepared to one day return, but as allies to the Jedi this time, it was almost too much to comprehend. Even without their overwhelming fleets and droid armies, the Wild Space world's armies and ships were more than living up to its once-legendary reputation.

With the enemies' casualties staying low due to their compact but mobile engines and strong shields, it contrasted with their use of "primitive" weapons like slug throwers, lasers, and rail weaponry, with a severely limited amount of blaster or plasma technology. Still, that mattered little when facing off against the Aquilians' superior projectile technology and their Harpago-class Attack Boats and Rostra-class Boarding Barges throwing four capital ships into disarray when they were being overrun by hundreds of commandos and their version of the Jedi Order. And their Corvus-class Corvettes were able to decimate any fighters and light cruisers that moronically tried to flank their position or go after smaller prey.

Finally, the Pentacore-class Frigates, and Ballista-class Cruisers were proving to be more than an even match for the Retributionand escort craft, hammering his captains and keeping them from guarding Dathomir, allowing the Jedi, Galactic Alliance, and Mandalorians to start landing reinforcements to engage Krayt's dirtside army head on.

While Zorra relished the challenge of facing off against a strong enemy, he had a mission to complete, which meant he needed to work to wrap up this regretful distraction quickly and focus on the task at hand. That meant unleashing the full power of the Dark Side against the Aquilians and their Jedi partners and granting him the perfect chance to demonstrate the futility of challenging the One Sith in a way no one else could do so, and unlike that braindead fool in Dician, he would rely on more than petty schemes to ensure a major victory. No, he had a far more esoteric and effective method in mind to deal with the Jedi.

0700 Hours

Gargon System

Aboard the Indomitable

"We have several unregistered ships coming in from Sector F-8." A bridge officer urgently warned Belok, quickly adding with a hint of disgust, "Their transponders are picking them up as belonging to the Protectors' fleet and their aruetii allies." Surprise plastered under the officer's helmeted face, he astonishingly continued, "And it looks like Slave I is set to personally join this fight."

Eyes narrowing in astonishment, Belok examined the tactical feed to confirm the data, wondering if this was a psychological raid on another of his people's bases or if a traitor gave away the modernized Neo-Crusader Dreadnaught's location to let the Protectors try and cut the head off their enemy's leadership.

Recognizing the Slave I's unique signature, the supreme commander quickly realized the golden opportunity presented before him and his elite followers. If they could eliminate the reigning Mand'alor, his top advisors, and many of their outsider collaborators right here and now, then it would make his mission in bringing the surviving Mando'ade into the Neo Death Watch exponentially easier.

As the rest of the enemy fleet arrived, Belok recognized several of the Hutt, Imperial, and Protectors' flagships, and quickly ordered his comm specialists, "Send out an Omega-level alert across the sector. Get every capable ship we can spare here immediately, then inform Moff Lecersen of the situation and that he will be overseeing sector defenses until he hears from me again."

Frantically carrying out his orders, for no one wished to take on Belok's inhumane wrath and fanatical will, the bridge was alert with activity while the system's defenders quickly mobilized for battle.

0730 Hours

Csilla, Cssplar

Within the Syndicature's Headquarters

Saganu could hardly believe the immense victory that had just been handed to him and his supporters. In one speech, Ba'Kif had confessed his involvement in the Hand of Thrawn's grand conspiracy to subvert the Ascendancy for foreign powers and undo their entire way of life, never mind their alliance with a clone of Mitth'raw'nuruodo in expanding the Chiss's borders through many wasteful campaigns.

This admission earned him and his collaborators the scathing ire of most of the Syndics, Patriarchs, and high-ranking members of the Expansionary Defense Fleet and their in-borders Defense Force. Matters were so chaotic that the speaker could hardly get a word in over the clamor until he unleashed a momentary sonic screech to quell the vitriol and accusations that consumed the chambers.

It would be easy for Saganu to get his measures passed now and then expel these outsiders from their very fabric of society. All he had to do now was let Ba'Kif and the traitors waste their remaining thirty minutes of allotted speaking time trying to rationalize their treason to their peers, and then he would triumph.

Speaking of the disgraced Supreme General and his collaborative Aristocras, they wasted no time in trying to make his case known. "I understand your feelings of betrayal and disgust. And if this august body so desires it, I will subject myself to whatever inquiries and trials you deem worthy. But I only ask that you consider what we have to say of our foes beyond our borders.

