Hey, everyone! How are you all doing on this cool evening of Saturday, February 25, 2023? I'm well, as I got through my shift today, but was able to leave over two hours early since we got everything done ahead of schedule. I just hope I did a good job on my part. But in other news, all my completed interim chapters have been published, so now I'm going back to writing out my remaining interim chapters. I've already laid out the outlines, but I hope I can retain the advice my acquaintance gave me. For starters, I'm going to try and cut my chapters down a bit so I can avoid cramming too much into each one. And starting now, I'm going to put at the beginning of each chapter the words "Galactic Standard Time" just so there's no confusion on the time zones for each planet. It's something the friend pointed out for me. Well, I guess that's it for now. I'd best get on with the chapter, as I have two more to go before resuming the main story. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded universe!
2000 Hours, Selona 22nd, 59 ABY; Galactic Standard Time
Bastion, Devis Wilds
Aboard the Bestoon Legacy
"Just give me one reason why I shouldn't cut off your head for your stupidity, Lanvorak!" Invidious snarled to the Pantoran while the surviving Sith and their allies ready to fight their way out of the forests that concealed their ship, with Ochi inconspicuously listening to every word the Sith Lord spoke from the cockpit. "You just bombed the Imperial capital and painted an even bigger target on our backs!"
"We needed a diversion to escape, and the Imperials needed to be taught a lesson of the penalty of defying us." Lanvorak simply answered, earning him a brutal slap by Invidious, the blow's strength enough to knock him onto the hard floor, bloodied from a split lip.
"I'll make sure you're dealt with later." Invidious promised before Ochi heard firm footsteps approaching him.
Suppressing his emotions, Ochi informed his superior, "All systems run green. I'm getting us in the air now."
"Good." No trace of wrath could be heard in the Arkanian's voice. "We don't have long before the Imperials and their friends launch everything they can throw at us. The moment you get an opening, jump to lightspeed."
Loyally obeying his orders, Ochi accelerated into the planet's skies, but before he was at the halfway point into open space, the proximity alarms blazed to life. Scanning the readout, the Vahla warned Invidious, "We've got Imps, Jedi, and Mandos all after us. An entire fleet's worth, by the looks of these readings."
"Then tell me where my people and I can best serve you now." Invidious bade Ochi.
"Just stay out of my way unless I say otherwise." Ochi dismissed Invidious. "This ship isn't big enough for six Sith running about."
Quietly observing the assassin, Invidious found himself impressed with Ochi's calm, cool, and collected demeanor as he maneuvered the ship through the planet's atmosphere, avoiding virtually every enemy blow aimed at his prized home. He even managed to take out many of the Imperial TIE Defenders, Bes'uliiks, and even several Jedi fighters by deploying two seismic charges when the Bestoon Legacy reached the endless void of space.
But the Imperials' capital ships and patrol craft were quickly closing in on the ship, and the Bestoon Legacy was rapidly running out of room to find an escape vector. Even Ochi was starting to sweat a little.
Invidous, however, was staying perfectly calm, even as he suggested, "I might recommend you make for the Braxant Run route with all haste. Our window of escape will come from there, but it will be a narrow one."
Fighting back a curse at the cryptic warning, Ochi turned his ship towards the encircling blockade. As he neared the interdicting force, he was suspicious about the unusual decrease in fire aimed at him. Instead of the entire fleet firing in their direction, only two destroyers and the Mandalorian detachment continued their blistering barrage towards the Bestoon Legacy.
The pieces clicking together in Ochi's keen mind, he spared Invidious a glance and noticed the Sith smiling, as if pleased with himself. "What did you do?" Ochi asked, a mixture of suspicion and curiosity crossing into his question.
"I called upon a few of our friends to ensure our survival." Invidious calmly responded, gesturing at the battle now raging before the Imperial fleet as a battle group of Tof and Ssi-Ruuk engaged the Imperials. "A far more elegant and practical solution for our escape than engaging in bloody and indiscriminate terrorism."
"Huh." Ochi muttered, gaining a newfound respect for the Sith Lord as he flew the ship out to freedom. "But what about your forces? When will they-"
"They will withdraw soon after us, but they need to leave a bitter mark on the Imperials' failure to protect their own." Invidious interrupted.
