Hey, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm afternoon of Sunday, October 16, 2022? I'm well, as I've begun to research the candidates for the 2022 Midterm Elections in my state, and it's quite an educational experience. Oh, and I'm reading a good book on US current events, even if it makes my blood boil for a wide variety of reasons. So, I hope to write this chapter in a little over a week, but I wouldn't be surprised if it takes me a bit longer due to my research, and since I have work four days this week. Well, with all that's going on, I hope you all have a blessed day, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

1345 Hours, Selona 6th, 59 ABY

Horuset System Outskirts

Aboard the Raider II-class corvette Orinda's Bloom

"We can't afford to wait much longer, Iden." Jaina edgily noted from her passenger's seat while double-checking the ship's shields. "Yage and Fett won't be able to keep Krayt and his minions occupied forever. The longer we stay here, the more likely Krayt will send his people after us and we risk losing more of our own."

Reading the ship's sensors and intercepting every stray transmission the ship caught, Jaina could tell the battle was quickly turning against the Alliance of Light's favor, with the Imperial-Mandalorian fleets suffering heavy casualties against the superior coordination and firepower of the One Sith, despite putting up a fierce resistance.

"That's easier said than done, Jaina. Unless the rest of our allies jumped right over a couple sectors on the way here, then we're stuck waiting until they launch their attack." Iden Versio, Imperial commando and leader of Imperial Special Forces Inferno Squad, argued back from the pilot's seat as she prepared the ship's engines for combat.

Having been asked by her uncle to aid Ben and Vestara during this mission, she would originally have made herself indispensable to the lovers, understanding all there was to know about Ben's custom ship and making a few special modifications to its essential systems fort his long-term mission. Of course, it helped that Jaina was a key designer of the vessel and taught Ben many of her tricks of the mechanical trade, so she could simply advise the duo in improving the ship's already impressive specs via hologram.

Although, sharing a small space between three people would be harder in practice than in theory, especially given the lingering animosity between both women over Vestara's countless sins when she served two Sith orders. That would have left the awkward task of keeping the peace to an already anxious Ben, who would quickly grow tired of playing intermediary between the two femme fatales and would also have been detrimental to everyone's well-being long before the teams arrived on Korriban. Which was why Iden offered Jaina a spot on her ship, knowing the Jedi Council member would pull more than her fair share of weight on the mission's easy part and give the longtime friends another edge against the Sith while flying the corvette.

To everyone's immense relief after six hours of waiting, Iden heard a chime come off from the sensors, and after reading its contents, she sternly ordered her squad, crewmates, and residential Jedi Master in each of their assigned stations, "Make sure you're all strapped in and clam up! Our reinforcements have just arrived, so we'll be heading out once they get us our opening."

Activating the Orinda's Bloom's comm device, Jaina ordered all seven vessels accompanying them down to Korriban's surface to infiltrate Krayt's citadel, "All ships, get ready to make it planetside! The rest of our diversion has arrived, so we're about to get down to business!"

Wishing the Jedi's new and mysterious friend in the Sith's ranks knew just where he was located so the Alliance could rescue Edaan and the rest of the prisoners that much quicker, Jaina's mind could not help but briefly recall the final briefing each team leader received before their squads all set off for Korriban.

Knowing that eleven-ship team were about to make a brave but near-impossible incursion on Korriban, the crews of the Jade's Legacy, Orinda's Bloom, Dominance, Dark Beauty, Rude Awakening, Ark Angel, Heskel's Folly, and the four gunships, all of them carrying dozens of the best soldiers from the Alliance of Light's main factions and a total of three dozen veteran Jedi Knights, each leader was given the full rundown of what the small army was likely to expect upon setting foot on the world.

As a dark side tomb of a world and natural fortress with its countless war beasts, Sithspawn, and evil energies trying to undermine the trust between each of their enemies, Korriban was the perfect place to withstand a prolonged siege or thin the ranks of intruders. Fortunately, according to Grand Master Katarn, the Jedi had recently gained a new ally that embedded himself deep in the Sith's ranks that would work to feed them as much crucial intelligence on Krayt's plans as he could.

Although many wondered if this supposed turncoat could be trusted, Kyle personally vouched for their credibility and sincerity and eased most concerns. To everyone's great consternation, though, the spy did not know which of the Sith's in-system fortresses held him and Edaan, and the only way to find that out was to infiltrate Krayt's underground citadel and uncover the data from the fortress's mainframe. An immensely dangerous plan, but it was all they had to work with without compromising the agent and

the rest of the Sith's captives so soon.

The only edge they held going into this trap was that the Alliance had several members with deep knowledge of Korriban and its defenses, and they would be using all of them to stand a chance of succeeding in this mission. And to ensure an overwhelming number of Sith hunting parties did not swarm over their landing zone, the Alliance would work to maintain consecutive raids on the planetary blockade while searching for the enemy's concealed space stations scattered across the system.

Forcibly ending her remembrance, Jaina saw the Ark Angel, Jade's Legacy and Rude Awakening speeding right towards Korriban, and she felt the ship's engines jump online, moving the ship at a speed normally inconceivable for a vessel of its size to catch up with the rest of the flotilla.

1350 Hours

Korriban Orbit

Aboard the Indomitable

Yearning to personally enter the growing massacre and destroy the pretender to the sacred title of Manda'lor, his weak-willed followers, and their Imperial allies, Belok felt a rising sense of irritation at the incoming intruders about to barge into this fight. Why was it that whenever the One Sith came close to attaining total victory, something interfered in damaging the process?

Glancing out at the new enemies, he found himself surprised at not only seeing a wing of Jedi StealthXs, but a second fleet's worth of Alliance reinforcements, among which were ten capital ships of the same accursed configurations that attacked Lord Krayt's fleet above Dathomir.

Remembering with vivid clarity the reports Lord Zorra sent out to each of the fleet commanders on Zakuul's return to the galaxy as a reinvented power and ally of the Jedi, Belok knew these old foes would be difficult to keep at bay, let alone defeat. They and the StealthXs would be the true threat to the Sith fleets, not the repurposed forty ships of Vainglorious-class Cruisers, Lancer-class Frigates, Carrack-class Light Cruisers with external starfighter racks attached both of their sides, and about a dozen other different escort craft and at least a hundred starfighters that made up Edaan's allies in the Tarisian and Rodian militias.