"Many of you might believe that if the secret pact with Vurawn and his allies was never forged, then we would not have sacrificed so many lives in a supposed war of expansion beyond our borders and solving problems that should not have concerned us. And I will admit that there is much merit in that argument, for it served our people well in times of turmoil across the entire galaxy.

"But do not forget that many of these enemies and rival powers were plotting to wage war on our territory and neighbors, thereby threatening our peoples' overall interests and stability, whether they were the Nikardun, Agbui, and countless other species or cultures that were beneath our notice beforehand. Without quick decisive action by luring these enemies to attack first, they would have inflicted far more devastation on the Ascendancy."

"And in almost every victory beyond our territory, we have heard of puppeteers controlling or influencing these events to test our defenses, to probe us for weaknesses and learn more of how our military and culture works. We ask you to consider these questions: for what purpose could this string of events be for, and does it have any connection to the greater galaxy and its many years of strife with the Sith?" Vereen spoke up on her friend's behalf.

"Supreme General, Aristocra, let us assume, just for a few minutes, that your theory fits, and the Sith are behind these attacks?" The Patriarch of House Miurani skeptically proposed. "For what reason could they want to go to such measures in assaulting us with such grand schemes and countless proxies? Would not an all-out assault or sabotage campaign serve better than simply strengthening us through secret deals?"

"That is what we, as a people and society, must work together to determine, for there are any number of possibilities that could have them seek such a prolonged shadow war against us. Perhaps they seek to subvert us to serve as vassals, stretch us thinner for their campaign, or keep us distracted while they seek out another agenda, one we have no conception of at this time." Ara'lani added, earning a few murmurs of contemplation from her fellow Syndics and several High Generals and High Admirals.

"We cannot underestimate the Sith a second time after a mere handful of them managed to destroy the Old Republic from within, and their religious successors and branch families helped trigger this current cycle of war and instability." Vereen warned. "And as much as we might try to deny it, we are a part of this galaxy, which means the problems it contains will eventually travel to us, which means we must be ready to confront them."

"And you decide to do that by allying with rogue powers on our behalf and drawing us into the swamp of galactic politics?" The Mitth Syndic Prime countered before conceding, "Not that our tangled web of politics and family alliances is that much better from all of theirs, mind you." That earned a few chuckles from the crowd, and left Saganu and his supporters to start feeling a new creeping sense of unease.

"Sometimes a few quiet whispers can do better than a large shout, and such clandestine measures have borne a greater bounty than we ever could have hoped." Ba'Kif answered. "With the besieged state of the Ascendancy and our citizens being taken beyond our borders for parts unknown, we needed to know exactly what was threatening us, which meant forming alliances we could trust and scouting out those that could be of help to us. And now that we know that the One Sith are who've been kidnapping our young for their growing armies, we can take the appropriate punitive measures against them and their followers."

"Which is why you had formed all your pacts with the Aquilian Republic and the Jedi, even after all the grief they and their ancestors have given us." A female Syndic, one that Saganu could hardly remember as a newcomer, noted, but whether impressed or appalled with such a strategy could not yet be determined by him.

"Did we not do the same to countless other worlds and peoples across our government's five-thousand years existence?" Drask countered. "After our dishonorable role in aiding and abetting one Sith Empire in its three wars against the Jedi, and our self-isolation allowing countless enemies, whether out of fear or envy, to rise and threaten us, how can we stay out of these fights when they now threaten our civilization?

"Did we not offer aid to the Galactic Alliance when the Yuuzhan Vong threatened all we hold dear, even when isolationists embedded within our ranks attempted to sabotage and murder anyone who stood against them?" Seeing the assembly nod and murmur their concurrences, however reluctant it might be to many of them, Drask continued.

"And don't forget how, when Mitth'raw'nuruodo's complicity in Outbound Flight's destruction, even while attempting to keep the bloodshed low, cast a blot of shame over our Defense Fleet's honor for the next forty-nine years, his preemptive actions led to the Vagaari seeking retribution against us when we tried to atone for his crime. Did we hide then? No. Instead, we defeated them by goading the enemy to overplay their hand and saved countless lives further down the road. A great gamble, yes, but one that had to be done to prepare for the coming invasion by their Yuuzhan Vong patrons.

"Well, I believe it is time for us to step up and do our part in defending our way of life once again. But this time, we need to apply what we've learned from the millennium instead of shutting ourselves away in our corner of space once all is done. If the stakes are not the same as against the Vong, they will be soon enough with the chaos that, if left unchecked, may very well rival them and the Killiks in both of their insatiable appetites of conquest and power." Drash imploringly concluded.

