Good evening, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm night of Wednesday, March 1, 2023? I'm well, if a bit tired from work and writing today. I finished the previous interlude chapter a little while ago and will post it along with this one once they've both been examined. I hope you're all ready for plenty of suspenseful and riveting content, because I don't plan to disappoint. Well, I'd best get started, as I'll have to charge my laptop soon, and then I'll need to go to bed. May the Lord be with us all in these Dark Times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
0600 Hours, Selona 26th, 59 ABY, Coruscant Standard Time
Rakatan Archipelago, Makatak System
Aboard the Retribution
"Are you all right, Lady Sorzus?" Edaan concernedly asked his handler. "I sense much confusion and anger emanating within you."
"I'm fine." Sorzus heatedly snapped while dismissing the cyborg's inquiries. "Just nerves from all that we have to do." A partial lie, for she genuinely was surprised at what Lord Krayt had ordered her and Edaan to do, probing the Ascendancy's political sphere to better undermine its already unstable foundations.
A difficult task, but essential if the Dread Lord and his allies hoped to conquer the Unknown Regions and reestablish Sith dominance. And with the Sith's spies and informants being killed or captured in rapid droves across Chiss space, Lord Krayt needed more of his acolytes to step up and help carry out all his plans, something Sorzus was more than willing to do.
However, the daunting task before the two Sith was not the only matter that troubled Sorzus. Recalling her last conversation with her father with vivid clarity, how Wyyrlok was all but surrendered his position in the One Sith to his daughter, she worried what it meant. She could only conclude that he had either given up all hope of redemption in Lord Krayt's eyes or received a vision of his coming demise and was preparing her for the responsibilities she would inevitably be burdened with.
Banishing her doubts from her mind, she would make sure to speak with Lord Wrrylok once again after his surgery was complete. Such emotions may not be favored in the Sith creed, a daughter had every right to be concerned for her father, and the One Sith sought to emulate the Jedi's most practical traits and teachings of unity and diversity.
Deciding to get the assignment over with, Sorzus ordered Edaan, "Come on. Ship doesn't have infinite patience, and we need to conclude our probe before the Chiss can make their decision on their rogues." Knowing this mission would sap away virtually all their strength, the two Sith would need plenty of reserves and a haven to quickly recover from their exhaustive efforts. And Ship, the sentient Sith meditation sphere that had long served as a teaching vessel and amplifier for the Dark Side adherents, was the perfect location and ally to utilize in this campaign of reconnaissance and sabotage.
1000 Hours
Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple
Aboard the Rude Awakening
Knocking on the door to the captain's cabin, Tau was surprised by how quickly Adari allowed him in. Even more surprising was how serene she appeared after witnessing Jaden's final moments of life.
After witnessing Jaden's death and reviewing the message he left for Tau on Edaan's holocron, the Iteration excused himself to meditate on the revelations he had learned. The prophetic visions, if they weren't naïve hopes of a dying friend, they troubled the clone beyond all other matters. Tau wanted nothing more than to save his brother and figure out his place in the galaxy, not play galactic savior and emulate his wayward progenitor.
Immeasurable ramifications and disturbing warnings aside, Tau was here on a mission, and he had to focus before time ran out for Edaan and all the original Palpatine's loved ones. Walking towards Adari, he carefully spoke, "You look… well."
Ruefully smiling, Adari guessed, "I take it you reviewed Jaden's last testimony for you last night. I had my own conversation with him after I left and retired last night."
Concerns falling to the wayside, Tau surmised, "You mean you spoke with his spirit?"
"Yes. And he had much to say to me about you and Edaan." Adari gently sighed. "Two legendary, brilliant, and powerful bloodlines, each key to the survival of all reality itself. They would lead the galaxy against the armies of darkness and chaos, and usher in the final age to the galaxy, an age of light and righteousness for all."
Eyeing Tau, Adari elaborated, "Jaden gave you the same message in the holocron, and it has you troubled, yes?"