And the Silentium, a mechanical race of droids based off a long-extinct species in the same galaxy as the Yuuzhan Vong, were another matter entirely, with their twenty of its emissaries, each about half the size of an Acclamator-class Assault Ship, were armed full of weapons that could rip through many smaller ships in a matter of minutes. And since they were staunch enemies of the Sith, thanks to their longstanding friendship with entrepreneur and longtime Jedi ally Lando Calrissian, this battle would be much more interesting and invigorating for the Mandalorians.

Hearing Zorra's orders echo in his mind to divert three battle group, all made up of Neo Death Watch forces, to engage the newcomers, Belok knew he was going to enjoy this fight even more now, especially when he would lead the destruction of any enemy ship desperate or foolish enough to try and surrender to his people. As much as he would like to take a few conscripts and ships for the war effort, Lord Krayt's orders were clear on any incursions on the Sith's home turf.

1400 Hours

Chiss Space, Copero System

Aboard the Deathless

Taking a moment to gaze at the serene sight before him, ignoring the military traffic and numerous orbital shipyards littering the blue planet's atmosphere, Yiv wondered if his could have a few of these worlds and any surviving facilities when the Ascendancy was broken and the Chiss were humbled just as the Nikardun were at Vurawn's hands.

After spending years implementing the One Sith's Grand Design, building up their strength and wreaking havoc on the enemy's fragile bonds of unity and coordination, the soon-to-be reborn Nikardun Dynasty were due a bounty worthy of all their efforts. He would have to take up the matter with Lord Krayt after the war was over and the Dread Lord acquired all they were seeking out in the vastness of the Chaos.

But such thoughts did not belong on the battlefield. Any minute now, the Chiss would mobilize all their ships to try and beat back this invading force, and the supreme commander needed to be ready to lead his fleets to victory. With two fleets of Nikardun warships and a mixed force of fifteen ships composed of Tof, Nagai, and Rakata ships, all working under his direct command while being informed by the Chiss Ascendancy's Sith sympathizers, he would have more than enough to deal with the defenders and destroy the shipyards before his enemies' rerouted ships could make a difference.

Opening a comm line to the multiple fleets, Yiv quickly ordered all ship commanders, "All ships, commence attack immediately. Utilize Formation Jixtus-15, and let's show the Chiss their time is at last coming to an end."

1500 Hours

Bastion, Imperial Headquarters

Within the War Room

Observing the data feed coming in from the Guardian as it engaged the Sith head on, Jagged Fel, Imperial Head of State and veteran of many wars and assassination attempts, had not experienced such a strong sense of emotional turmoil in many years, and he knew most of it was due to Jayce and the proposal he and Grand Moff Sarreti gave him and his mother before the engagement began.

Even as the Sith hammered the Alliance's first fleet and were dividing forces to engage the second wave of intruders, the battle was still too close to tell for Imperial High Command, and Jagged felt his heart and mind grow increasingly divided over the choices he had made over the last couple months.

When Vitor Reige was murdered with most of his staff by Natasi Daala at the start of her last coup attempt, Jagged knew the Empire would be wounded and vulnerable to subversion and espionage, and drastic actions would have to be taken. He knew many Imperials, whether they were citizens, Jedi, or members of the military, would oppose the move towards a Force-based monarchy, even if it was to counter the Sith's rising power, and he and his wife were prepared to make many hard compromises to reorganize the Empire and keep it from collapsing, and while they planned to make it more egalitarian than its past leaders allowed.

But the Fel family was not prepared to risk losing Jayce when he vehemently voiced his opposition to the desperate strategy, and even threatened to leave the Empire and disavow the Fel name if the rest of his family became a Force dynasty, feeling it was a betrayal of the Jedi's tenets and risked repeating Darth Caedus's fall. A noble and principled sentiment, one Jagged wished he could follow were it not for his inbred sense of duty and sacrifice.

However, this diplomatic gesture by Jayce and Ephin, an obvious attempt to keep the Empire a democracy while promising many reforms, was quite a clever maneuver by the headstrong Fel to maintain his family's principles. He would have to give the matter careful consideration with his top advisors, along with heeding his wife's advice before she was forced to go under radio silence.

During Jaina's journey to Korriban to assist the Alliance in rescuing Edaan and the whoever else the Sith were holding captives, she voiced her consent on Imperial High Command exploring the idea, not fond of taking power any more than the rest of the family. If there was a viable alternative, she would gladly consider them all to save the Empire from falling apart while protecting its citizens, liberties, and borders without risk severing ties with the rest of her family.

1515 Hours

Csilla, Cssplar

Within the Expansionary Defense Fleet Garrison

Inside Supreme General Ba'Kif's Office

"Just be straight with me, General Antilles. Nor you or I have any time for games or word play with the Nikardun leading such a bold attack on the Thomoro Shipyards." Ba'Kif impatiently pressed Wedge after the Corellian general divulged a key piece of information to the Supreme General. "What 'unofficial assets' did you allow to infiltrate the Ascendancy? More of your Rogues Gallery friends?"

"Not quite." Maarek simply answered. "If all went as planned, a few of his old friends from several intelligence agencies that can ensure the Chiss are free of any turncoats in your ranks, root out any other enemy spies, and get some good information on the enemy's movements. Provided that even half of what I've heard about them all is true, this batch of misfits works best behind the scenes, and the fewer people who know about them, the better their odds are in succeeding and coming out of this alive."

Wearily rubbing his forehead to hide the growing headache, Ba'Kif groaned out, "I want more answers, and I will have them after the Sith's latest incursion is repelled and we hear from your Ilum operation. Depending on what I hear, I will agree to aiding them through secrecy."

"And you will get them all." Wedge promised. "For now, I have two battle groups incoming to Copero, and I need to ensure that Commander Terrik Horn, Master Durron's Jedi, Commander Djo's Hapan Commandos, and Khedryn Faal's version of the Smuggler's Alliance, are all ready to fight a coordinated battle alongside your people if we hope to trap General Yiv and his fleets before they manage to complete their terror attack on your best shipyards."

