Good afternoon, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm and cloudy day of Sunday, September 18, 2022? I'm all right, if a bit drowsy today, but that's better than being worn out and unable to move a muscle. I hope you all enjoyed the first chapter of my prologue, because I plan to write part two of the introduction in around a week, and it'll set the stage for the first act of this magnificent story. So, are you reading any great books lately? I just finished Star Wars: Choices of One, and I loved it very much. Now I'm going to take a break from Star Wars novels and focus more on history and current events. They're definitely gonna be eye-openers for me in many ways, and we could use more of those right about now so we can try and stop, fight back against, or at least mitigate the insanity that's taken over so much of the world. But first, I need to plan the outline for this chapter, just so I don't start to make a mess of the story right away. Well, I hope you all have a blessed evening, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
1930 Hours, Kelona 31st, 59 ABY
Within the Unknown Regions
In the 7G Sector, In the Ilum System
Aboard the Corona-class Scout Ship Beniko
Observing the data coming in from the light corvette's many probes, Dianne Arcus, a rising star and capable captain of the Aquilian Republic's Atrius Division, knew her superiors made the right call in sending her task force to do the routine observation on one of the Jedi's longest worlds. Knowing the Jedi were stretched thin in repelling the Sith's influence across the known galaxy, the task of defending the Unknown Regions fell to other, lesser-known factions for now.
Getting a visual feed on the Sith-backed armies mine for lightsaber crystals across the planet, she was appalled at the Sith's blatant disrespect for one of the Force's most peaceful and ancient bastions across the galaxy. Despoiling and demolishing countless temples, blasting and ripping apart large chunks of the planet's upper crust, and the Sith Lords present especially taking pleasure at slaughtering all the planet's natural guardians that tried defending their home, the atrocities made the black-ops Paladin-Captain wish she could take the fight to these wretched despoilers head on, regardless of the consequences.
But assembling a fleet to take on the Sith armadas above the icy world took time which the galaxy did not have. Whatever the Sith wanted with the untold number of lightsaber crystals was anyone's guess, but they could only be trying to utilize them for war. Which was why the Aquilian Republic was reading a recall order for High Admiral Gaia and most of his fleet from their current assignment and would alert the Alliance of Light and Chiss Ascendancy of the situation. The greater powers might be allies right now, but the level of Sith activity here, their desperation to keep this operation off-the-radar, and the probability of traitors in any faction unveiling this reconnaissance force to their prey made the risk of a simple communication too great.
The six-ship detachment was the Aqulians' and Alliance's only source of intelligence on the Sith, and they could not afford to lose this lifeline now. For now, the situation demanded caution and secrecy over speed and transparency. It was fortunate, then, how the Zakuulian commando was a patient woman and learnt many more skills from her father and aunt. But when the time came to strike, she would leave a lasting impression on the Sith and their mindless minions.
2100 Hours
Within the Dathomir System
Aboard the Ballista-class Cruiser Bright Reaper
"I understand." Julius simply nodded at hearing his new batch of encoded orders from the Aquilian Republic's Grand Councilors and understood the need for stealth and all possible speed in getting back to Zakuul. The high admiral, currently aiding the Jedi Order in its reconstruction and guarding of its Outer Rim stronghold of Dathomir, knew this redeployment needed to take precedence, no matter how much animosity and suspicion it created between the two factions.
If the Sith were making off with a planet's worth of Lightsaber crystals for a new stealth fleet and countless other Force-based superweapons, they needed to muster all their strength if they hoped to cut off their supply lines. Hopefully, Ilum was the only planet the Sith were utilizing, but Julius was prepared to be wrong.
However, just because he was given a new set of orders, that did not mean he was prepared to leave Dathomir undefended, nor leave the Jedi without their aid in assaulting Korriban. And since Ilum was a Jedi stronghold, it would only be logical to solicit their aid in liberating the Force Wellspring of a world.
Preparing to give voice to his concerns, he was interrupted by a chime from his comms officer. Answering with a hint of frustration, "Yes, Ensign."
"Apologies, Sir. We're receiving a message from Shedu Maad. Grand Master Katarn wishes to speak with you right away. He's asking for your assistance on a matter regarding their old temples of Ilum."
Freezing on the spot for a moment, and the two Grand Councilors growing suspicious at the strange timing, Julius quickly found his voice and acknowledged, "You made the correct choice, Ensign. Transfer the call to me right away."
Waiting a few moments for Kyle's hologram and voice to filter through, Julius quickly got right to the point, "I read you, Grand Master Katarn. My ensign reported you had troubles with Ilum?"
"Yes, but trouble would be a terrible understatement." Kyle grimly confirmed. "Unfortunately, I can't risk saying more on this channel, but-"
"Then allow us to do the explaining this time around, Grand Master Katarn." Thexan Reaf, Grand Counselor and retired Naval Praefecti of the Aquilian Paladins, sympathetically interrupted. "We have agents checking in on the Ilum System, and they reported to us the Sith occupation and interdiction of the world to mine its Adegan crystals without interference. Quite a considerable force, by all indications."
Struck dumbfounded by the casual divulgence, Kyle was left slack jawed before recomposing himself, and sighed in utter relief, "Well, that saves us some time. I was hoping to bring your High Admiral to Shedu Maad and give him the information firsthand, but now you just made that completely superfluous."
"A rare feat for anyone to be such a giant step ahead of a Jedi as shrewd, skilled, and clever as you, Kyle." Diana Theyn, the second Grand Counselor and member of the Aquilian Republic's Royal Senate, playfully jested, before growing serious, "We were already preparing a force to take the lead in liberating the world after alerting you to the danger and joining up with your forces already in our neck of the woods, but now we can adjust that plan to better plan and coordinate our attack."
"Excellent. We will take every bit of aid you can give us." Kyle nodded.
"But what of Dathomir?" Julius cautioned. "I understand the necessity of diverting us to stop this unholy desecration, but we can ill afford to leave such a wounded planet as your regional stronghold vulnerable to further raids by our common enemy."
"I have already made the appropriate calls, and Dathomir will not be abandoned. The Imperial Mission and its parent government can work to protect the population in your absence." Kyle promised.
"How strange, then, if the Empire would be chosen to lead a defense of your Praxeum after its previous sins on its people and the citizens." Diana observed.
"You don't have to remind me of that bit of irony, Grand Counselor." Kyle ruefully agreed with a chuckle.
2200 Hours
Within Chiss Space, On the Planet Naporar
Within the Capital City
"Not what you were expecting, General?" Arazi'ar'alani, Syndic of the Chiss, lightly asked Wedge as the old rogue observed the diverse city, composed of structures made of both stone and steel, and foliage crossing many of the small-story buildings and its citizens co mingling with small numbers of the Ascendancy's vassal worlds. Not exactly what one would expect from the military headquarters of the Chiss's defense fleets.
"That's putting it very diplomatically." Wedge humbly nodded. "I suppose there is a reason for the deceptive perception of such a vital world of yours."
"Well, our cadets and officers from the Taharim Academy and Defense Fleet Headquarters do need a little downtime every now and then while learning how to work alongside our neighbors and allies." Sev'eere'nuruodo insightfully pointed out to her assembled guests.