Once the Bestoon Legacy jumped to hyperspace, Ochi sat back, breathing out his knots of anxiety from the last few days. Surprising him, Invidious noted, "You wonder why I asked you to spare the Fel boy, and why I have been behaving uncharacteristic of most Sith." Turning to face the assassin, he asked, "That is why you reported me to Lord Krayt, yes?"
Stunned silent from the admission, Ochi quickly recovered, "What do you want? You wouldn't admit as much to me if you didn't have a good sales' pitch to give me."
Glancing to the cockpit, Invidious sealed the door shut with the Force before continuing, "Apologies, but I need to be sure our conversation is not heard by my neophytes. Most are too fanatical to understand what we are about to discuss."
"Suffice it to say, I have, shall we say, disagreements with Lord Krayt over his approach to restoring order to the galaxy." Invidious began, immediately clarifying, "Do not fear betrayal from me, for I am fully loyal to the Grand Design and its core tenets. But there are critical aspects that need to be revised or erased before time runs out for us all, including our lord's plans for Zonama Sekot and the Yuuzhan Vong."
Pulling out a datapad from his robes, Invidious conversationally inquired, "Tell me, Ochi of Bestoon. Have you ever read 'Supernatural Encounters: The Trial and Transformation of Arhul Hextrophon'? It's quite an esoteric piece but unveils much of the origins of so many primordial dangers our galaxy has not faced in eons, or that we are still feeling the effects of."
"It contains the last writings of Arhul Hextrophon', a historian from the eras of the Rebel Alliance to the Galactic Alliance's first decade, and it was hotly debated by the GA Historical Council before it was denied publishing or further exploration."
"Of course, Lord Krayt managed to acquire a copy from a trusted source, and it was shared with many of his most trusted disciples. I only found myself in his inner circle two years ago, and it changed my life forever. I feel it will do the same to you if you read it also, including my annotations." Handing Ochi the datapad, Invidious strongly advised him, "We have three days until we make it to the Rakatan Archipelago. I would suggest that you use this time to finish the book in the next forty-eight hours, since we will have much to discuss after your eyes are opened to the truth."
2300 Hours
Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple
Aboard the Jade's Legacy
Spending himself utterly inside his lover, Ben felt a jubilation he had not felt in years as he rolled over onto his back, with Vestara curling up beside him as they both came down from their latest high. Having spent the last three hours making love, the fifth time since they returned to Shedu Maad after Korriban, both Light Siders wasted no time in rebuilding their bonds of trust and adoration while preparing for the next phase of the war.
Panting, struggling to regain control of her breathing, Vestara, running an arm over Ben's toned chest, noted, "Wow. That never gets old." Feeling a sudden pang of guilt run through her, she asked, "Do you think this is right, us doing this while everyone else is hurting?"
Feeling his chest vibrate from a low chuckle, Ben admonished Vestara, "It's a little late to have regrets about our last few trysts." Growing serious, he turned to face her before pointing out, "We aren't going to have much time to ourselves before being flung into the fires of war, which means we need to make every moment count."
Sighing, Vestara anxiously acknowledged, "Espionage, covert investigations, front line battles, we're really going to be in the thick of it."
"That doesn't sound like the Vestara Khai I know." Ben teased her. "You've done that sort of stuff all the time over the years, so it shouldn't be too hard for you. And now, you'll have me to back you up, and I've had my fair share of experience in those regards." Grasping the fear in Vestara's eyes, he quickly guessed, "That's part of what's bothering you, isn't it? You're still afraid of falling back to your roots."
Knowing she couldn't hide anything from her love, Vestara ruefully nodded, "Yes. I know I faced my demons on Falleen, but that was only one battle. What if I fail out there, and more people die because of me? I don't want to lose myself to the darkness and betray you again."
"You won't. You've got more people than ever to support you now, and I'm not going to give up on you this time." Ben resolved, placing a hand on Vestara's left breast, not out of desire, but out of love and trust. "I promise you, Vestara Khai, if you start to fall, I'll catch you. And I know you'll do the same for me if I start slipping."
Touched by Ben's promise, Vestara, reciprocating the gesture by placing a hand on Ben's chest, vowed, "I will make you proud, Ben. I promise. And when this is all over, maybe… maybe we can start a Jedi academy on Kesh. I know Adari has her own plans to help my home, and I would like to be a part of them."