"Good, good." Ba'Kif eagerly agreed, calming down. "I will be heading out within the hour with my personal fleet to lead the Chiss response to this attack."

"Forgive me, but are you sure this warrants your personal intervention?" Wedge cautiously asked. "It could be a trap to draw away enough of your forces and allow the Sith to attack Csilla directly, or a plan to lure you out and eliminate another key obstacle to destroying your people."

"I have considered those scenarios, and each are possible." Ba'Kif reluctantly agreed. "But I've already taken measures to minimize the danger in either situation. Besides, a true general ought to be willing to join the fray alongside the soldiers that serve under him."

"Nevertheless, for all our sakes, I hope we have all we need to turn this potential disaster to our advantage."

"We will, Force willing." Maarek calmly answered before signing off alongside Wedge, leaving Ba'Kif to head out to board his personal Nightdragon-of-War and make his way to Copero before all was lost for the critical Ascendancy world.

1530 Hours

Just Outside the Horuset System

Aboard the SoroSuub Personal Luxury Yacht 3000 Lady Luck

Less than a light-year away from the ongoing battle, at a narrow point of the main hyperspace route that led to the Horuset System, a small portion of a Jedi-allied task force dropped out of hyperspace. Most of the ships were light armed and reconverted cargo ships, with a light escort to minimize risk of discovery.

This was not a fighting force, but even so its mission was vital to the Alliance of Light's search for Sith prisoners and their secrets concealed in the system.

The task force commander first fired a single missile, one containing a dozen of Tendrando Arms' latest creations in YVH-series probe droids.

Knowing the Sith were soon to leave Korriban, Lando Calrissian knew this would be a perfect opportunity to test out one of his company's latest projects in this accursed war. Having taken most of the heavy armor and all the reflexes and intelligence of the Yuuzhan Vong Hunter battle droids and put them into two-feet-wide probe droids that starkly resembled Arakyd's Viper Probe Droids from Palpatine-era usage in the Empire decades ago. This way, the probes could pick up where the present-day Imperials left off and eavesdrop on the enemy's transmissions while searching for their quarry.

The small ships continued to lay probes. Dozens of probes first started streaming out, followed by hundreds, and then thousands. They would take position in the two debris fields of the system and search for any signs of Sith habitats that might house their prisoners and countless followers and resources.

Knowing that his father entrusted him with such a crucial task for both his family's company and the galaxy's freedom, it filled Lando Calrissian Jr. with boundless pride and joy, and the young man who called himself "Chance" would not let any of his loved ones down. Hopefully, it was the start of greater responsibilities within his parents' company along with more opportunities for the rising businessman.

And remembering that six other task forces across the system that were carrying out the same duties before they withdrew to safer havens, Chance examined the preliminary data feeds from the probes. With all the information and systems coming out solid, he knew the Ralroost and Admiral Kre'fey's task forces would be appreciative of the Calrissian family's invaluable contribution to the Alliance of Light's war effort. It would be a good way for the family of entrepreneurs to continue expanding its businesses across the galaxy while working to ensure the galaxy's freedom, and there was nothing Chance loved more than combining his two life passions into one bold endeavor.

1540 Hours

Horuset System, In Between Korriba Scar Asteroid Belt and Korriban

Aboard the Lancer-class Frigate Iskaayuma's Legacy

Grand Protector Janek the White, leader of the Rodian people and longtime friend of the Jedi, was finally in his element again, hunting the enemies of the free peoples of the galaxy. Directing his people against the Sith and their countless thralls, battling Belok Rhal and the Neo Death Watch, paltry imitations of warriors that the hunters of Rodia would delight in eradicating, he was pleased at the damage he was wreaking on the Indomitable and its guardian ships.

But now, much as he'd like to prolong the battle and test himself against the would-be Mandalorians, he had a mission to carry out, and it could only be done by breaking the Neo Death Watch once and for all, even if it raised Fett's ire for stealing his people's kills.

Thanks to the coalition's earlier liberation of Falleen and ironclad alliance with its interim governor, the Alliance of Light had unrestricted access to former royal prince Haxim's designs for his Baradium-laced shipbuster missiles, with even one being capable of annihilating half a dozen capital ships at once upon impact. And with Janek's four best bombers nearly ready to deliver the payload on the Neo Death Watch's fleets, the fireworks could soon begin, and the infiltration teams would get their best opening.

Just over an hour left before the Sith finally learned not to underestimate a galactic fellowship of this magnitude, and Janek would be honored to do his part and help his friends avenge all the wrongs they committed on the galaxy.

1630 Hours

Coruscant, Within the Galactic Alliance Navy Command Complex

Inside Chief Loran's Office

"It doesn't make any sense. What could Fyor Rodan be doing here of all places, after declaring his allegiance to Daala and enacting a mass desertion from known space, and in the company of a terrorist of Kar'sk Fey'la and her supporters?" Kajin confusingly asked the Galactic Alliance Intelligence Director after the human presented the Chief of State with his data packet and images before them, before the Cerean suspiciously narrowing his eyes, "How did you even come by this intelligence?"

"Nothing subversive, I assure you." Garik didn't even blink at the unspoken accusation. "A few of our GAS programs got a partial ID on Rodan and Fey'la, and I had a few assets on the ground observe and determine the truth."

"I assume they slipped away before you were able to apprehend them?" Kain knowingly concluded.

"Yes. And I'm afraid we don't know where they've disappeared to in the system, or what they're after here." Garik regrettably added. "I've got GAS ships scouring every world and analyzing all comm traffic in the system, and I'm calling in favors from a few of our local informants. We'll find them soon enough when they resurface."

"Excellent. But I think we can do a little better with this situation." Kajin contemplatively rubbed his chin. "As I recall, we have a strong presence in the Jedi Temple, where some of the most advanced computers in all of Coruscant reside and can sneak their way into just about any system on the planet. Perhaps the Jedi would be willing to loan us a few of them for this hunt."

Nodding in agreement, Garik offered, "A wise idea. I'll reach out to Master Solusar right away."