"After the freezing temperatures of your capital world, I'm sure everyone here would take virtually anything over those arctic conditions." Maarek blithely commented.
"True enough, if bluntly and rather insultingly put." Vurawn noted with a light upward turn of his lips.
Noticing the military speeders approaching the group, their Defense Fleet escort leader in Wynssa Fel warned the group, "I suggest you choose your words more carefully when presenting your case to the Supreme Admiral tomorrow morning."
Lowbacca growled out his understanding, followed by a groan that the human woman took offense. "Of course, the Defense Council will take whatever warnings you have seriously, Master Jedi. We are under siege by threats unlike any other that we've faced in generations. Just prove the merit of your argument and the validity of the target, and the Council will see reason."
'Why don't those words fill me with much optimism, Commodore?' Wedge ominously thought. Knowing the Aquilians were risking their lives to give the Alliance as much intelligence on the One Sith's movements as possible while the enemy made off with a planet's worth of Adegan crystals, and the Chiss were slowing everything down by being sticklers for procedures and endless patience, the old Corellian remembered why he retired three times over the last four decades and would make sure that this fourth time was the last.
Honestly, he was too weary with war to be leading entire fleets and commanding a once-covert paramilitary organization that spanned across the galaxy. After helping win three galactic wars and retiring after each one concluded, he knew he earned a plentiful rest on his laurels and letting the next generations take up the mantle of protecting the galaxy. Just one last war to triumph, and then the galaxy would know a lasting peace.
0800 Hours, Kelona 32nd, 59 ABY
Korriban, Sith Catacombs
In the One Sith's Citadel
Within the Auxiliary Barracks
"Lord Krayt, this is an honor." Kreel, the leader of the newly returned Imperial Special Commando Advanced Recon Squad 99, saluted the Dread Lord as he gazed upon the seven-man squad of Clone Commandos, remembering every detail from the files Nala Se brought with her from Kamino before her untimely death at Null ARC Trooper Jaing Skirata's vengeful hands.
Mic, the team's slicer, capable of breaking into and decrypting just about enemy computer system with even decades-old software and decryption programs he could scrounge up and personally upgrade, exactly like his predecessor of Clone Force 99, CT-9903, did during the Grand Army of the Republic commando squad operated behind enemy lines for the Clone War's duration.
Cav, the commando melee specialist, capable of attacking targets in close quarters combat with dozens of martial arts forms under his belt. Whether it was Teräs Käsi, Sholân Kha, Changa bushfighting, or Echani, there was no art he would not study if it meant getting another edge on his opponents and keeping his fellow soldiers alive throughout another engagement. In fact, his files indicated that he was able to easily learn another's fighting style simply by observing them utilize it, a genetic improvement on the clone's mental and physical capabilities.
Zuke, the muscle of Task Force 99, and a minor heavy weapons expert. He was often one to keep a mortar on his back and helped absorb the brunt of attacks or deliver the most damage to enemy fortifications on the battlefield, just as CT-9902 was prone to doing when the Bad Batch needed to forgo stealth.
Misty, the squad's chief sniper, had extra-sensory perception and was able to hit a target with perfect precision from distances rivaled only by few Jedi and even fewer marksmen. His sniper skills honed and refined after CT-9904's disappearance from the known galaxy while hunting down his rogue squadmates, he had downed many key rogue warlords and enemy units from a safe distance and saved countless Imperial lives.
Shrap, the squad's heavy weapons specialist, who often wielded a flamethrower and explosive charges to soften enemy fortresses and help Zuke make it through his wild charges with little more than minor paint scratches on armor. There was never a weapon that Shrap could not learn to operate quickly with his intimate knowledge of weapons of mass destruction.
Aero, as the squad's engineer, capable of repairing and hot-wiring vehicles for transport and commandeering starfighters for the Imperials' use when conventional transport was out of the question.
Lastly, the clone Stormtrooper, the one man who was able to effectively command such an otherwise uncontrollable band of misfits, Sergeant Kreel. Based on CT-9901's mutations that gave him enhanced senses, allowing him to feel electromagnetic frequencies from anywhere on a planet and act as his squad's living holomap, combined with his innate tactical mind and brilliant leadership, Kreel was unrivaled by all in the Imperial Army but Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire's most elite Inquisitors.
Having been trapped in stasis for many decades after their programming began deteriorating and Kamino attempted to secede from Darth Sidious's Empire, the clones were given a new lease on life by the One Sith after they repaired their damaged minds and implanted in them safeguards to prevent another lapse of psychosis.
True, Nala Se had implanted control chips in each of the clones' brains to ensure absolute obedience to the Sith's orders, but Krayt did not want mindless drones or wish to limit the capabilities of such lethal and effective soldiers. That discovery by Clone Force 99 in the aftermath of Order 66, when all but one of their members were able to resist the programming and indoctrination, had been the final blow that cost the nascent Imperial Army four of its best commandos and gave it plenty of grief in its first few months of existence.
"At ease." Krayt stoically ordered the men. Glancing around at the squad's large barracks, he noticed the unique style of each clone made itself known from their accommodations. While each trooper had their various weapons and armor stored away, they each had a different set of entertainment, from old hologames and books to records and schematics for countless weapons' prototypes and pieces of equipment. Such diversity amongst the troopers reminded Krayt of his time with the GAR in its final weeks, when the Clone Troopers were beginning to see themselves more as individuals than simply as numbers and cogs in an ever-expanding war machine.
Forcing aside his nostalgia, he turned to Sergeant Kreel, "I have reviewed the reports of your reassessment. Your team did phenomenal work on our war beasts and training droids."
"Thank you, sir." Kreel neutrally acknowledged before Krayt continued,
"But I have not come here to give you simple praise. I believe it is time to offer you a rather… unconventional, field test of your capabilities."
Glancing at the men, he forewarned them, "You are to tell no one of this assignment, for the details cannot reach any unwanted ears at this vital juncture for the One Sith."
"No disrespect intended sir, but we've all undergone covert ops for the Empire before. We know the drill, so just give it to us straight." Zuke bluntly suggested, forcing his teammates to silently recoil in horror over his bordering on insubordination.
Instead, Krayt chuckled without any malice, and noted, "If only more of my followers had your candor."
"Very well. I will dispense with the code and lay it out straight. I need you to verify a suspicion of mine and discover whether or not one of Nala Se's creations has been turned against us."
"Do you want us to take him out, or do you have another plan in store for him?" Mic inquired.
"I doubt even the seven of you, good as you are, can stop the Iteration of Edaan Palpatine on your own." Krayt reluctantly shook his head. "No, to find out the truth, you will need to think unconventionally and lure him out with bait. Then we will use this opportunity to inflict as much damage we can inflict on the Jedi and their grand alliance before we withdraw from Korriban."
"Where is this Edaan-Iteration now?" Kreel questioned.
"Aboard one of our orbital facilities, where his progenitor undergoes his great transformation. You all depart in twenty-four hours under the cover of providing an extra layer of security to our redoubts. Only three others aboard the station will know of your true objective."