'And maybe it would be a good place to raise a family with you.' Vestara silently added while tenderly kissing Ben, hoping he didn't pick up on that thought through their bond. Knowing that she was ruined for any other man because of the Skywalker heir, she knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him after this war concluded. And she knew that he wanted the same of her, she could feel the unspoken thoughts through the Force.
But that eventual marriage wouldn't be for quite a while, and the galaxy was too turbulent now for Vestara to put such a burden on Ben. Right now, she would take comfort from what precious moments she could spend with her beloved. She only hoped that their lovemaking would not draw any unwanted complications for the time being. The last thing she and Ben needed right now was to prepare for a child of their own in the chaos of war.
0800 Hours, Selona 23rd, 59 ABY
Medical Wards
"That's it…" Bardan quietly commended Phasma and Tau's efforts, sensing Korin Aphra stirring again from his Sith-induced coma, and Chelli on the edge of her seat from the last sixteen hours of excruciating waiting.
Having guided the two warriors in the subtle nuances of healing, knitting the historian's fractured mind back together one broken piece after another, Bardan was astounded at his unlikely pupils' remarkable progress. Already, Korin's neurological activity was quickly spiking back towards near-conscious levels, and everyone could hear murmurs from the historian. But if what he sensed was accurate, then Tau and Phasma were doing far more than simply freeing the doctor's mind, instead restoring many of his lost memories the Sith tried to wipe away.
How the two redeemed Dark Siders were accomplishing this, Bardan could not figure out, but he couldn't argue with the results if it helped fix the damaged Aphra family by a small degree. Of course, helping get rid of the One Sith was just a nice bonus.
Hearing Korin's breathing quickly quicken, Bardan knew it was time for the final push. Advising the two Force Users, the ex-Jedi advised them, "You've done all you can. Now it's time for Doctor Aphra to find his way back on his own, with a little help from his spirited daughter."
With Phasma and Tau backing up, allowing Chelli to anxiously approach her awakening father, she whispered while tenderly rubbing his head, "Dad. Please, come back to me. I… I know you were always a busy man, but I know it wasn't your fault. The Sith, they took your idealism and twisted it to suit their own ends, and it destroyed so many lives."
"And now, Mom's gone. But her memory, her example, they still live on in both of us, and now we have a chance to honor her will by standing for what's right." Tears rushing down her face, Chelli pressed on,
"But I can't do this without you. I can't bear to lose you too, not again. Please, don't give up fighting for what you truly believe in."
Quietly weeping and pressing her forehead to his, Chelli cried her heart out, her heartbreak obvious to all, but quickly elated at what all present company was witnessing: Korin Aphra, awake and staring back at his daughter with a proud smile.
"Oh, my precious boop. You've grown up so much, your mother would be so proud of you." Korin whispered, his voice hoarse and cracked from weeks of lack of use.
Gazing down on him, Chelli saw her father, not as a brainwashed puppet of dark forces, but as the man he once was before she only knew from her mother's stories. She never saw him like this, but she knew, just knew, that this man was who Lona Aphra fell in love with, and she would give everything to protect him and avenge the wrongs Darth Krayt made him commit.
"Oh, Dad." Chelli joyfully cried, wrapping him in a strong hug, and everyone felt a jubilance and relief of their own. Now, another bitter piece of the Sith's legacy could begin to heal. But first, the Jedi would have questions for Korin, if only to prevent him from being a preprogrammed agent. Afterwards, though, he would be free to go wherever he wished, but it was the Order's hope he would agree to help them in the ongoing war.
1400 Hours
Naporar, Expansionary Defense Fleet Headquarters
"Then we're in agreement on all major points?" Ja'fosk wearily concluded the talks. After twenty-four hours of intense negotiations, with a fleeting eight-hour intermission for everyone to reassess their position and rest, every party was all but ready to conclude the session. In the end, though, convincing the Chiss government to rescind their tight hold over the varied lesser governments', giving back their self-rule and autonomy, and allowing the dozens of species full rights and responsibilities in the Ascendancy, was an offer too good for everyone to pass up.