1700 Hours

Horuset System, Korriba Scar Asteroid Belt

Within the Sadow Asteroid-Superstructure

Aboard the Command Center

Clutching his head with both hands to try and keep his skull from splitting apart from the deafening shrieks emanating from the Force, Tau took little comfort knowing the Sith were in the same predicament as him. Hearing how Belok desperately cried out for help in dealing with the Rodians' bombers and how they were about to obliterate most of the rogue Mandalorians' force, it elicited a great satisfaction from the traitorous Iteration at seeing the war criminal and mass murderer get beaten at his own game. A shame that the Mandalorian Protectors could not be the ones to dispatch their most notorious traitor, but at least they would get the chance to atone for their rogues' sins soon enough once the war fully shifted towards the Unknown Regions.

Barely able to see the tactical hologram of Belok Rhal's flagship and his fleet, observing all but a handful of the Neo Death Watch's warships be obliterated by no more than four Baradium-laced missiles, with not even a shred of debris left behind as evidence of the carnage, Tau knew the battle's odds just turned in the Alliance of Light's favor. They would hopefully press their advantage and give their infiltration teams the chance they needed to slip onto Korriban while delivering many hard blows to the One Sith's naval capabilities.

He would need to find a way to give them his location without blowing his cover, which would be much harder now, since Krayt sent Imperial SCAR Squadron 99 to protect the space station, but Tau was all but certain he, not Edaan, was the one they were observing to see if the Sith could uncover any hint of his treachery.

Perhaps, after the battle wound down, Tau could have a good time with considering several other new and unconventional ways on how he could sabotage another few facets of the Sith's efforts. Maybe, if he wasn't needed up here any longer, he could find a way to get down to Korriban and throw the Jedi a bit more information their way. Although, it would be extremely difficult for him to get down to the planet without compromising the Sith.

Yes, he would continue to play the role of Rukh, the Noghri bodyguard who turned against Grand Admiral Thrawn and killed him at the most opportune time during the pivotal Battle of Bilbringi. Hopefully, though, he would be able to avoid the tragic end Rukh faced shortly after he assassinated Thrawn.

But before he could make it to the surface, he knew of another way to get the Alliance an extra bit of help from an old friend he made in Korriban's wildlife. It was time for Butch to make his first big mark in the galaxy and fight for the light instead of his eons-old and inbred Dark-Side tendencies.

1725 Hours

Coruscant, Jedi Temple

Within the Jedi Archives

"You found a working entrance to the Sith shrine underneath the Temple three days ago, and you're only now informing the rest of the High Council that it's sealed tighter than the Quarantine Worlds in Kallidahin Space?!" Kyle angrily summed up after hearing Tionne's report before wearily sighing, "Sometimes, Master Solusar, I wonder if your nature as a historian diverts your practical mind away from more immediate matters."

"I'm sorry, but I wanted to be sure we were out of options before contacting you." Tionne humbly apologized. "But now, I have some good news to report. Thanks to our allies in the Galactic Alliance's Historical Council, the Blackguard, Jensaarai, and the rest of our outlying Sith scholars, we believe we have a way inside, but it won't be easy, and we'll need your personal help if we're to succeed in breaking through the Shrine's defenses."

"My help?" Kyle repeated before understanding dawned on him. "The Shrine can only open for someone who has been immersed in the Dark Side, correct? Do you believe the Jensaarai will not be enough to open the door?"

"Not if we hope to get this done in time to make a difference in the war against the One Sith. As much experience as they have, they haven't gone to the Dark Side and back, just as you and Zekk have." Tionne paused. "There is another issue I believe the two of you can personally help us with. One that can determine just how secure our operation in the Temple truly is."

"You believe there are possible Sith sympathizers and spies in your ranks?" Kyle astutely guessed. "Do you have any proof?"

"Only a few suspicions and minor oddities going on throughout the Temple, but enough to warrant concern." Tionne answered. "A couple bits of supplies missing here and there, brief losses of communication with some of our men and a couple professors, and a vague sense of unease from many of our allies."

"What about Professor Wavlud? Do you think he's involved in this supposed conspiracy?" Kyle speculated, now regretting involving the infamous Sith collaborator in this critical mission.

"We don't know if he is, but we can't afford to put anything past him at this point." Tionne shrugged. "That's why we need your help. We need to preempt the Sith and excise them from our ranks before they can do any damage to us, or alert Krayt and his remaining spy networks to our long-term strategy."

"And there's one other matter we need to discuss. Chief of State Yimmon has requested access to our supercomputers to track two high-value fugitives on the loose across Coruscant. Commenor's Fyor Rodan and Bothawui's Kar'sk Fey'la. The GA doesn't know what they're doing in the system, but this could be our best chance to find out where Daala's gone and hold her accountable for her genocidal campaigns."

Remembering the countless lives Natasi Daala destroyed or ruined since her first campaign against the New Republic, the worlds she left devastated in her wake, the cultures and freedom fighters she threatened to wipe out in her zeal to take complete control over the galaxy, and the dozens of times she eluded justice for her mountain of crimes, Kyle knew many people and worlds would relish bringing her in to face her long-deserved and just end, and he could not help but be one of those individuals.

Nodding, Kyle answered, "Give me two days to set out with the right team and settle our affairs out here. Meanwhile, allow Chief of State Yimmon's people complete access to our programs. We need to take this chance and seize the moment while we still can before it slips away."

1830 Hours

Copero System

Onboard the Deathless

Smirking at the well-crafted plan the Sith and their spies had crafted, Yiv could hardly believe how everything was going exactly as the Dread Lord claimed to have foreseen. The Chiss, in their haste of seeking to defend their prized shipyards from suffering any damage, had thrown virtually all their available military vessels at the Nikardun and Rakatan fleets, leaving themselves vulnerable to the true assault force that was about to revert to realspace at the opposite side of the Copero System.

Initially believing the Sith's covert salvaging operations in the Lehon System to be a waste of time and energy, Yiv was quickly humbled by Krayt's disciples giving the Nikardun and the rest of their raider allies the means to create their own versions of the droids the greater galaxy often took for granted. What better way to humiliate the Jedi and sow divisions amongst their allies than to use their own tools against them? Now this, this was a good use of the Nikardun Remnant's unstoppable warriors.