"I never wanted to be a heroic savior. I just wanted to keep a promise to a friend and stop this madness." Tau caught himself, ruefully chuckling. "Man, for a second there, I sounded just like Edaan."
"Don't be embarrassed. It's heartwarming to know Edaan's legacy lives on his younger brother." Adari teased before getting serious, "We need to step up our efforts in saving my husband, and that means getting back in touch with Master Skywalker and our instructors before we begin our first insertion session on Edaan."
Surprised by Adari's energetic attitude, Tau cautiously pointed out, "It won't be easy. We still don't know exactly where Edaan is in the Unknown Regions, and our training isn't finished. If we're prematurely discovered, they'll figure out our plan and probably try to destroy his mind altogether."
"Your pessimism surprises me, Tau." Adari disappointingly scolded him. "I still have a bond with Edaan, even one broken by darkness, and I can use that to track him down. As for maintaining our covert status, that's what our teachers are for in helping us along."
Knowing how Adari was an unstoppable force of nature once she put her mind to something, Tau relented, "When do we start?"
"The sooner, the better." Adari fully rose from the bed, leading her brother-in-law along to the Jedi Temple's medical wards to try and speak with Luke.
1200 Hours
Olpaka System, Aboard the Sir Trilag
"The High Council has finally finished their deliberations." Cylo-V stoically informed Daala. Having witnessed her recuse herself after her impassionate plea at taking preemptive actions against the Sorcerers of Rhand and One Sith, the cloned cyborg wasn't surprised at how long it took the Olapkan leadership to decide on a course of action.
Behind closed doors, the varied species and heads of the Olapkan Hegemony had spent the last three days deciding on whether to trust their newest councilor's judgment on involving themselves in this latest Jedi-Sith war. Knowing from their deceased captives of the Rhandites joining up with Abeloth and her followers, and the One Sith planning to use Daala's own bioweapons on Zonama Sekot to corrupt the world and its population to their cause, it was two disasters in the making. Desperate actions had to be taken to stop this madness, even if unfavorable compromises had to be made for the galaxy's survival.
Even a logic-minded man like Cylo-V, who abhorred the Force and all it represented, could see that this war needed to be won quickly before it led to the end of all life. But even he was astonished at what was about to come out of his lips. "My people have been tasked with attacking the Nihil Retreat from the rear."
"As for you, High Admiral Natasi Daala, you get the distinct honor of hammering the One Sith and giving the Chiss and Jedi time to regroup." Cylo-V added, before eyeing Daala with both human and Rodian eye and warning, "But first, you need to get all our people back that are currently fighting for their lives in the Galactic Alliance's capital."
Seeing the brief elation in Daala's eyes at her pleas getting through, Cylo-V took great pleasure in deflating her hopes, "Be sure to understand this, Natasi. Once you recover everyone from Coruscant, you are not to engage the Sith directly, or go off on your own in a mad vendetta against the Jedi. Use whatever means you have to, but do not let this effort get traced back to us."
"I know what I need to do." Daala calmly reassured her compatriot. "I have three fleets of unaffiliated pirates and privateers ready to fight for us, and only about thirty individuals among them all know exactly who and what they are truly fighting for. And I have another two fleets and three battalions of Knights preparing to fight alongside me in this endeavor, all of them knowing the severity of the threat we face, and how there's no glory in this fight."
"And I have my contingency ready." Daala added, making Cylo-V nearly break his neck from the sharp turn. "Even if my body might die in this preliminary war, my mind will still be serving the cause deep inside the Olpakan network until the fight is won."
Appraising the long serving officer and onetime Chief of State, Cylo-V, in a rare display of respect, crisply saluted Daala before bidding her farewell, "Good luck out there, High Admiral Daala."
"Same to you, Doctor Cylo." Daala returned the gesture and solidarity.