"I should warn you," Krayt ominously concluded, "before Doctor Se's passing, she convinced us to invest a great deal in procuring you from her homeworld. I would hate to think that investment is not worth the effort."
"Don't worry, sir. We'll get it done. It's what you brought us back for." Kreel emphatically saluted the Sith leader before the squad started packing all their essential gear.
1030 Hours
Within Chiss Space, On the Planet Naporar
Inside the Taharim Academy
Within one of the Chiss naval academy's dozens of classrooms, this one designed for studying astrology after being cut from the security network, the three delegations met with Ja'fosk, the Chiss Ascendancy's most powerful military mind and two of his peers on the Expansionary Fleet's Defense Council. After the awkward introductions were made between Wedge, Lowbacca, and Vurawn, who everyone was still awestruck at meeting the Thrawn-clone, and were wary of meeting their first Wookiee, the Alliance-Chiss-Empire of the Hand delegation presented him their newly acquired intelligence to while outlining their proposal to the Chiss military leaders.
The Supreme Admiral and his colleagues read through the data given to them by the Jedi and Aquillians and asked many questions on its validity, along with what their attack strategy was to stop the enemy's mining operations while crushing their fleets and uncovering their hidden network of bases and shipyards.
Wedge and Vurawn took the initiative in explaining what the coalition needed, and they worked rather effectively in detailing their list to the Expansionary Defense Fleet's leaders.
Ja'fosk, after hearing what the two rebellious commanders requested, slowly nodded before summing up the list, "You've offered quite a reasonable trade. Being granted permission to utilize a few of our covert military routes, a dozen or so obsolete or captured enemy vessels, and a few Vagaari ship nets and several other reengineered pieces of captured technology in exchange for leaving behind enough forces behind to help guard the Ascendancy against the remaining rogue fleets and sharing any intelligence you learn on our other enemies. I foresee little trouble in procuring the proposed resources for liberating Ilum."
"We will work with all possible speed in gathering the equipment, and I will also do what I can to spare you a few of my division's commando squads and their accompanying warships to utilize in your plan of attack." One of the high-ranking officers on the Defense Council elaborated. "Since we are allies, it would be beneficial to help build more trust between our factions."
"And further aid you can offer would be most appreciated, Senior Admiral." Vurawn graciously thanked.
1400 Hours
Aboard the Bellicose-class heavy lifter Ark Angel
"Did you enjoy your swim, Mistress Aphra?" 0-0-0, fellow One Sith fugitive, master assassin and protocol droid, and retainer of Chelli, inquisitively asked her after breaking his connection with the ship's computer and cutting his conversation short. "I imagine the calm waters and diverse array of organic individuals made for a contrasting environment and enlightening experience for you."
"It was great, but the lakes were anything but calm since the Alliance was using them for their live-fire exercises, and I had to check out their meditation gardens instead." Chelli wanly chuckled. "And I got to hang out with a friend when she needed someone to vent on."
"Ah. How nice to be of use to others." 0-0-0 solemnly acknowledged.
Hearing the melancholy of the droid's voice, Chelli, having a hunch she knew what was bothering him, kindly suggested, "How long have you been holed up in here all by your lonesome?"
"Too long, Mistress." 0-0-0 admitted. "But I doubt the Jedi and Alliance would appreciate a droid with my particular talents running amok in their headquarters. Think of the casualties. Their med-bays wouldn't be able to handle the incredible strain. At least the Ark Angel's brain offers me some stimulation. Well, that and observing the activities the Jedi and their fellow organics do that differs from the Sith."
Turning his head towards the closed door to the captain's cabin, where Chelli was currently removing her wet bathing suit and donning a dry set of clothes, he asked, "If I may be so bold, why are you suddenly making such inquiries in my activities?"
"Because I'm worried about you." Chelli simply answered. "Beetee and Prowl are out and about making friends and getting good use out of their free time when they aren't helping Jaing and me get our ship ready for the mission, so there's no reason you can't be doing the same."
0-0-0, computing the countless potential reasons why Chelli was being so upbeat and hopeful after her mother's tragic death, but could not figure out a feasible reason. In his and Beetee's time among countless organic masters, they had learnt much of their worst aspects, from self-loathing, regret, hatred, bitterness, and greed, but had few opportunities to learn of the positive side of a being's emotions. At least, until he wound up in the One Sith's custody and found an unlikely friend in Lona Aphra and her five-year-old daughter.
Those two women had found a kindred spirit and wounded soul and welcomed the three assassin droids as living members of their family, and now it was time for Chelli to be there for one of them.
"I appreciate your concern, Chelli, but I am fine. I merely do not wish to create any trouble for you at this vital time of healing." 0-0-0 tried to dismiss the issue.
"Or is it because you helped 11-4D on his experiments on the Sith's captive Jedi to study their Midi-Chlorians?" Chelli knowingly countered, causing the droid's body to swivel around, the shock all but obvious to the young woman. "Mom told me everything Dad gloated to her years ago, and I was sworn to secrecy until we got away."
"If you already know all this, why haven't you sold me out yet? I would think the Jedi would be able to make a few educated guesses for what Krayt is using the experiments for."
"Because you're my friend, and I won't sell one out just to get ahead. That's not how my mother raised me." Chelli earnestly answered, exiting the cabin in a new outfit, one with a green overcoat that concealed her arms' electro-tattoos, black form-fitting cargo pants with several pockets, and a holster for two blasters from among dozens of configurations. "I'd rather have you confess of your own free will and own up to your sins."
"Have you forgotten who you are speaking to, Chelli?" 0-0-0 rhetorically asked. "It is not in my programming to feel remorse for my past interrogations and the lives I help take."
"Well, the offer's always gonna be there if you ever want to change your mind." Chelli shrugged before playfully calling out, "Have fun wallowing in your own doubt, buddy. I've got some friends to meet and briefings to lead."
Seeing Chelli walk out, 0-0-0 wondered what made Chelli so chipper after her downward spiral, or if it was all just a front to hide her fear at returning to Korriban. Either way, he knew she was truly an eccentric woman, and he needed to be there for her whenever she became an emotional wreck again. It was the last command Mistress Lona asked of the assassin droid, and he would do his best to see the order fulfilled.
Within the Jedi Temple's Mess Hall
"I really hate to say it, but Skywalker's Jedi certainly know how to build a headquarters." Ghes reluctantly conceded to his wife when they met up for lunch. Having been training the Alliance in the fundamentals of Mandalorian combat and hunting Force Users, the reconciling couple had little time to spend together apart from Ghes spending plenty of time with his two growing children, and Parja and Bralo were just as eager getting to know him and the rest of their family.
"I think we'd both be surprised with what they're capable of." Mirta snorted. "It's not the same Order Skywalker left behind when he resigned. Katarn's of a different stature than most Jedi."
"Yeah, that's for sure." Ghes glanced around, seeing the soldiers, mercenaries, and Jedi conversing with each other, learning trade secrets to sharpen their skills, and regaling everyone with their missions, working to one-up the other in exploits and excitement. Even the Grand Master was hanging out here, checking on many of his friends and enjoying a decent meal amongst everyone like he was an ordinary citizen.