Having studied the five classes of droids and their many variations over the millennia, especially taking a keen interest in the Battle Droids that made up one of the two principal armies of the Clone War, Yiv knew the battle droids that the Nikardun Remnant crafted would function perfectly in a variety of roles, and this attack would work perfectly for two carriers full of suicidal bombers.

The starfighters, strongly resembling Hyena Bombers in their arsenal and configuration, would pave the way for the next phase of the operation, and for the theft of dozens of the Chiss Ascendancy's greatest military creations with the help of the Sith's rogue Imperial commandos. After all, how can the Chiss conduct a war without the necessary vessels to combat their enemies, and the facilities that could create replacement warships? Yiv was going to relish the next few hours before his force withdrew.

1930 Hours

Korriban Orbit

Aboard Ship

'Vestara Khai, Ben Skywalker, and several of their friends are about to land on Korriban just outside the Valley of Golg. Exactly as Lord Krayt predicted.' Ship telepathically told Darth See-Chok, who smirked at the fools disappearing beneath the hazy skies of Korriban, and the lethal trap they were all walking into of their own free will.

"What about the rest of the intruders?" The Sith combat instructor brusquely answered as he extended his senses through the sentient vessel, barely able to sense the flickers of light across the vast, desolate, and wide landscape.

'Phasma and her team will land within the ruins of the Brotherhood of Darkness's academy, and Ferren Barr and Jaina Solo Fel will take the Valley of the Dark Lords along with many Jedi and their secondary forces." Ship informed him.

So, this iteration of Jedi and their friends were smarter than See-Chok initially thought. The Alliance wasn't going to risk all their people on one entrance, so they were planning on infiltrating the citadel from at least two fronts, while many of the best fighters among the Alliance were going to create a diversion to keep the One Sith's attention on them and not the real threat. But now that he knew their strategy, Lord Krayt could quickly develop countermeasures to stop them before they could strike back.

Finally, after so many years of hiding in exile after his disgraceful banishment from the previous Jedi Order, all for creating new and superior ways to use the Force as a weapon in the pursuit of justice and improving oneself through combat, the failed Youngling who once called himself Shon-Ju would lead his cult of followers that accepted his old teachings in hunting down the Jedi and their Alliance allies alongside Zorra. The Parnassos lunatic could have his sister beheaded or ritualistically murdered for all he cared, but the Jedi and other Sith traitors would be a great prize for See-Chok to deliver to Lord Krayt.

But before the hunt could begin in earnest, he had to try and thin the enemy's ranks a bit with a few strafing runs on their positions while they were exposed. After all, the Sith could not allow well over one hundred well-armed and effective hunters to roam Korriban's surface and try to infiltrate the planet's ancient catacombs. Who knew what trouble they could cause, or secrets they might uncover inside the planet's many tombs if left unchecked?

It would be best to take no chances with this batch of meddlers after this engagement ended, and he knew which frigate and its complement of ship-buster missiles he had to destroy right away to avenge the losses the fighters caused the One Sith. Only then, could he begin his next task for the Grand Design.

1935 Hours

Korriban Surface, Valley of Golg Outskirts

Aboard the Jade's Legacy

"Any reason we're landing here, Ves?" Ben carefully asked a shaken Vestara while the two lovers finished gathering the last of their supplies before R2-D2, an old friend and loyal ally of the Skywalker Family and Jedi Order, flew the ship away before the Sith swarmed over the landing site. Knowing how Ship had just tried to shoot his longtime friend out of the sky and kill her, it had to leave an indelible mark on the repentant ex-Sith, more so than nearly losing the crew of one of the gunships to the Sith Meditation Sphere before it was had to be picked up due to heavy damage.

Having landed all remaining vessels on one of the most ancient burial valleys of the entire planet, the Alliance of Light prepared to set out and get to cover before the One Sith began the hunt for these intruders. According to old and unofficial sources and scans, the valley ran for at least a hundred kilometers or more, and at one point the canyon floor was as deep as 1,200 meters, undoubtedly with a score of natural predators ready to pounce on the Jedi and their friends. How the three teams planned to reach the Sith's citadel underneath kilometers of crust and tombs through this entrance was a mystery to virtually all involved.

To her credit, Vestara calmed herself enough to answer, "There's an ancient passageway to a network of tunnels that lead directly to Krayt's citadel. All we'll need to do is get through the layers of defenses the Sith - both ancient and modern - have in place protect this hive of catacombs. Then we can regroup with the rest of the teams and plan our attack on the citadel."

"And you're sure you and Phasma can guide us all the entire way, or that we're not walking right into one of Krayt's traps?" Ben apprehensively pointed out.

"Do you always doubt a lady, Ben?" Vestara cheekily rebuked.

"Only the lovely ones." Ben chuckled, simply relieved she had not lost her snarky streak because of the latest confrontation. Getting serious, he warned, "You know Krayt will be ready for us long before we arrive at the citadel, even with the supposed ally Grand Master Katarn discovered inside his ranks."

"Which is why we have a few contingencies in place to cause him as much havoc as possible while we're down here." Vestara zipped up her duffel bag, and affectionately patted Artoo's domed head, "Get out of here safely, buddy. I know Ben doesn't want to lose a good friend in you, and I hate to see him so crestfallen."

Blowing his new friend a loud raspberry, Artoo twaddled a farewell to the duo before sealing the ship shut and prepared to fly away from the landing zone. Like it or not, the two lovers were now fully committed to this mission, and they had to hurry to make it to the rendezvous point before the Sith were able to regroup from their losses up in space.

2000 Hours

Korriban Surface

Deep Within the Sith Catacombs

Inside the One Sith's Citadel

Darth Krayt's Chambers

This initial battle may have cost the One Sith more than the Dread Lord expected, it hardly mattered in the long run. Belok Rhal was going to eventually be removed from the equation, especially if the Dread Lord hoped to take full control over his Mandalorian faction and keep such a volatile fool from creating more problems for the New Order he was creating. And remaining Sith had established a defensive position over Korriban, protecting the holy planet from any further major attacks by their enemies until it was time to reveal another example of the One Sith's true and superior strength.

Now, all that remained was to draw in the enemy units working to make their way to his soon-to-be-abandoned citadel and leave an indelible mark on the Alliance's morale while eliminating many of its best fighters, and hopefully a few traitors to the Grand Design. Then, the birthplace of the first Sith Empire would be abandoned until it was safe to return and rebuild, and the One Sith would enact the final phases of their sacred plan.