1400 Hours
Csilla, Csaplar
House Palace
Amidst the soft clamor of the Chiss Ascendancy's fifty governors of the Chiss Cabinet's and the Expansionary Fleet's Defense Hierarchy, with the interventionists and isolationists of both bodies quietly finalizing their decision, Vurawn and his allies quietly lamented the leadership's disunity and sluggish behavior. With the Syndicature and Parliament unable to come to a consensus on rendering judgment on the proactive cabal for their failures regarding Copero and Sunrise, the task fell to their superiors, even if the Chiss clone knew how the move was clearly to wash themselves clean of any association from the military disasters. Such political maneuvering was commonplace for the Chiss leadership in times of peace, but critically detrimental when conducting a war.
With Vurawn and eight of his key confederates, Ba'Kif, Arazi'ar'alani, and the five Aristocras, having been subjected to many intense inquiries and hearings since their public denouncement of the Ascendancy's corruption and complicity in its current crisis, their society was teetering near collapse. Not even the looming threat of the One Sith and their growing forces was enough to fully unify the disparate factions of their government and people, even if many citizens were stepping up their efforts to protect their worlds and families from Sith reprisals.
But finally, after three days of the final round of discussions and cross-analysis, the governors and admirals had come to a decision. That is, until Supreme Admiral Ja'fosk and the disgraced aristocra Saganu had come before them and unveiled the deal they had negotiated with all their outlying territories. Such a unilateral decision, conducted without official authorization, was simply another example of how broken the Ascendancy's legislative and administrative systems had become. It forced the leadership to recuse themselves for another twelve hours before they reconvened yet again.
The lead governor, the representative of Copero, solemnly called five of their interrogates, "Step forward, Kivu'raw'nuru, Stybla'ba'kif, Ja'fosk, Sev'eere'nuruodo, and Arazi'ar'alani. We have reached a final consensus on all matters you have brought before us."
"By a near unanimous vote, and ratified by both the Cabinet and Defense Hierarchy, we have agreed to uphold and honor all your proposals, along with clearing you of all accusations by the Syndicature."
Turning to Arazi'ar'alani, the middle-aged woman stated, "We will commit the appropriate measures and resources to investigating each Ruling and Great Family, in light of the Xodlak Family and their grievous affronts on our principles and laws. You will oversee the efforts and ensuring that the Alliance of Light's own teams work to coordinate with ours."
"Supreme Admiral, we will reach out to all the ambassadors you negotiated your settlement with and ratify the agreement." The governor addressed Ja'fosk. "Also, provided Saganu's continued loyalty and resourcefulness, he will be strongly considered for reinstatement as aristocra of his house after the war concludes."
Addressing Sev'eere'nuruodo, the younger Chiss told the aristocra, "As you have been a key liaison with all our outsider allies, perhaps it is time to give you the responsibility and title you deserve. You are hereby instated as our primary ambassador with the Alliance of Light and all their like-minded powers."
Finally turning to Vurawn, she sternly told him, "You, Kivu'raw'nuru, were the most difficult one to negotiate a settlement between us all. However, thanks to Syndic Soontir Fel and his careful diplomacy, your measures were able to persuade most of the isolationists in the Syndicature and Parliament to continue this war, and we will ensure the Ascendancy fully follows your lead in this battle. It helped how he informed us of crucial parts of the enemy's strategy, and how we will need a mind as creative as yours to help survive the coming months."
Eyeing the humbled supreme commander of the Empire of the Hand, the Copero governor warned, "But take care to avoid making any more mistakes going forward. I doubt the Ascendancy can handle any further disasters like those of Copero and Sunrise."
Bowing his head in utmost respect, Vurwan thanked the august body, "I promise you all, I will not let this opportunity go to waste. There is a plan I have in the making that can turn the tide of this war, but it will not fail. My compatriots and I will all see to that."
"More than that, I dare not say right now to protect the secrecy of this operation."
Eyeing the Chiss maverick, every Chiss vowed to help Vurawn in any capacity, and learn what they could of this plan to ensure it ensured the Ascendancy's survival.