Lowering his voice, he quietly whispered, "Have you heard anything new about his condition? I heard he's been left bedridden for a while before he can start rebuilding his strength."
"Leave him alone, cyar'ika." Mirta tensely warned. "It's not worth carrying that burden anymore. Not after we spent all those years on opposing sides and nursing old grudges."
Eyes looking down, Ghes sighed, reluctantly acknowledging, "I know. But it doesn't make it easy to let the wound heal."
Gripping Ghes's hand in her own, she nodded in agreement, and advised, "Why don't you come with me to meet Akku and a few of his friends tomorrow? They're gonna be having a little get-together in the morning before all the teams set out for Korriban."
"You're not going with them?" Ghes asked. "I thought-"
"Only if you go." Mirta answered. "I'm not going to lose you again, and Vestara will understand."
Seeing Ghes's reluctance, she explained, "It's just a couple hours of a simple meet and greet and having a good meal before they enter the Sith's home turf. You might find you've got a few things in common with a lot of them."
"I'll think about it, I promise." Ghes honestly vowed with a strained smile.
"Good enough." Mirta nodded, gripping Ghes's hand in gratitude before husband and wife resumed their meal in a tense and uncomfortable silence.
1500 Hours
Horuset System, Korriba Scar Asteroid Belt
Within the Sadow Asteroid-Superstructure, Inside Edaan's Torture Chambers
Within Edaan Palpatine's Subconsciousness
This time, Edaan felt as if his body was being ripped apart one ounce of flesh at a time. Even retreating into the deepest corner within his mind that he was able to reach proved to be impossible, not with the virtually limitless levels of agony reaching every fiber of his being and rending apart his very soul.
Something, a new power he did not recognize, was following him, and the Palpatine Jedi Knight feared the Sith had unveiled a new bag of tricks to work on breaking his willful mind and spirit.
He knew that if he retreated too much further, the Sith would reach the core of his very being and be able to mold him into whatever vessel of darkness they wanted. Which meant he had to make his last stand here before the new presence could reach the end.
Honestly, he never thought it would end like this, away from his family and not in the heat of battle, or Gods willing, in a comfy bed after giving a lifetime of service to the galaxy and the Jedi. Still, since the Sith wanted to make him their puppet, then he would make them work for it every single step of the way, no matter how much it wounded him.
"Edaan." A melodious voice whispered to him, her silken voice not sending shivers up his spine, but calming his mind just as a Jedi or any Light Side acolyte would use the Force. Suddenly, a shining light entered the mental landscape, illuminating the dark realm of Edaan's mind, thereby taking away his only defense against whichever intruders were hunting him.
Before he could prepare himself to face the end, the presence stopped in his tracks, and the blinding light receded enough to let him see just who was trying to communicate with him, if he wasn't fearing the worst and preparing to pounce on the new arrival.
"Stay your hand, Edaan Palpatine. I am a Jedi Knight, just as you are now." The voice soothingly urged as the form of a Togruta woman, dressed in silver and magenta combat armor with two curved lightsabers attached to her belt became abundantly clear. Radiating strong but gentle waves of energy and calm at Edaan, he found himself wondering if this was not a deception.
"Who are you?" He cautiously asked.
Chuckling, the Togruta smiled, "I should've expected as much of a reaction from you, Edaan. Your brother was even more careful when he first met me. Though, to be fair, I was trying to kill him after he awoke me from my slumber."
"My name is Ahsoka Tano." The Jedi admitted, who's name was easily recognizable to Edaan as a prominent Jedi Padawan of Jedi Council member Plo Koon during the Clone War. Having developed her natural combat skills with a lightsaber and in a starfighter, while honing her stealth and espionage abilities from prominent and maverick Jedi like Aayla Secura and Tholme, she was able to find many ways to help the Jedi and Old Republic win many decisive battles against the Confederacy of Independent Systems over the war's first two years.
But that effective duo was broken at the advent of the Outer Rim Sieges, when she was wrongly tried for a terrorist attack on the Coruscant Jedi Temple and expelled from the Jedi Order, dislodging her faith in almost every Jedi and the Republic. She was narrowly cleared of all charges by the investigations of a few defiant Jedi, including her former master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Anakin Skywalker, who she had formed close bonds with and refused to believe her guilty of the charges, let alone be sent by the Senate to face a firing squad.
Even Her heartbreak was so great, that she refused a paltry offer by the accusers on the Council to rejoin the Order as a Jedi Knight and struck out on her own before Order 66, a decision she later deeply regretted when she was unable to help any of her friends survive the newly begun Great Jedi Purge and the New Order that rose from the ashes of the Old Republic.
But the defiant Togruta refused to give up the fight for the innocent, and her favors and friends from across the galaxy were able to help many Jedi and political fugitives escape the nascent Empire and flee into the Outer Rim, along with creating many resistance groups to try and build a cohesive rebellion against the Sith- backed government. To her mounting tragedies and missteps, virtually every group she founded and led was destroyed or subverted by Imperial spies or their near-endless legions.
Fortunately, her efforts eventually caught the attention of anti-Imperial Senators Bail Organa and Garm Bel Iblis, along with Jedi Master Rahm Kota, where she was invited to join the newly born Rebel Alliance. To better help the fledgling and ragtag insurgency of freedom fighters, she quickly completed her training and was made a Jedi Knight under Kota's tutelage.
However, due to her suspicious nature and brilliant slicing skills, Ahsoka was quickly able to uncover the full truth behind the Empire's rise and was sworn to silence by Bail to protect the secrets and individuals he was protecting alongside Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda. But always a rebel, she encrypted a holojournal of her findings, where she admitted her bond with Anakin, while not warning anyone of the deep darkness that she once felt within his heart, hoping he would work through his pain on his own.
To best direct Ahsoka's efforts towards toppling the Empire, Rahm and Garm helped her form a team of mavericks that called themselves the Spectres, allowing the Rebellion to better arm itself and make numerous allies while making small strikes against the Empire to inspire greater acts of defiance. The strategy worked well, until the team's final mission on Korriban where they came face to face with Vader and dismantled a Shock Drum prototype.
Sadly, the mission cost the Spectres not just their leader, but her old friends in fellow Jedi Knight Kanan Jarrus and Clone Captain deserter Rex, and leaving Ezra Bridger, Kanan's Padawan, behind in a man made earthquake that followed the superweapon's destruction, leading to his eventual fall and transformation into Sith Lord, Darth Snoke of the One Sith.
Among this incredible encounter, a litany of questions erupted from Edaan'a mind. But the first to emerge from behind his lips, in no small part to his well-honed instincts and Jedi training, was a prudent one, "Who claimed to be my brother?"
Glancing to the side, Ahsoka emphatically answered, "The man that the Sith created from your severed hand. He named himself Tau Palpatine, in honor of his bloodline and a certain Jed'aii you know from your unorthodox studies. His original programming was overwritten by two deserters, and he decided to remain behind and do what he could to sabotage Krayt's plans."
Narrowing his eyes at the disclaimer, Edaan tried to make sense of the bombshell that was just dropped on him. If what the old spirit just divulged was true, then that would explain the extra bits of strength he felt quietly flowing into him to resist the Sith's mental attacks, for Tau and Ahsoka were the only ones in a position and possessed the willingness to help him.