That is, provided the Chiss Ascendancy upheld their end of the arrangement. A near-impossible battle to triumph over, but with the stakes so high, victory was essential for everyone still fighting the Sith.
"If you convince the Syndicature and Parliament to ratify your arrangement with us, then we will do all you have asked of our worlds and peoples." The Nikardun reformer consented. "But since you confided in us about your government's short timeframe, I would suggest moving quickly in legalizing this deal."
"Good luck." The Nikardun woman nodded before the holograms blinked out in rapid succession, leaving Ja'fosk and Saganu to collect their thoughts.
"Well, that went better than I thought." Saganu wearily believed. "I never would have imagined the representatives would agree so quickly like that, even if we have yet to confirm the deal. They must be desperate to get their people their autonomy back and etch out a fair share of concessions from us before they commit to anything."
"Then it's fortunate we beat them to the punch on all major points. Now the true hard part begins." Ja'fosk gravely added. "I suggest you let me handle the negotiations with our Legislative branch. I have a few favors and tactics to call on for this type of occasion."
"Blackmail?" Saganu warily guessed.
"It's far more complex than that." Ja'fosk simply confirmed, the grim inflection of his voice sending tremors up Saganu's spine. "Suffice it to say I have a few friends that share our friends' sympathies but are far more circumspect in channeling them."
No matter how the next few days went down, the Chiss Ascendancy as Saganu knew it would cease to exist. He only hoped whatever would rise from its ashes would be a worthy successor to its legacy.
1200 Hours, Selona 24th, 59 ABY
Hyperspace, On Route to Rakatak Archipelago
Aboard the Bestoon Legacy
"I've reviewed the final testimony you sent me. A rather fascinating piece, Lord Invidious. Assuming all Professor Hextrophon spoke of was true." Ochi neutrally said, using all his training to keep his stoic expression under firm control while conversing with the Arkanian Sith in the sealed cockpit. "I never would have guessed so many goddesses from countless cultures, including my own, were all references to Abeloth, nor of her full origins and her esoteric kin."
Having read the New Republic historian's book and all Invidious's annotations, the knowledge hidden away behind Arhul's esoteric rambling was a priceless warning of the ancient wars, and a possible warning of what might one day return. "But I need to know something."
"Ask away." Invidious obliged.
"Why would you trust me with this knowledge, after I betrayed your trust by reporting to Lord Krayt on your discrepancies? What's your endgame with the Jedi?" Ochi began. "You want them alive and intact, that much is certain, since only the forces of Light and Dark can destroy Abeloth and those like her for good, and the Jedi are the best Light Siders out there. But most Sith don't share your enlightened views, and I doubt even Lord Krayt would agree with your unique assessment."
"Yes, all that and more is true." Invidious agreed. "But like Lord Krayt, I have seen glimpses of the future, and the visions I have seen have shown me what could likely be the only path to obliterating Abeloth and the rest of her twisted fellows."
"I have seen a Jedi, born of darkness, but seeking the light, uniting the galaxy against Abeloth and many other soulless evils." Invidious began. "This being will be the key to our survival, and they must be ready for the coming apocalypse to lead us."
"Who is this Jedi?" Ochi inquisitively asked, somehow feeling he knew who Invidious spoke of.
"You've met him before, assassin." Invidious enigmatically answered. "You will find the answer when the time is right. For now, I suggest you would rather focus your efforts on convincing Lord Krayt on not using the untested bioweapons against Zonama Sekot. That will be a far more daunting challenge for you."
'No need to remind me of that unfortunate task.' Ochi quietly griped, wondering just how he would persuade the Dread Lord to avoid that waiting disaster.
1600 Hours
Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple
Aboard the Rude Awakening
With every member of the Reek-class Assault Pinnace's crew hard at work, repairing and upgrading the Rude Awakening's systems to Master Tyria Sarkin-Tainer's specifications, no one would be prepared for the ship's countless surprises once it entered combat again. Having installed a prototype crystal cloaking device, numerous miniature defensive systems, upgrading its stores of weapons and food, and a data library, the last nine days had been a productive bunch for the diminished team, getting it ready for all sorts of front-line and covert work. And according to Alliance leadership, there were still a few more surprises in store for the ship's complement in the form of new teammates.