0600 Hours, Selona 27th, 59 ABY
Rakatan Archiplegao, Makatak System
Aboard the Retribution, Within Ship
Something felt different inside Edaan as he rose from his meditations. Or rather, it wasn't different, but somehow familiar to the Sith general. Having spent the last twenty-four hours meditating with Sorzus, searching the Chiss Ascendancy's pillars of strength for any missed cracks in its shield, he was astonished by the resolute determination emanating from virtually all the Syndics and their leaders and allies by the end of their summit. From all he had gleaned from the pathetic power mongers and their cronies, he thought they would cower when learning of the overwhelming might about to bear down on them.
Instead, what Edaan witnessed was nothing short of a miracle for the enemy. Seeing the Jedi, the Aquilians, and their allies appeal to the Syndicature before they made their final decision, he believed they would fail in their desperate plea. But the representatives, Khedryn Faal, Jan Ors, Wedge Antilles, and Tau Palpatine, all avowed enemies of the One Sith, helped convince them otherwise by revealing how the Alliance of Light was recruiting dozens of fringe Force organizations and smaller armies to join the fight. This, coupled by whatever backhanded deals were made by the inept powers, must have convinced enough stubborn Syndics to continue this futile fight.
Such a move should have enraged the Sith Trooper. And yet, something about the rallying cry by the Jedi-friendly leaders sparked an unfamiliar emotion in the cyborg, a nostalgia he had never realized existed within him. Edaan, wondering what it was, nearly forgot about Sorzus until he heard her cough, coming out of her own trance. Rushing to her side, all curiosity immediately banished from his mind, he gingerly grasped her from her back and laid her down, ready to call a doctor to tend to his supervisor before he received other instructions.
Opening her bloodshot orange-yellow eyes, Sorzus quickly accepted a canteen of water from that Edaan levitated towards her. Desperately guzzling down the precious liquid like her life depended on it, she drank her fill until she nearly emptied the entire gallon, gasping for breath before she wobbly rose back onto her feet.
"Do you need medical attention, my Lady?" Edaan reverently asked, hoping neither Sorzus nor Ship detected his moment of weakness.
Struggling to work her lips for a moment, Sorzus rasped out, "I'm fine." Regaining full control of her voice, she added, "A little stiff from all the sitting, but I'm going to be good as new after we report to Lord Krayt on the situation, and then I get a hot meal and a warm bed to sleep in."
"Very well. But I must insist you allow me to escort you to your chambers. I will handle the debriefing with Lord Krayt." Edaan allowed.
"Are you sure?" Sorzus disappointingly asked, an ache shining through her eyes, one Edaan somehow knew from somewhere. "We should both-"
"No." Tau firmly intervened. "Your health must come first, and my orders are to ensure you are healthy and prepared to continue this work. We cannot afford to have you drained of strength when we next engage the Jedi."
Showing genuine admiration, and something else that made Edaan's armored skin crawl, show through her face, Sorzus slowly agreed, "Very well. If that is what my knight in shining armor wishes."
Edaan knew he should not care about this, but something about this woman set him on edge and made him want to flee from her, if not attack her outright. But he knew he could not let anyone know of this weakness, or he would be punished accordingly. He would just have to work through this issue on his own and hope for the best, all while figuring out how the Chiss were able to unite so swiftly after its classic divisions and political intrigue. Everything the One Sith were fighting for could be decided on how his investigations turned out.
1800 Hours
Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple
Operations Planning Center
Amidst the bustle of activity, with dozens of holoprojectors and tactical feeds operating across the chambers, the Jedi Council and collective representatives of the Alliance of Light were finalizing their preparations for the campaign in the Unknown Regions. After the disaster of Korriban, spending the previous thirteen days tending to their wounded and regrouping for the next phase of this war, the assembled leadership had convened one last time before everyone set out.