'Oh, that was clever. A low blow, but a clever political ploy.' Saganu reluctantly complimented the Supreme General at his clever stoking of the assembly's fears. Reminding the Syndicature, Defense Council, and Patriarchy of the two greatest menaces to ever threaten the Ascendancy by comparing this outsiders' matter to their fight for survival was a terrible gamble, but one that could bring even the most stubborn isolationist into line if used correctly. And, unfortunately for Saganu, it seemed to be working on the crowd if the contemplative murmurs and expressions were any indication.

"If any of you wish to judge my compatriots and I for our dreams for the future and our willingness to protect our people, even as extreme our actions might have been, I implore that you restrain yourselves until we stop the Vagaari and their clients and recover our remaining citizens from Sith captivity." Ba'Kif beseeched the audience, but spared a brief look for Saganu, and added, "And that includes weeding out any of their possible collaborators within our own ranks, if the Ebruchi listening posts and our captured citizens was any indication."

Quickly glancing around, Saganu hid his anxiety among most of the assembly while holding an even mix of suspicion and reluctant agreement, even if many quietly seethed at the unspoken accusations of treason by the Supreme General. Suddenly, the Aristocra had a sinking feeling that his odds of vindication this time around would no longer be as clean-cut as he first believed, and his legal means of undoing the conspiracy's efforts were about to come crumbling down. Fortunately for his people, Saganu knew of more than one way to deal with a nest of traitors.

If the Syndicature and the Patriarchs would not do what must be done to uphold the true Chiss way of life, then justice would have to be served outside the law. The resulting chaos would not be pretty for all Chiss under his care, but it was still far better than letting all Saganu had fought for slip right out of his fingers, even as he clenched his ring finger tighter than ever, almost as if the jewel encased within was literally screaming inside his head for blood and destruction against all his enemies.

0800 Hours

Coruscant, Jedi Temple

Inside the Main Hangar

"Well, Master Jedi; I take it I have your austere order and your rabble of an 'Alliance of Light' to thank for my welcome break from prison life." Ingo Wavlud, a bald and elderly human, bitterly greeted the assembled group of historians and Jedi while being escorted by a full company of GAS guards off the prison shuttle and bound by a pair of wrist stun-cuffs. "You must be up to your necks in Sith troubles and crazier than a rabid reek if you expect me to help bail you out."

"Charming as ever, Mister Waylud." Tionne dismally rebutted, recalling the terse and tense conversations they had before Ingo was convicted of aiding the Lost Tribe through providing them unrestricted access to his extensive knowledge of every Sith incarnation and large transfers of unmarked funds worth hundreds of millions of credits.

Addressing the GAS Captain, the Jedi Historian gratefully thanked her, "We appreciate you having to bear with these orders, Captain Sayn. We'll make sure it's energy and time well-spent."

"Let's hope that's the case, Master Jedi, since apparently, we'll be under your command for quite some time." The Theelin reluctantly agreed. "My company, along with about ten others, received direct orders from General Loran to serve under your authority for the duration of your assignment here, as well as a small army of construction droids. He said your mission was of the 'utmost importance to the Galactic Alliance's long-term survival.' I don't suppose you can fill us in on some of the specs here?"

"We'll give you all a full briefing in exactly one hour." Tionne promised before lightly smiling and adding, "But first, I think we all ought to have a hearty breakfast before we start our work. After all, there's no sense in scouring the Temple's foundations with an empty belly and without getting to know each other better."

Well, I think this is a good place to end the chapter, even if it was shorter than my last few by a significant deal! What did you all think, as it helps move the last two battles along while continuing to set the stage for the next story through smaller subplots? Oh, and the schematics for the Aquilian warships came from JSailer's ideas, so I give credit where it's properly due. Anyway, I hope you are all having a good day on this warm afternoon of Monday, June 20, 2022. I'm doing well, as I had a good shift at work earlier before wrapping this chapter up and will soon reread a Star Wars Legends book. But which novel to choose is a good question for me to figure out. Oh, and I need to let you know that the next chapter might take a while longer than expected, as I have a family vacation to go on in about ten days, so I'll be busy hanging out with plenty of relatives in Florida for a bit. Well, I guess that's everything I want to talk about. I hope you all have a blessed day, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!