Atai, taking a momentary break by a viewport to munch on a protein bar, noticed a familiar woman approaching the ship, accompanied by her three droids and her Mandalorian bodyguard, both carrying a duffle bag loaded to the brim. Hurrying to finish his snack, the Zygerrian ambassador found Tyria and Akku, alerting them, "Were either of you expecting a visit from Ms. Aphra and her friends, because they're showing up right at our front door?"
Eyeing his timepiece, Akku noted, "Yes, but they're early."
Hearing the group walk up the boarding ramp, or in Prowl's case, fly up, Tyria greeted Chelli, Jaing, and the three droids, "I hope you're here to help finish bringing your new home up to specs. Otherwise, you can come back later. We don't need any freeloaders right now."
"Relax, Jedi." Jaing calmly interjected. "We'll pull our weight after we get our stuff settled in."
"What are you doing here?" Atai suspiciously asked. "Don't you have your own ship to use?"
"The Ark Angel is being used by the Jedi for all its intel, and then for making a few… classified cargo runs." Chelli explained. "And my father will be joining us once he's discharged."
"That wasn't in the orders from the Council." Tyria dubiously noted.
"It was a last-minute addition." Chelli calmly shrugged. "Tau and I pulled a few strings to get him aboard, since my dad's an expert in Jedi-Sith history and pre-Republic Force orders. And since we're about to fight the Rakata and all the Sith's other proxies, we'll need every expert we can get in that regard."
Beating the Jedi to the question, Jaing elaborated, "Thanks to Tau, Phasma, and Bardan, Doctor Aphra was able to retain most of his memories from his time in Krayt's service and will be ready for duty by the end of next week. He'll be crucial to getting inside the enemy's head after he finishes recovering. And he'll need your expertise in staying sane and recovering from his brainwashing."
"Besides, after all Krayt and his lackeys did to him and my mother, he'll be itching for some payback, and I'm not going to stop him from getting justice on everyone who used him." Chelli darkly added.
Weighing the options in her mind, Tyria warned the young Aphra, "Get me official approval from the Council on your father's condition once he is cleared for duty, and I'll let him come along with us."
Her shoulders relaxing after hearing Tyria's consent, Chelli earnestly vowed, "I swear, none of you will regret this."
1300 Hours, Selona 25th, 59 ABY
Chiss Space, Copero System
Aboard the Dogma
Debarking onto the Chiss Star Destroyer after an agonizingly long inspection, Wedge glanced to his wife for strength, who returned the gesture with a kind and firm smile. But even knowing Iella was with him in this difficult endeavor, it was not enough to settle his anxious nerves in meeting with his brother-in-law and sister after decades of separation.
Remembering why the two Antilles were here, to seek assistance in gaining new allies in countering the Sith's insurgency tactics under a fallen Elscol Loro, it kept Wedge grounded in the present as they were relieved of their weapons. Then escorted off their Chiss-manned shuttle, the two Corellians were greeted by the ship's captain, Wynssa Fel, the same Expansionary Defense Force commodore who first greeted them when they arrived in the Ascendancy.
Still carrying herself with a crisp professionalism and cool demeanor, Wynssa calmly greeted the Rogues Gallery officers, "We received your transmission, General Antilles, and Syndic Fel was most appreciative of your trust in him regarding Captain Persk's intelligence."
Eyes softening a minute degree, Wynssa added, "They're waiting for you in the command center. I'll escort you there myself."
"Thank you, Commodore." Wedge hoarsely nodded, following his niece with every heavy footstep. Even with his preoccupied mind, he noticed Iella taking note of the Dogma's inner workings, with him also comprehending how similar it was to the Imperial Star Destroyer, even in its narrow corridors and containing vastly different weapon arrays.
Iella, deciding to engage in small talk with the Antilles' escort to try and diffuse the tension, asked Wynsaa, "Will there be anyone else besides Syndic Fel and his confidantes?"
"A few others deemed crucial for today's proceedings." Wynssa simply answered. "I believe you already know several of them quite well."
Soon arriving to the command center, Wynssa warned her guests, "Be careful what you say next. Several of our guests aren't as understanding of your… flexible approach to warfare and leadership as others might be."