Although the Jedi had recruited many new allies to their cause, and their recruits starting to pour in from all four corners of the galaxy, the true test of this coalition would soon begin. Getting the rival armies and Force orders within their alliance would be crucial in deciding if the forces of good triumphed against the Sith. And with the rising tensions on the capital worlds of the Galactic Alliance and Chiss Ascendancy, infighting and third-party interference now would only destroy the galaxy's best and last chance of freedom.
"Have you made no progress on your front, Chief of State Yimmon?" Kyle inquired.
"We've made some." Kajin carefully corrected the human Jedi. "We've had many informants and bounty hunters have helped us capture dozens of Rodan's collaborators and agents that Daala's embedded in our ranks, and we're mapping out their network of hideouts across the planet. We'll find them soon enough. And the transfer of our prisoners will be ready to go underway within the next two weeks. We finally found three worlds willing to house each of the conspirators."
"And our forces are ready to deploy. I have the Fifth Fleet and three battalions of Void Jumpers for the Chiss front." Kajin added, earning a low whistle from much of the Alliance leadership.
"Quite an impressive lineup." Din commended. "As for us Mandalorians, we've got about two hundred thousand of our best, and five fleets' worth of ships willing to work alongside you aruetii for the remainder of this war. We would've gotten more people involved, but our sector needs to start rebuilding and work quickly in mopping up the rest of Rhal's forces."
"What you have is most appreciated, but you'd all best prepare for your warrior's pride to be taken down a few pegs." Traest Kre'fey, a long serving admiral of the New Republic, Galactic Alliance, and Confederation, challengingly showcased his sharp teeth in a predator's smile. "My fellow Bothans and the rest of Commander Phennir's forces are ready to show up you mercenaries on how to properly conduct a war."
"Then when do we set out?" Azzim eagerly asked. "My fellow legitimate Hutts are eager to expand their business opportunities into uncharted territories and show one up on those Sith sleemos."
"By the end of tomorrow." Kyle answered for everyone before a priority transmission emerged, revealing the holographic forms of Vurawn, Wedge Antilles, and Jan Ors came into focus.
"Apologies for being late, but we three wanted to inform you of the ongoing stabilization for the Ascendancy's political emergency, and the beginnings of our plan for taking down the One Sith." Vurawn explained.
"Then your people's political situation is finally starting to calm down?" Allana guessed, acting as the Hapes Consortium's ambassador for all the Alliance proceedings, both out of duty to the free galaxy, and as punishment for her harebrained stunt with Adari over Korriban.
"We have made excellent progress in streamlining our anti-corruption efforts and refining our war strategy while rebuilding the public's trust in our institutions, Chume'da Allana." Vurawn calmly answered, taking the Hapan heiress's easygoing question in stride. "And Generals Antilles and Ors and I now have enough of our preparations in place to divulge to you all the beginnings of our ultimate plan to cripple the One Sith's naval strength."
"For security's sake, we can't afford to discuss it on this channel in case we're being monitored. But we'll send you our preliminary data after you all debark for Chiss Space through one of my secure networks." Jan elaborated, sharing a knowing glance with Kyle, her husband quietly amused by her usual secrecy. "But suffice it to say that, thanks to a recent string of lucky victories and good intelligence in our possession, we'll soon be able to go back on the offensive against the One Sith."
"It'll take all of us and perfect coordination to pull this gambit off, so we'll need every advantage and fighter we have." Wedge warned. "But if it works, it'll finally leave both the Rakatan Archipelago and Nihil Retreat vulnerable to full-scale invasions."
1100 Hours, Selona 28th, 59 ABY
Bastion, Imperial Capital
Royal Imperial Medical Center
"You set out tomorrow?" Jag quietly asked his wife. Having had his cast and most of his bandages removed, thanks in no small part to the Jedi's efforts to accelerate his healing, the Head of State yearned to accompany Jaina to the territory of his birth. Not only was she heading off to fight the Sith, a battle he longed for after all they did to him, but Chiss Space, the nation he grew up in and had been exiled from for over two decades, was in danger of utter collapse.