But if that were true, then he needed to know a few more key facts before any decision was made. Edaan questioningly demanded, "Let's say I believe you, Ahsoka. What does Tau plan to do to keep me safe from Krayt's designs on me and sabotaging his plans?"
"He's delivering regular reports to your old master and making himself indispensable to the One Sith's strategy. As for protecting you, that's where I come in with a plan you can't afford to refuse." Ahsoka quickly answered, with a tone that unsettled Edaan for a reason he couldn't yet determine.
1530 Hours
Inside the Mess Hall
'Is it done?' Tau silently asked Ahsoka as she latched back onto his soul. 'I'm sure Edaan won't be able to take much more of Sorzus's sadism before he breaks.'
'You're starting to doubt me now, Tau?' Ahsoka jokingly questioned before growing somber. "He's already agreed. I sealed away his mind and soul within his deepest core, undetectable by all Dark Siders and virtually unreachable by anyone else. On that note, it'll be up to you and Adari to bring him back to his senses when the time comes."
'Which means another impossible burden I'll have to carry for an untold amount of time, so what else is new?' Tau ruefully lamented. 'There's another problem that'll hit closer to home. My spy programs in the Sith's system leaked word that Krayt has Imperial SCAR Squadron 99 coming up here tomorrow.'
'You think he's onto you.' Ahsoka worriedly realized.
'I wouldn't dismiss that possibility, though it could just be a few new sentinels for Edaan while they get back up to speed.' Tau grimly answered.
'Well, either way, be careful; very careful.' Ahsoka advised him. "That seven-man squad of Imperial Clone Commandos wreaked havoc for too many of my friends and a few of my old resistance groups back in the day. And whatever enhancements Krayt and Nala Se gave them, they'll only make them even more lethal."
'Great. As if I already didn't have enough to worry about as a double-agent.' Tau mentally whined as he felt Ahsoka's presence dim, and he ended his light meal.
1200 Hours, Kelona 33rd, 59 ABY
Imperial Space, Bastion
Just Outside the Imperial Headquarters
Within the Pellaeon Gardens
Walking amongst the gardens started and named after the late Gilad Pellaeon, Jagged Fel, Head of State for the Galactic Empire, former ace, and father of three great children, could not help but feel the serenity and beauty of the wide variety of flora and fauna wash over him. A welcome distraction from the mad monotony of leading the rebuilding of a territory wracked by Daala's latest civil war and Lecersen's fleet leading a mass desertion.
Observing the Bloodfins swim about the garden pools, he remembered the tense conversation he and his mother had with their two sons and one daughter, Chak, Wynn, and Jayce Solo Fel about their new roles in the reorganized government. While Wynn and Chak had more than a few doubts about the idea of forming a Jedi dynasty and effectively grabbing power from the Empire, at least they learnt how to diplomatically couch their misgivings and show respect for their parents.
Jayce, on the other hand, had been the most vocal and virulent against the idea, believing it something that his uncle, the man who became Darth Caedus and was the namesake for Jayce, refused to have anything to do with such authority. Jagged hoped this was partly due to his oldest child's hormonal imbalances that were common to a teenager of Jayce's age of fourteen years old.
But somehow, he had a hunch it was a personal and principled stand due to his deep love of all his relatives and their strong adherence to a personal code of honor, loyalty to family and friends, and respect for all beings and their right to live their own lives, a stark contrast to the unwinnable choice his parents had to make to prevent complete anarchy from breaking out and consuming the Empire.
Hopefully, the Solo Fel family would find a way to navigate this treacherous landscape together, because if Jagged had to let go of any of his children or, Force forbid, his wife, he did not know if he could bear any more tragedy and loss in his life. He had already lost three of his siblings and been forced from his home territory and parents over the years, he did not want the remainder of his family to suffer simply for taking the harder path in service to the galaxy.
Checking his timepiece, he realized he had stayed out long past his schedule. He had a meeting with the diminished Council of Moffs and Imperial Mission that was now only thirty minutes away.
Sighing as he walked back to the military facility, he made a note to try and get his schedule slightly loosened up so he could spend a little more time with his family. Remembering how he was not fighting just for the Empire or grand causes, but for his family and their future, along with every other family affected by this war, it was crucial to show that fact and not compromise his love for his family and firm principles in exchange for politics just as countless other leaders had done before him.
1300 Hours
Within the Capital City
In the Central District, In the Kanos Cantina
Lenang O'Pali, longtime Imperial journalist and deep-cover One Sith agent under the codename Lanvorak, impatiently finished his fourth caffeinated beverage of the afternoon, desperately wishing to be somewhere else other than this establishment frequented by many off-duty officers. Having waited for his supposed new asset to meet him, the disguised Pantoran was prepared to walk out and reach out to his handlers for a more reliable infiltrator if they did not appear in the next ten minutes.
Being back in the Empire's heart of government after his allegiances to the One Sith and collaboration to Admiral Daala and her final desperate scramble to grab power, it filled him with an immense and horrifying terror at the probability of discovery. His formerly devoted followers and informants, now having chosen their side and taken a collection to fund a bounty of five million unmarked credits for him dead or alive, were doing everything possible to track him down and wreak their own brand of justice on him, to say nothing of the Imperial authorities and their Jedi lords.
"It sure is a long way to Denon. Right, old friend?" A heavy voice came from Lenang's right. Glancing to see the man who uttered the passphrase, he saw a tanned-skinned human with yellow eyes and typical spacer's gear adorned over him. Hardly the look of a hardened killer as Lord Wyyrlok claimed, but who was he to judge based on one's appearance?
"Right." Lenang acknowledged with a welcoming nod. "Why don't you pull up a chair, get yourself a drink, and we can catch up a bit on our exploits of late?"
Warmly smiling, the newcomer waited for the bartender before he ordered a particularly strong brew of wine. Lenang, impressed at the man's constitution, quietly asked, "Do I at least have the honor of knowing the name of someone with a refined taste in alcohol?"
"Ochi, Mr. O'Pali. Ochi of Bestoon." The Vahla whispered before flashing a smile that emitted no warmth or joy, but only a bitter eagerness ready to murder the first person who looked at him funny.
Suddenly, Lenang felt the cell's odds of success just got the shot in the arm they desperately needed to pull off the information coup the One Sith sought from their targets deep in the Imperial dungeons. Soon enough, Commander Gideon Hask and Doctor Stryker Melusar would either see the merit in leaving their old lives and allegiances behind or leave life and this plane of existence altogether before giving the Sith what they sought to know.
0130 Hours, Kelona 34th, 59 ABY
Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple
Within the Main Hangar
Aboard the Jade's Legacy
Finally collapsing on their shared bed, both lovers' limbs as limp as jelly after their lovemaking, Jedi Master Ben Skywalker and Vestara Khai, redeemed Sith Lady and currently an Alliance of Light Intelligence agent, basked in the afterglow of their strenuous exertions. Knowing that the coming day would be their last one before setting out for Korriban and rescuing Edaan, the couple did not want to waste a moment of time enjoying each other's company before the insanity and unpredictability of war reared its way back into their lives.