"We'll use discretion." Wedge softly agreed, clearing his throat before entering the bridge. But when he saw the assembled figures, several high-ranking Chiss among them if the white admiral uniforms were a clear sign, he was astonished to see his daughter and Voort among the guests, conversing with an aged human couple in a calm if awkward discussion. And if his eyes weren't deceiving him, he recognized the two Chiss dignitaries as Soontir and Syal Antilles Fel.
Whatever conversations were underway quickly died down once they saw the last of their guests arrive. Soontir, garbed in a Syndic's black uniform, excused himself to slowly walk towards his brother-in-law, with his silver-haired wife following and gently supporting him. After the two Fels arrived, the Syndic thanked Wynssa, "Good work, Commodore. I suggest you return to your original duties now."
Saluting her father, but sparing a glance towards her tearful mother, Wynssa silently complied, allowing Syal to speak next.
Looking at her brother, the thin smile on her face was happy and sad at the same time, one shared by the old general. "Hello, Wedge," she said. "It's good to see you again."
A second later, and the two siblings were in each other's arms, silently crying at their first reunion in decades.
It had been nearly a lifetime since they had seen each other. Their lives had ruptured when they were children and indirectly affected a handful of times during the First Galactic Civil War. Iella knew her husband had given up on seeing his sister many decades ago. For her sister-in-law, the experience had probably been even more jarring. Wedge and Syal didn't even try to speak. Both Iella and Myri knew no words could do the feelings justice, and mother and daughter only wished the last member of the Antilles family, Syal Antilles, could be there to share in this touching reunion.
Separating after what felt like an eternity, Syal wiped the shed tears from her eyes before apologizing, "Sorry for holding the proceedings up."
"I think everyone here understands your sentiments, Madame Fel." A Chiss woman garbed in a white uniform of an admiral, before introducing herself, "Admiral Krets'shawnkyr'nuruodo of the Expansionary Defense Force. It's been a long time, General Antilles. Director Antilles."
"You have us at a disadvantage, Admiral." Iella politely began.
Eyes twinkling in amusement, Soontir explained, "You've worked with Krets'shawnkyr'nuruodo before, under my son at Borelias when you led the world's defense from the Yuuzhan Vong. Of course, you referred to her by her core name of 'Shawnkyr', and rarely saw her afterwards."
Memories coming back, Wedge at least had the grace to appear embarrassed, "My apologies, Admiral. It seems you've done well for yourself since those dark years."
"And you as well, it appears." Shawnkyr agreed. "But we can reminisce over the past later. We have more important matters to discuss right now."
"Yes. The matter of Darth Irola and her coming campaign." Soontir hobbled over to his seat, with the Antilles working their way over to their own beside Voort and Myri. "Captain saBinring and his unofficial team were here on my request, to see how we can best utilize our unique assets to counter Irola's offensive."
"We'll need more than that, I fear." Wedge grimly recalled. "Elscol was always an eccentric leader, but inspirational and brutal as well. And if her lieutenants have joined the Sith's cause then that's even more danger for us. If we're going to stand a chance against them all, then we're going to need to think just as unconventionally as Irola."
Turning to face the Chiss, he added, "And we're going to need to rely on allies and assets most of your people would find undesirable, especially the privateers and smugglers that make up much of the Alliance of Light and Rogues' Gallery's ranks."
"I know who you speak of, and so long as they conduct themselves accordingly, I foresee little to no problems in my fleet working with such mavericks." Shawnkyr conceded. "And I am certain many of my fellow Admirals and allies in the Syndicature will feel the same way once they grasp the severity of the danger we're all in."
"Then we ought to skip the preliminary discussion and prepare our case on convincing the rest of the Syndicature to formally adopt such measures." Soontir resolved. "That is the main reason I brought you all together, for without the Ascendancy's full support, any campaign of resistance we attempt will be halfhearted at best."
"Once the rest of the Syndicature acquits Vurawn and all his allies, they'll reconvene to decide the course of the war. We need to persuade who we can before the deliberations begin." Eyeing Myri and Voort, Soontir nodded, "That is where you and your unconventional talents will be required."
"You want us to blackmail your peers." Wedge was sure he understood the maneuver correctly, astonished his hearing was not shot.