But before the last steps were taken in securing the Sith's rightful place in the galaxy, he needed to ensure there were no compromises in his structures of power. One risk in particular needed to be addressed quickly, and it would be best to determine the Edaan-Iteration's loyalties lay with him before the endgame began. As much as he wanted to keep him contained aboard Sadow Station, his request in helping to thin the enemy's ranks on Korriban was tactfully sound and would be a better use of his and SCAR Squadron 99's talents than being sequestered away on a secure space station.

The only question now is how to get them safely onto the surface without disclosing his most vital in-system fortress. Fortunately, the founder of the One Sith had a few ideas on just how to accomplish such a feat, and the best one could be done with an old Imperial warship outfitted with the latest innovations in cloaking technologies.

2030 Hours

Copero System

Aboard the Lucky Striker

Observing the widespread carnage that the Sith's allies had wrought across the system, Wedge suddenly understood Ba'Kif's apprehension at facing the Nikardun Remnant in a direct assault. From the scans and dozens of distress signals coming in, it appeared that General Yiv had outmaneuvered the Chiss so easily and inflicted heavy damage to at least a quarter of the system's naval facilities and rendering another third inoperable for years, a terrible blow to the Ascendancy's military strength and prestige.

To exacerbate the damage, the Sith's fleet of salvaged warships were also sending commando squads to steal as many of the Ascendancy's working ships as they could grab, while the Rakata and Nikardun main fleets served as a diversion and kept the main Chiss fleet tied up and interdicted, especially with several of the Vagaari's interdiction ship-nets that were skillfully deployed across the battlefield.

The Rakata vessels would have been a difficult fight as it is, but add them together with three other races almost as militaristic and brutal as them and backed by a widespread and well-entrenched Sith order and its war fleet, this war would test each alliance to their breaking point, and victory out here would not be clear cut as many first assumed.

Examining the data from the Star Destroyer's scans, Wedge knew he would have his work cut out for him in this battle. While the Rogue's Gallery and GA ships, a combined total of twenty warships, were deferring command to him, and the promise of additional battle groups and scouting flights no more than four hours away, he would have to work quickly and decisively to keep the enemy from withdrawing with any of their new prizes. A difficult task, but not an impossible one, now that he had a better idea what to expect from these enemies.

And the first things he needed to do were protect the shipyards, keep their prizes in their rightful hands, and take some of the pressure of the beleaguered Chiss fleets, which made it fortunate that Maarek was ready with a wing of the best the Rogue's Gallery had to offer in blunting the Sith's bombing runs while they dispatched their commandos to help prevent the enemy's attempt at ship thieving.

As for the Rakata, Wedge had a few old-fashioned ideas on how to counter their superior weapons. What better way to defeat an enemy than to overwhelm them with superior numbers and speed?

2100 Hours

Hyperspace, On Route to Dathomir

Aboard the Bothan Assault Carrier Ralroost

"All right. We're getting the first batch of data from Chance's probes. It's looking good so far. We've got a secure connection and no signs of detection by anyone." Adari informed Allana, struggling to maintain her calm as the Ralroost made its way towards the site where her beloved husband was taken from her by the Sith.

Having set out to return to Dathomir so soon after the Sith's massacre tore at the Keshiri's heart, even as she understood the logic in making the Jedi academy world a staging ground for the inevitable attack once the Alliance's teams found out exactly where many of the Sith's victims were being held in the Horuset System. But a small part of her hated putting the planet's inhabitants at risk again, no matter what the reason may be.

Still, even though she yearned to be a part of the assault teams already in the system, she was grateful to be on the mission at all, feeling the life stirring in her womb and unconsciously rub at her belly, just starting to show the first signs of her pregnancy.

Jolting Adari out of her thoughts, Allana emphatically offered, "Do you want to take a break? Get a cup of caf or tea, grab a meal, or something? You've been staring at monitors for five hours already, and the teams here can handle the job for a little bit without you."

"No, thank you." Adari politely declined. "If I don't keep busy, I'll kill myself with worry, and that won't be good for anyone."

"Would Edaan or your daughter want you to work yourself to death's door?" Allana worriedly pointed out, slightly wilting under Adari's bitter glare.

"Why are you here, Allana?" Adari suspiciously grit out. "Did your grandparents or superiors want you here to keep an eye on me?"

"They asked if I could, but that wasn't necessary. I was heading down here anyway to get a few answers of my own." Allana honestly answered. "I wanted to see the kind of woman that Edaan chose to marry and take his heart when no one else could. And also, to see if I was able to help her better cope with her worries."

"You're not the only one terrified about him, you know." The Chume'da gently reminded Adari, making her soften her gaze.

"I do, and I think you understand what I'm going through pretty well. Better than most, at least." Adari acknowledged, before quietly continuing, "Edaan told me a lot about you. How you two were close friends growing up, and he was like the little brother you never had before your feelings could grow into something more."

"Yeah." Allana sighed, before confessing, "But honestly, I think he's better off with you instead of me." Not missing a beat after seeing Adari's confusion plastered over her face, Allana continued, "With me burdened by my father's sins and mother's crown, falling in love with me would have involved too many strings and complications that would break Edaan's fierce spirit. Not to mention how if everyone found out of Edaan's goals because of me, they would have kept him from going after Vestara, and you and countless others might not have made it off Kesh when we invaded your home."

"And lastly, you did something no other girl managed to do for Edaan. You and all his teammates helped him to live with an open heart and face his past demons head on instead of hiding from them. And now you're going to do the same for him when we save him."

"Valid points." Adari reluctantly agreed. "But how do you know I'll be part of the effort to save him?"

"Are you kidding?" Allana laughed. "I saw you fight back on Kesh. You can be very brutal when you put your mind and heart to it. If you want, you can join the Phoenix Whirlwind's crew when we attack the Sith's fleet. I can get it cleared with Admiral Kre'fey tomorrow morning if you'd like, and you can balance your duties in here until our assault begins."