Taking a few minutes to recover from their fun, Ben gratefully told Vestara, "Thank you, Ves."
"For what, Skywalker?" Vestara lustily probed. "Getting back together with you? Agreeing to move in on your ship? Or giving you a few unforgettable nights of passion and ecstasy?"
Chest rising from a silent chuckle, Ben acknowledged with a long kiss on Vestara's lips before growing serious, honestly and solemnly saying, "Well, those are good things to be thankful for, too. But I was talking about simply giving me a good reason to live past this war."
Sharply turning her head towards her beloved Jedi, Vestara was prepared to aggressively probe before Ben continued, lamentingly admitting, "I let my heartbreak and bitterness over what happened between us warp me into a monster little different from what Jacen became, and if it weren't for Edaan going after you out of selfless love, I shudder to think what I would have done if I encountered you again. It was thanks to him that the hole in my heart is finally being filled."
Shaking in place, Vestara heartbreakingly realized Ben was crying as he continued, "I know I have so much to be grateful for, but I'm also so terrified over Dad. He's hurt bad, way worse than he's letting on, I just know it. And I have a feeling he doesn't care if he lives or dies now after coming so close to death again. If he dies now, I don't know what I'll do."
Knowing she had to do something, Vestara tenderly placed a hand on Ben's tear-streaked cheek, and, through their Force Bond and with her voice, urged him, "Ben, look at me. Please."
Reluctantly turning his head to let Vestara see him, she kindly pressed on, "You can't hold yourself responsible for what happened to your father, there was nothing you could have done for him all the way on Falleen, not without putting countless lives at risk. And Master Skywalker is still alive and healing from his injuries, so take comfort in that. Soon enough, he'll be back in the field and leading teams to help kick Krayt and all his lackeys right in their shebs."
"And you certainly can't even think of blaming yourself for the choices I made when I ran away to Korriban to escape my betrayals. We both screwed up so much in our lives, but you always tried to do the right thing, and you tried to honor your family's legacy and protect the galaxy from so many dangers. Once this war's over, I'm going to answer for every sin I committed, but I will want you in my life, if I have one after the trials are over."
"But right now, we're fighting to create a better future for everyone, every family affected by this damned war; every man, woman, and child that will grow up in this galaxy after we're old and retired. And to do that, we're going to have to be at our best and give this fight all we've got. Which means I won't have you moping around and killing yourself with doubt."
Wiping away his tears with a hand, Ben sighed and nodded before joking, "When did you get such a drive for inspiring others, Ves?"
"Hanging out with Mirta and her teams taught me a lot about leading from the front and motivating my troops." Vestara chuckled before using the Force to turn off their cabin's already-dimmed lights. "Let's get some rest. We've got a busy day before heading to the rendezvous point the day after tomorrow."
1100 Hours
Just Outside the Jedi Temple, In the Main Hangar
Aboard the Rude Awakening
"You ever gonna come out of the ship and live a little on our last day in friendly territory and in style before the big mission, Adari?" Lona Vos, Mandalorian Supercommando, former Kiffar Guardian, and well-respected member of Akku Seii's Mandalorian company, who accompanied her while the former concernedly asked the Keshiri woman who was languishing in the captain's cabin, with several wine bottles littering the floor. "There's a big crowd outside and plenty of great food to enjoy before we head out tomorrow."
"How can I when I'm not going?" Adari depressingly shook her head on her pillow. "I've been relegated to a support role onboard Kre'fey's Ralroost. Apparently, I'm a liability to the first phase of the attack and will endanger my future daughter's well-being if I go into the Sith's oldest and most heavily fortified lair."
"What?!" Shara, Lona's Force-Sensitive little sister, fellow Mandalorian Supercommando, and longtime friend to the Jedi and Edaan, shockingly exclaimed. "Who's the harebrain that made that boneheaded decision?!" Knowing how most Mandalorian women, even those late into their pregnancy, fought until they gave birth, she and Lona found the idea of keeping Adari from rescuing her beloved anathema to them.
"Your captain, good ol' Bardan Jusik, Din Djarin, Grand Master Katarn, and Master K'Kruhk." Adari wearily spat. "They gave me these orders on the Razor Crest two days ago, and I've been trying to drink myself to oblivion since then."
"Why would they do that?" Lona, struggling to stay calm and collected in the face of a longtime friend and trusted leader preventing a woman from rescuing her beloved husband and great comrade. "They must have a reason, Akku always has a reason for every choice he makes. And they wouldn't deny you the chance to be part of the action just because of your pregnancy."
"They don't want to risk me getting captured by Krayt and having my daughter getting right into the Sith's clutches." Adari despondently answered, guilty over having to keep the truth of Tau's deep-cover allegiances from two of her best friends.
"It's more than that, and you know it, Adari." A wizened voice cut through the self-loathing, making the two Kiffar Mandalorian women turn to see the Whiphid Jedi Master walking towards them.
"What do you want, K'Kruhk?" Shara spat with a venom she reserved for only her worst enemies.
"I want to explain a few things to both of you, while reminding Adari of the stakes of what we're about to attempt." K'Kruhk sighed. "Edaan is not as alone in this fight as you think."
"What do you know?" Lona suspiciously pressed before she guessed, "You have an agent in the Sith's ranks? Or, did our hackers find a way to get into the Sith's communications?"
"The first one." K'Kruhk nodded. "For safety reasons, I cannot divulge more than that to you to protect the spy's secrecy, but the well-placed agent will ensure Edaan is ready for when Adari journeys down to help bring him back. She will be part of the first wave in assaulting Korriban and will be a vital leader in the attack force."
"Did you even tell her about any of this before now?" Shara warily asked.
"They told me everything about the turncoat and Edaan weeks ago." Adari said, trying to rise from the bed but her limbs would not obey her alcohol-dazed mind. "But I wanted to be part of the first strike teams and get my husband back before the Sith tried to move him and the rest of their prisoners. After that briefing was when the drinking started."
"Which is why, after you allow me to tend to you and help in removing the worst of the alcohol's toxins from your bloodstream, you're going to attend the party and wish your teammates good luck for their mission." K'Kruhk said with an air of authority from his distant time as a Jedi general. "You owe this to yourself, your family, and the Alliance to support your friends in their time of need."
Sighing, Shara angrily punched K'Kruhk's furry arm before reluctantly admitting, "He's right, Adari, much as I hate to admit it. You need to be where's best for yourself, for Edaan, and for your yet-to-born daughter. Would he want you to wallow in your sorrow in this desperate time, or would he want you to do what you could to save lives and help win a victory for us?"
"You're still going to be part of this fight. No one on our side who's sane is going to risk making an enemy out of you." Lona emphatically added. "In fact, I'm sure it'll be an even bigger role now, since you'll be one of the key advisors and assault team leaders when we make our big push."
Glancing down, Adari rubbed her belly, just starting to show the smallest signs of life growing within her womb. Having fought the Sith for nearly a decade since her time as a failed Tyro of the Lost Tribe, she knew the dangers and treacheries they were capable of better than many in the Alliance and wanted to make sure they never threatened her people or loved ones ever again, a role she would have preferred from the front lines.