"Not quite." Soontir firmly denied. "They'll be crucial in shifting the votes, but not through illegal means. We're going to coordinate alongside a few likeminded commanders and leaders in their efforts of enlightening everyone against the danger we're all in against the One Sith and their many auxiliaries."
1600 Hours
Tulpaa System
Aboard the Star Fortress Adas
Eyes barely able to see the dozen cyberneticists in the Iskalloni and 11-4D preparing their equipment to operate on the Sith regent, Wyyrlok knew this was his last chance to settle his affairs with his daughter. Feeling nothing but pride for Sorzus in all she had accomplished for the Grand Design, and the trust Lord Krayt had by giving her authority over Edaan, he knew she would eclipse everyone in their legacy to the One Sith.
But first, Sorzus had to know just how proud her father was of her. Reaching out to her through their old Force bond, Wyyrlok tiredly called out, 'Hello, Sorzus.'
Sensing her surprise, Wyyrlok elaborated, 'The doctors are about to sedate me for my enhancements, but I wanted to speak with you one last time before everything changes for me.'
'Father. This isn't like you.' Sorzus confusedly noted, a rush of concern lacing her tone. 'Have you had a premonition?'
'No.' Wyyrlok calmly answered. 'I have just had plenty of time to reflect on the state of things, and my place in the coming new order. No matter what our master might demand of me, where the Grand Design might take me, it will never be greater than what you will accomplish.'
'My time as a leading Sith is soon ending. I lost my place in the One Sith when my vertebrae nerves were severed by Tau Palpatine. But you, you have a far greater destiny in store for you beyond this war. And I will be honored to assist you as best I can in succeeding me when the time comes.'
Feeling Sorzus's disbelief and fear, Wyyrlok, noticing 11-4D and Wantos placing the respiratory mask on his face, and preparing to dispense the anesthetic, warmly consoled her, 'Take heart, and trust yourself, Lady Sorzus. The time will come when you need to a pillar of strength for Lord Krayt. But before that moment comes, I will finish preparing you for that responsibility, and all else you will need to attend to when the One Sith finally rule the galaxy.'
1930 Hours
Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple
Main Meditation Gardens
Interrupting both Tau and Adari's concentration, the two Force Users were exasperated at the untimely disturbance. Having asked to not be disturbed, about to begin their first practice attempt at mentally chipping away at the artificial barriers shielding their patient's mind, both Palpatines repressed the urge to strangle whoever was rude enough to disrupt their efforts by intruding upon the occupied grove.
Having consulted with dozens of representatives from six different Force schools over the last six days, outside of their other responsibilities, both Tau and Adari knew their mission would be a daunting battle. From learning the basics of the Theran Listeners mind-altering techniques, practicing the intricacies of Force Stealth from the Disciples of Twilight, Jensaarai, and Blackguard, and learning of mending a broken mind from the Dagoyan Masters, Tau and Adari were prepared to continue their studies under the supervision of Luke Skywalker, knowing their work would soon be put to the test on their target.
Though both Palpatines knew time was crucial in rescuing Edaan from the Sith's dominion, they also understood how they could not rush into any desperate measures, needing to master their talents before employing them in such a risky endeavor. Unfortunately, although both individuals were making astonishing progress, their efforts still had much to improve upon. And it didn't help how they were in the heart of the Temple's meditation gardens, a bustling grove of activity.
But this visitor, it was not someone anyone expected, nor could they sense in the Force. Turning towards Vua, Adari sternly addressed him, "This better be good."
"It's Jaden." Vua said without preamble. "He's doesn't have much time left, and he asked for all three of you before he passes on."
Mood shifting at the disclosure, all three friends hurried in helping Luke into his hoverchair and escorted him to the medical wards.
About twenty minutes later, the four made it to Jaden's cabin, with the Jedi Knight quietly conversing with the diminutive hologram of Khedryn Faal. And from what they could overhear, the discussion was a heartfelt and impactful one, long overdue between the two estranged friends.
Along with K'Kruhk and Tekli tending to Jaden, Kyle was sitting by his first pupil, listening intently with glistening tears as the conversation between the dying Jaden and Khedryn concluded. But not a moment later, a tremor in the Force could be felt emanating from the room, and everyone present could figure out what it meant.
Jaden Korr, a well-renowned Jedi Knight of a long and storied life, had at last succumbed to his injuries and died.