Eyes lighting up at the suggestion and feeling a new sense of kinship with the Jedi princess, Adari glanced at the data screen, and came to a decision. "You know, I think I'll take you up on your offer for some tea and food. It would be nice to have a good girl talk and get to learn a bit on the inside of your vaunted ship. And maybe we can trade a few secrets and stories of Edaan along the way. I'm sure we both know a few things about him that the other doesn't know."

2140 Hours

Korriban, Valley of Golg

Outside the Tomb of Dathka Graush

"You made good time getting here." Vestara greeted Mirta with a warrior's strong forearm grip. Having eluded three packs of Tuk'ata hounds and Hssis dragons on the way to the tomb, both Ben and Vestara were grateful to have made it out with no lethal encounters, thanks in no small part to their proficiency in vanishing entirely from the Force and Vestara knowing far more about Korriban's landscape and predators than their mission here fifteen years ago.

Seeing the two other teams and their two-dozen soldiers and four Jedi Knights arrive in one piece, it invigorated Vestara to see this done, even if she knew this test of spirit would be substantially greater than the Sith Observatory she passed through on Falleen.

Nodding to Ghes, who guardedly nodded back at the ex-Sith and her Jedi boyfriend, she noticed the young woman accompanying Jaing, and guessed, "So, you're the Aphra girl I've heard so much of. You've developed quite a reputation amongst the Alliance and Jedi from what I've heard so far."

"Got a problem with that now of all times?" Chelli testily asked.

"Not at all. I just think you're very brave. Braver than I've been for most of my life." Vestara soberly answered before noticing the two black-plated droids accompanying Chelli, and asked, "But are you sure it is wise to bring those two droids along? This terrain will be difficult enough to navigate without-"

"I assure you, Lady Khai, that Beetee and I will be a greater benefit to you than risk." 0-0-0 coolly interrupted. "With our assassination protocols and arsenals, advanced sensors, and knowledge of the One Sith's strategies, we can easily pull our weight in your fight."

Not willing to argue the point now, with the Sith bearing down on them, Vestara was prepared to end hte matter before noticing the two young children beside Mirta, and she quickly demanded, "You brought your kids here?! Didn't I warn you this isn't a typical mission for any of us?! This planet will-"

"Let's argue about it when we're in relative safety, Khai." Jaing pragmatically and curtly interrupted, glancing at the dark and rank tomb that smelt as rancid as everything from the Mandalorian's most disgusting jobs after his clan scattered from the old Empire's persecution. "I hope you and Chelli know your ancient Sith linguistics and how to bypass these tombs' defenses."

Eyeing Jaing with a disappointed gleam, Chelli glowered while leading the way inside the tomb, muttering, "Have a little faith in me, buddy."

2200 Hours

Ilum System

Aboard the Mandator

Readying the fleets placed under his command for the incoming Alliance attack, Lecersen knew all his skills and experience would be put to the ultimate test against this impressive collection of enemies. According to the Sith's spies still inside the Chiss Ascendancy's echelons of power, the Jedi and Thrawn-clone's forces were sending a considerable force to liberate an old and long-abandoned Jedi stronghold and its depleted crystal caves and try to cripple the Sith's reach out in this region of space.

Normally, the Sith cabal would be ready to beat them back, but the Chiss were willing to offer their quiet support by giving them several foreign pieces of technology and long-held hyperspace routes towards Ilum, giving them a greater edge in the coming battle. And the impressive group in charge of the enemy's fleets would be enough to have most leaders quaking in their boots at the combination of Wedge Antilles and his Rogue's Gallery, Jedi Master Lowbacca, the Aquilian Republic's highest-ranking admiral and his personal fleet, and a still-powerful Galactic Alliance fleet under Kral Nevil's command, with the latter utilizing a Mon Calamari-crafted version of a giant Nebula-class Star Destroyer as his flagship.

Receiving an unexpected transmission from one of Kung'urama'nuruodo's most trusted subordinates, Lecersen impatiently ground out, "I hope you have good news to report, Alldor. Or does your connection to the Dark grant you a vision of victory for all of us above this ruined world?"

"Sarcasm and derision benefits neither of us now, Lecersen, for victory will be ours, no matter how this battle concludes." Alldor cryptically commented. "Remember, the purpose of this mission was to undermine the enemy's trust in each of their separate factions in a great battle while gathering the tools our Dread Lord needs to begin his campaign of terror. And although I can imagine you holding your own against the Jedi's allies, I doubt you can maintain your advantage in the system while six ships' worth of our enemies watch your every move and deliver crucial information to Zakuul and their friends."

Fully alert at the divulgence, Lecersen respectfully bade the Rhandite, "Please accept my humble apologies for my disrespect, but do go on, High Sorcerer Alldor. Kindly spare no details on this report of yours. I would be immensely grateful for any bit of information you would be willing to provide all of us on these intruders."

"How fortunate that I'm in such a generous mood, then." The decaying high sorcerer rasped out in a malevolent and borderline unholy chuckle, sending a series of shivers up Lecersen's spine.

2300 Hours

Korriban, Valley of Golg

Aboard Ship

'They have entered the catacombs.' Ship warned See-Chok as they flew over the desolate sets of burial grounds. 'They will be much more difficult to track down inside the remnants of power of the tombs.'

"Do you at least have a lock on which tomb they used to infiltrate the area?" The Sith replied, unable to detect the band of intruders through the miasma of dark energies and thanks to Ben and Vestara knowing how to make their presence in the Force disappear entirely, a lasting byproduct of Jacen Solo's fall into darkness. Without any other Jedi in their vicinity, it would make tracking them down a difficult challenge, but one he would take on if it was required of him. But it would help if he knew which entrance the enemy used.

'I am sorry, but I do not. However, I do have a general location for their allies, but it still narrows it down to only one of five covert entrances. And their ships took off several kilometers from the valley, which means there will be no point in capturing or destroying the fleeing transports at this moment.' Ship apologetically answered. 'I will continue to scan the area until any of these enemies are uncovered.'

Contemplating the information Ship gave him, See-Chok momentarily wondered if the Sith construct was wavering in its ancient loyalties and was succumbing to weak-willed sentiment and idiotic concepts such as friendship and old but severed bonds to the traitor Vestara Khai. He would have to keep an eye on Ship and see if it lost its way and would need to be disposed of before any more damage could be inflicted on the One Sith and the Grand Design.