But now, she had a family to consider, a loving husband in the Sith's merciless care and a daughter to give birth to in about eight months, and she did not want to lose either of them. If helping end their scourge and saving her loved ones meant swallowing her pride and waiting a bit longer, then she would do what was needed. She owed Edaan and their future children that much, and planned to repay in full.
Sighing, Adari groggily tried to rise from the bed, and grumpily gestured, "Well, Master Jedi? Are you waiting for an invitation to help me get sober again?"
Smiling and revealing his chipped teeth, K'Kruhk politely dismissed the two Mandalorians, "If you could kindly give us some privacy, we'll be out there in no more than two hours."
1130 Hours
Deep Within the Unknown Regions, Within the Ilum System
Aboard the Turbulent-class Star Destroyer Mandator
Observing the cargo barges carry off countless tons of Lightsaber crystals into the endless and bleak void of the Unknown Regions, Drikl Lecersen, longtime schemer, powermonger, and fallen prominent Moff of the Imperial Remnant, felt gratitude for his new assignment on behalf of the One Sith. After his fleet suffered terrible and irreparable losses by the Alliance of Light and their Jedi overlords, the rogue Imperial warlord worried his usefulness to Lord Krayt was about to expire faster than hyperspace jump.
Much to the ex-Moff's relief, the Dread Lord still knew how to make the most out of his available resources and entrusted the fleet commander with a mission vital to the One Sith's war efforts, and a throwback to the era when the Galactic Empire was at its height under the rule of its only emperor.
While many commanders of countless militaries would find the task of gathering Adegan crystals from a long-forgotten Jedi sanctum a tedious assignment and waste of their talents, Lecersen understood the underlying necessity of gathering as many resources as possible for their more unconventional weapons and secret projects.
Lecersen also knew the vast potential these crystals held, just as when Grand Moff Ilyan Regus of the long-extinct Sith Empire that waged the Three Galactic Wars tried to utilize the same kind of crystals for an untraceable stealth armada. And their more recent discovery as an immeasurable power source, such as in the two Death Stars that Darth Sidious designed to try and instill fear in the galaxy before their premature and astronomically costly destruction, opened the door to weapons and technologies few scientists and weapons designers attempted to enter. It was quite fortunate then, that the One Sith and their clients were more than willing to bridge the gap and create the future of galactic warfare, no matter what the naysayers and moralists might think if they prematurely discovered their projects.
Yet, even considering such possibilities also carried astronomical risks. If the Jedi and their minions knew of this operation, they would likely take all their firepower and move to free this icy hellhole of a world, never mind searching for the rest of their mining platforms scattered across the galaxy. But if they moved so clumsily, then the Sith would make do with the dozens of convoys they already had and find more creative means of getting the crystals they needed, all while capitalizing on the Alliance's misplaced priorities and exposed flanks.
And when the Jedi inevitably put the pieces together, like they and their intelligence friends were so proficient at uncovering supposedly hidden truths and plans, they would find themselves unmatched by the combined might of all their enemies, led by a commander as brilliant as treacherous and those with the power and skills to back up all his unbridled ambitions.
Horuset System, Korriban Orbit
Aboard the Kandosii-type Dreadnaught Indomitable
Waiting for the last four weeks in orbit above the ancient birthplace of the Sith and their first empire was excruciatingly tedious for a warrior of Belok Rhal's stature and wanderlust. Having spent his entire life fighting all his enemies with all the strength and cunning he possessed, he found himself rather irritable at being held back from any offensive operations after his people were uprooted out of their home sector in a mass retreat.
As the Supreme Commander of the Neo Death Watch schism group of Mandalorians, he was supposed to lead the warrior culture in a new golden age in a full alliance with the One Sith once they conquered the galaxy and annihilated all their enemies. But right now, it seemed that the only ones benefiting from this coalition was Krayt, his growing cult, and whatever schemes they had cooking up in the Unknown Regions. Honestly, if anyone should be getting a crack at the Chiss and their allied fleets stationed out there, it should be fighters with millennia of experience of warfare and subverting one's enemies.
While most of his people were kept satisfied with the promise of a great battle in the coming weeks, there were a discontented few that craved a more immediate fight and unleashing a terrifying reckoning on their enemies, and Belok especially amongst that minority. Having lost his family over the last fifteen years, with his wife still behind bars for her role in the Blaudu Sextus massacre that Chief of State Daala herself authorized, and his only daughter being killed barely a year later when the crime lord Columi brothers who wanted to take over the galaxy were attacked on their home turf, both contracts destroyed by the Jedi, Belok was all but desperate for blood.
And he especially wanted retribution against his dar'manda son for leaving the movement for Fett's weak-willed protectors and Jedi clients, ruining the One Sith's strike against the Noghri homeworld and their best chance to eliminate most of the Solo clan and two of the Galactic Alliance best pro-Jedi ambassadors. But having served under the Sith for over a decade, he hoped to have learnt a thing or two about patience and properly putting one's rage to good use.
Well, soon enough, if Lord Krayt's intel was any bit accurate after Dician's disastrous failures, the Jedi would be sending the vanguard of their best fighters in to rescue their poster boy and try to destroy the Dread Lord and his top acolytes. When they came, the preliminary hunt would be on, a perfect warm up before the true battle began after the Alliance fleets started pouring through. And if Belok came across his onetime superior in Mirta Gev and her weak-willed family in either slaughter fest, then he would be the one to take them down and achieve eternal glory and fame for all his people.
It would all fall into place, or Belok would have no choice but to renegotiate the terms of his people's alliance with the One Sith, if only to maintain good business for Mandalore's true culture.
1245 Hours
Shedu Maad, Just Outside the Jedi Temple
In the Teneniel Djo Gardens
"Are you doing better, Adari?" Chelli hopefully asked her new friend, seeing her slight shakiness in her legs while being observed by K'Kruhk while they debarked the Rude Awakening. Having just been told of the Keshiri woman's undesired position in the Alliance assault force, Chelli could only speculate just how bitter and angry she was with everyone involved. But somehow, Chelli had a hunch Adari had changed her mind or come to terms with the decision since last seeing her.
"I'm getting there." Adari gratefully nodded. Observing the large gathering of figures converse and enjoy refreshments, she eagerly added, "But for today, I want to have a great meal and hang out with my friends one last time before everyone sets out."
Deciding to drop the issue for now and just keep a responsible eye on Adari, Chelli nodded and led her to where she last saw Tyria and the rest of the Rude Awakening's crewmates. "I can relate. Jaing's had me learn every inch of the Ark Angel and give her a few upgrades. I'm sure you and the others made a few modifications to your ship."
"Oh, big time." Adari wholeheartedly agreed. "A few new transponders, installing upgraded targeting arrays, shield generators, and engines, and restocking the ship's rations for the next big push. They'll be ready for whatever they face off against in Korriban's tombs and caves, especially since you, Vestara, and the rest of your fellows are with them."