Moments after, when K'Kruhk was solemnly putting a bedsheet over the body's head, Jaden's corporeal form completely dissipated, a sign of his conscious mind becoming One with the Force.
Kyle, the most composed of them all, heartbrokenly acknowledged, "May you find the peace and certainty you always looked for in this plane of existence, Jaden Korr."
Glancing at the three guests by the entrance, Kyle acknowledged, "He knew you wouldn't make it in time, so he left messages for each of you." Pulling out a blue pyramidal holocron from his robes, he apologized to Tau and Adari, "He asked me to borrow this for you, as it also contained an encoded message for Edaan after you manage to rescue him."
Too forgone to ask any questions, Tau silently accepted the holocron back, excusing himself to process everything he just witnessed, with Adari right behind him.
Before they could leave, Khedryn tearfully called out, "Tau, Adari."
Turning to face the scavenger, Khedryn solemnly elaborated, "He believed in you both to the end. You'll get Edaan back and help us win this war."
Not finding the words for the sympathetic words, Adari graciously nodded before excusing herself. Tau, on the other hand, somehow felt a compulsion to stay, as if the Force or whatever higher power existed was calling to him. Asking Khedryn and Kyle, "What did Jaden say to you?"
Shaking his head, Kyle denied, "Everything he said for you and Adari is in the holocron. The rest is personal between us."
"But one word of advice, be there for Adari for now. She's going to need a good brother to help her through this terrible time, and to help get her husband back." Turning to Luke, the current Grand Master ordered him, "And as for you, return to your cabin for your daily evaluation. At your current rate of recovery, you might be ready to start your physical therapy by the end of the week."
0400 Hours, Selona 26th, 59 ABY
Perann Nebula, Nihil Retreat
Rhand, In the Capital City Ro
Rhandites' Grand Cathedral
"Roland has cracked from the Alliance of Light's pitiful interrogation." Kung'urama'nuruodo bluntly and solemnly began this impromptu meeting with his remaining pupils and their shared overlord, shocking all with the sudden disclosure. "I underestimated the Jedi and their friends' creativity and overestimated my fallen disciple's willpower and dedication to the Dark."
"This is a very disappointing development." Tor lamented, his voice and shadowy form all showcasing his displeasure for all to see and sense. "I would have thought our goddess would choose her priests and generals of better and sturdier stock."
"I have also received word from Malla. She has landed on Csilla and is preparing to eliminate her target." The Chiss Grand Sorcerer added, referring to his Shi'ido High Sorceress, a master infiltrator and assassin.
"No." Tor interjected. "Have her retreat from her current mission, and instead spy on the Ascendancy and their leadership. Roland's defection has changed everything, and we must alter our strategy right away."
"I will deal with your fallen brother before he delivers too much intelligence to the Alliance of Light. You will focus on accelerating the withdrawal of your people from the inevitable invasion." Tor firmly declared, surprising all before he menacingly adding, "And you will do what you can to ensure Malla and her efforts remain undiscovered, for the chaos and division she will help unleash will aid our queen in regaining her strength."
"It seems I will need to take a more active hand in all our affairs from here on out. We cannot afford any more blunders this close to the resurrection." Tor finished before his nebulous form vanished, leaving the anxious Rhandites to carry out the ancient Grysk Sage's orders.
Well, this chapter might have been shorter than I usually write, but it was a good interim chapter. Just one more to write, and then I can return to the story. And I got it done a day after my 28th birthday. Man, where does the time go in life? It's already been almost three years since I started the rewrite series, and I'm nowhere near done. I still have about half the story left, and then I have a brilliant crossover series to write that concludes the Star Wars EU in quite a dramatic fashion. And I hope you all enjoyed the allusions to Joe Bongiorno's Supernatural Encounters when Ochi and Invidious were in the story, as I plan to read through the annotated and expanded edition to help me come up with ideas for my next series. Anyway, how are you all doing on this warm night of Wednesday, March 1, 2023? I'm well, but a bit winded from work today. I had to lift a lot of heavy frames for work, and that was exhausting. But I have tomorrow off, and that'll let me rest a bit. Well, since I plan to publish the last two interim chapters together, I'd best get started on the final chapter soon. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