But first, See-Chok knew just which of his fellow Sith Lords to call on in aiding him and Ship in searching for the enemy units working to penetrate Korriban's ancient catacombs. What better way to dispose of such intruders than to use the planet's own defenses against them? That is, if the planet's unnatural predators were all under the proper guidance of a veteran Sith Beast Lord, of course, but it would be best not to leave anything to chance with a mission as critical as this.

2330 Hours

Copero System

Aboard the Nightdragon-of-War NyixRaptor

Ba'Kif had to admit, upon seeing the battle still raging across the system, that he had vastly underestimated the capabilities of General Antilles and his assemblage of veteran mavericks and was utterly grateful to have entirely been wrong about the thrice-retired general. If he was honest with himself, he would have thought the enemy would simply retreat after its terror run, but Wedge had discerned Yiv's strategy and taken effective countermeasures against him to keep him holed out here, despite the extensive damage done to the Thomoro Shipyards before anyone could arrive in time to help.

Now, the Supreme General began to truly understand and appreciate why the Fel family thought so highly of the wizened Corellian, for it was clear Wedge was a true master of war and brilliant leader most beings would do anything to serve under. The elder Chiss would have to personally apologize to him after this engagement concluded, no matter how great the embarrassment was to him or his fellow Chiss.

By dividing the Galactic Alliance and Rogues Gallery battle groups to harry Yiv's fleets from their flanks with guerilla tactics, he had allowed the Chiss time to regroup and send ships to protect what was left of their most vital shipyards before any more damage could be inflicted on the Ascendancy's war effort.

Meanwhile, the Hapan flotilla, as well as Mirax Terrik Horn and Khedryn Faal's fleets, worked to counter the Sith's piracy attempt by using their own commandos and a fair deal of clever slicing to shut down many of the stolen ship's essential systems, giving the grand coalition a chance to catch up with the Sith's ramshackle fleet and recover the Ascendancy's prized warships before they were lost for good.

And retired Imperial ace Maarek Steele, for all his quiet demeanor and terribly blunt approach to politics, was a brilliant pilot and solid tactician, being able to find a fatal blind spot in the Rakatan warships, thereby renewing the Alliance and Chiss forces' morale by knocking two of the enemy gunships out of the fight with minimal casualties, all by swarming over the capital ship with dozens of small fighters while flying at top speed to overwhelm its defenses. Such a discovery allowed the unlikely fellowship to capture one before the other damaged one self-destructed to avoid the same fate. Still, with one enemy vessel in the fellowship's custody, they could soon begin to uncover the truth of the Rakata's return once this devastating battle ended.

While Ba'Kif was still hardly able to believe the situation before him, he would not complain on Vurawn's exact assessment of Wedge Antilles and his talent for war. This man was indeed living up to the well-established reputation he had built throughout his long career in the greater galaxy, and his third retirement had done nothing to dull his well-honed battle instincts. Now, though, it was time to see if the aged human measured up to the Supreme General and two of the Ascendancy's best Mid Admirals to ever serve under him while fighting against the countless evils lurking in the Chaos.

0000 Hours, Selona 7th, 59 ABY

Korriban, Within the Valley of the Dark Lords

"Let's hope the Sith can't track down our only tickets off this desolate rock while they're undermanned, Barr." Iden grimly warned the ex-Sith Lord after Ferren's scout fighter led the lightly crewed fleet of transports and custom corvettes deeper into the seemingly endless network of tombs and canyons that made up the Sith planet's most sacred site while the Imperial commandos sent out several probes to get a better layout of the landscape before them.

"Have confidence, Commander Versio." Ferren calmly returned while clearing out a bit of debris from a large tomb that was long since worn away by the passage of time. "I had little part in the devising of this plan, but I have no reason to betray you all unless I have a death wish against those that manipulated me into joining them in the first place. Besides, with the unique improvements Phasma and the Jedi's people made on all the ships, it will be exponentially difficult for the Sith to locate and destroy them all."

While the Dreshdae Sith Academy and Valley of Golg teams ready to do their part in battling their way into the dark citadel deep beneath the planet's crust, Jaina and her mixed force would make sure to keep the Sith's attention on them and not the two teams working to complete the Alliance of Light's true mission on this tomb of a world.

And thanks to the defecting Sith Lord and tactician in this battalion's ranks, composed of about eight dozen of the Alliance's most elite fighters, Grace and Soldier's squad of Aquillian Paladins, and over a dozen of the Jedi Order's best Knights, they would hopefully be able to inflict terrible damage to Krayt's structures of power while they were stationed down here. According to Ferren, Phasma, and Vestara, at least a dozen spaceports and outposts were recently constructed in the general vicinity, and it would be prudent to attack several of them right away to divert more attention away from the main parties.

It was long past time for the Jedi to go on the offensive in this war, and nothing was going to stop them from eliminating everyone in their way while saving one of the key players in making this alliance possible in the first place. Jaina only hoped the two hunting parties could hold their own against the Dread Lord, vividly remembering the last time she and Master Taron Malicos went up against the Sith juggernaut. Even knowing that she had a strong small army with her, Jaina held little hope of getting off Korriban without extensive casualties, a numbing sensation she had tragically grown accustomed to after serving in wars since her adolescence.

Bitterly resigning herself to the knowledge that whatever happened next out here was all up to the Force now, she only hoped it was the Light Side that guided everyone in this fight, and not its darker aspect that had plagued the galaxy since the dawn of the galaxy.

Well, I think this is a good place to end this chapter! What did you all think, as I think it was done well enough for my liking? I hope you all enjoy and leave a constructive review when you feel like it. So, how are you all doing on this warm afternoon of Monday, October 24, 2022? I'm doing well, as I had a good day at work before coming home and making a few final adjustments to the chapter before publishing it. Then I'll work on the next chapter a little, and then read a bit tonight. So, midterm elections are underway, and I hope the people make the best choice. But I worry about the outcome and what will happen to the United States and rest of the world, since I've been hearing a lot of unsettling things occurring across the globe. But all I can do is hope for the best and pray hard. I think I've said enough for tonight, so I'd best get this chapter published before I have some dinner. May the Lord bless you all tonight, everyone, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!