As Adari kept engaged in conversation with Chelli while they made their way to the Rude Awakening's crew, countless other encounters and bantering were underway. From Vestara and Ben talking with Allana and her grandparents, to the Rude Awakening's crew and several prominent Jedi with the One Sith's defectors, and hundreds of elite soldiers and Alliance leaders enjoying one last day before the war returned to the forefront of their minds.
And yet, another fateful meeting, this one more tense but long overdue, was underway in the heart of the garden between two long estranged friends.
"Ghes doing okay these days, Mirta?" Jaina emphatically asked her onetime friend amongst the Mandalorians. Having formed a bond with Boba Fett's granddaughter before it was broken by Caedus's torture and manipulations, the two women were now trying to rebuild old bridges after losing enough in senseless and divisive hatred, no matter how awkward it might be.
"Better than a few weeks ago." Mirta politely answered before gratefully adding, "Helps that he's finally getting to bond with his two kids after all these years. How about you and your husband and kids? Any troubles from your hard choices back in the Empire?"
"Some." Jaina ruefully sighed, remembering Jagged's last communication and how Jayce couldn't come to terms with their controversial methods and difficult decisions. "Hopefully we can work through them all before any lasting damage is done."
"Doesn't help that your kids' mother is about to be stuck thousands of light-years away battling the Sith will go under radio silence." Mirta snarked, earning a genuine smile from Jaina at her well-timed jab.
"Glad you haven't lost your blunt honesty and humor while working under Vestara and Krayt." Jaina fired back, earning a decent chuckle and light punch on the arm from the grizzled Mandalorian.
Hesitating, Mirta suggested, "Hey, you think you can help me out with something that involves Ghes, for old time's sake?"
"Of course." Jaina wholeheartedly agreed, still remembering how poorly their last encounter ended a couple months after Ghes was fitted with his prosthetic legs, and deeply regretted the events and manipulations that cost her Mandalorian friends so much.
1000 Hours, Kelona 35th, 59 ABY
Korriban, Sith Catacombs
In the One Sith's Citadel, Within the Communications Center and War Room
"Well, it looks like the Alliance and their stooges are finally on the move towards us." Korin Aphra grumbled in eager anticipation of the coming bloodbath. Having received word from their spy network in embedded inside the Hapes Consortium of how most of the Jedi's high-profile vessels and crews departed Shedu Maad and were on the way to this region of the Outer Rim, it was obvious they were finally launching their paltry rescue attempt for their Jedi prodigy.
Unfortunately, when the enemy arrived, they would find a perfect ambush waiting for all of them before the slaughter began. With Lord Krayt and all his followers ready to leave Korriban behind after humiliating the Jedi's armies yet again in battle, Korin was ready to do his part in helping the Sith attain a victory here. And if a certain wayward daughter of his was among the captives, then he would especially take pleasure in capturing and reconditioning Chelli.
The wretch of a young woman, she truly had no idea how the real galaxy worked, and what was needed to bring about stability to countless war-torn worlds. She was too much like her late mother, and that absurd idealism was about to lead her right back to the planet she sacrificed everything to escape. Well, she would be humbled soon enough before she met her end.
And her mad claims that Lord Krayt and his acolytes had brainwashed Korin into deserting the Jedi and serving the One Sith, they had to be extinguished before they instilled any doubt in the minds of any of the Dread Lord's remaining servants.
Really, the idea that a mind and soul as brilliant and strong as Korin's being manipulated like Mandalore the Ultimate was over four thousand years ago was ludicrous! Soon, he would show Chelli just how in control he was, and he would take delight in when she was brought back into his custody and her body and spirit was reforged into a willing ally of the Sith. It was the perfect punishment for a defiant soul as hers while keeping her alive to serve Lord Krayt and the Grand Design.
1330 Hours
Deep Within the Unknown Regions
Inside the Remnicore System
On the Planet Exegol, Within the Dark Citadel
Inside the Ancient Sanctum
Deep inside the eons-old stronghold, one of the few remnants of wars fought long ago by beings inconceivable by mere mortals, plots, all darker than a black hole, were brewing, those that could spell the end of the galaxy as all life knew it, precisely as Tor Valum and his mistress desired.
The Grysk sage, a member of the small remnant of his people that had toiled on this shadowy world long before the Chiss Ascendancy drove the species to the edge of extinction four generations ago, used his deep connection to the Force to peer into its endless oceans and see all that was occurring across the galaxy.
The Sith, foolish neophytes pretending to be the Bringer of Chaos herself, were implementing many schemes to triumph against their long-hated rivals in the Jedi. Harvesting countless troves of lightsaber crystals for dozens of weapons programs, experimenting on hundreds of Force-Sensitive children and a powerful Jedi Knight to turn them into cybernetic juggernauts, and building armies and fleets to subjugate the galaxy while searching for the sentient world of Zonama Sekot, an ancient seedling of the Yuuzhan Vong's primordial homeworld, this iteration of Dark Siders certainly had many plots underway, he had to give them credit there.
And the Jedi, they were as clueless and idealistic as always, even if they had done the unthinkable and united the galaxy against their oldest enemies. Both orders were so caught up in their ancient feud, they all failed to see how the wars that nearly gave Abeloth all the strength she needed to return to this plane of existence.
The ancient spawn of a Celestial long since destroyed, she was destined to rule this galaxy as the Beloved Queen of the Stars, but first she needed to finish reviving before she could begin her conquest, while her disciples worked in moving the final pieces into place, gathering susceptible souls to build their armies and fleets while preparing for the acquisition of the Vessel while removing or subverting a few key obstacles in the Bringer of Chaos's way.
One critical issue that needed to be solved before Abeloth fully resurrected, retrieving a weapon that could undo all Tor and his fellow disciples sought. That accursed Dagger of Mortis, it was the one weapon in all of creation that was capable of killing the Mother for good, and it needed to be captured or destroyed before the taming of the galaxy could commence.
But for now, there were no assets to call upon to retrieve the dagger from the Jedi's headquarters of Shedu Maad without risking discovery, which meant leaving that unfortunate variable alone until a prime opportunity presented itself.
Even so, there was more than enough to keep Tor and his followers occupied, and he intended to make full use of his time until Abeloth was reborn. Just a handful of months, and then the great work could begin in earnest. Securing the plans for Krayt's crystal-based weapons would be a good start, and he knew just who to send for that job.
Okay. I think this is a good place to end the prologue for this brilliant story. With the stage set for the assaults on Ilum and Korriban by the Alliance of Light, but the One Sith's plans left mostly in the dark, it's anyone's guess as to how this will end up. Not to mention the rest of the rogue factoins out there, and their schemes and dark crusades underway. And with my outline already planned out, I know how to progress the story, without the drama of making most of it up as I go. So, how are you all doing on this warm night of Monday, September 26, 2022? I'm all right, if a bit worried for my sister and several other relatives down south, where Hurricane Ian is expected to hit the hardest. I'll need to pray hard for them, and hope for the best. And I've slowly been reading a great book by Raymond Ibrahim. It's highly informative, inspirational, brutal, and especially relevant in today's times. So, I think I'll get this chapter and the previous one checked out before I publish them, as I want to set the mood and excitement for this story as right as possible before I release them to the public. May God be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