Unfortunately, the damage to Jag's nervous system was still too extensive for him to risk combat, and he was still needed on Bastion to help lead the Empire. Sure, the Imperial Mission and the remnants of Imperial High Command and the loyalists in the Council of Moffs were stepping up to the call of duty, this brief unity would eventually decay into rivalries and infighting when the Empire started regaining its footing. To prevent that would require a strong leader to take the reins, and the current Head of State was the only one who could accomplish just that.
"Yes, but not alone." Jaina began, gently caressing Jag's scarred face, forever marred by the lighting blasts streaked over his head. "I'm bringing along fifty of our Jedi, three fleet's worth of troops and ships, and fifteen convoys of relief supplies from the Mission."
Hesitating, Jaina added, "There's one more thing. A request Jayce asked of you." Taking a deep breath to prepare for the inevitable umbrage, she added, "He wants to come with me to the Ascendancy to help with the war effort."
"Why?" Jag carefully kept his voice calm to prevent any relapse of his recuperating injuries. "Do you agree with this idea?"
Sighing, Jaina explained, "He knows the risks, and is willing to follow all my orders to the letter. But he knows he can't stay here after the Empire consolidates itself under our rule. He wants to leave after the war's over, but he wants to have a clean conscience."
"As for me agreeing with the idea, the mother in me is terrified and would shoot that idea down. But the Jedi and leader in me remembers how we both used to get into galactic-size trouble when we were his age, but not nearly as mature as Jayce."
"Speak for yourself." Jag let out a small chuckle, wincing from the effort before considering, "It would be nice for Jayce to see the galaxy and meet his grandfather. Maybe my father can help our son find his place in the galaxy and find a middle ground."
Eyeing Jaina, Jag warned, "If he agrees to all your terms, then he can go. But I want to speak with him before you set off. I have a few specific instructions for him while he represents us and the Empire."
1300 Hours
Makatak System
Aboard the Bestoon Legacy
"You wished to meet with me, Dread Lord?" Ochi deferentially addressed his observant master. Upon seeing Krayt silently examine the many custom components and systems of his ship, he jokingly added, "I assume you're taking notes for a unique vessel of your own make. I'm sure Ship, as qualified as he is, has to be high on the most-wanted list of every government after all he's done for our cause, and that would impede most covert operations."
"You're deflecting, Ochi of Bestoon." Krayt bluntly cut right to the heart of the matter, directing his stare towards him. "What did you learn from speaking with Invidious after the Bastion assignment?"
"Let me warn you now, if you try to lie, I will know. And if I doubt your commitment to me or the Grand Design, then I will be forced to take decisive measures to protect my dream. So, I would advise you to be honest with me on all questions." Krayt ominously warned the Vahla assassin.
'So much for any stalling or deceptive tactics.' Ochi mentally cried. Taking a few breaths to steel himself for what he planned to say, hoping against all odds he did not err in his wording, he earnestly promised, "Master, on my life, I swear that Lord Invidious and I are both steadfast in our fidelity for your cause. It is merely some of your means to accomplish your goals that we question and wish to reform."
Eyeing the proxy with an unreadable gaze, Krayt bade the Vahla assassin to continue. Sighing, Ochi relented, "Invidious shared with me your plans for Zonama Sekot, and how you plan to forcibly draw the planet and its population into our cause."
"And you oppose such a measure?" Krayt softly questioned.
"Yes, but not in the way you might suspect." Ochi readied himself for whatever reprisals came next, and confessed, "He also disclosed to me all of Abeloth's origins in the last testimony of Arhul Hextrophon before his murder."
"I believe that, if we use those untested bioweapons on the living world and its denizens, it will only doom us all and endanger everything we have worked towards, never mind accelerating Abeloth's revival. She feeds off fear and chaos, and if we continue to strengthen her with this war, it will only undo all you seek to accomplish, for there are many who will willingly serve Abeloth if they know the truth of her connection to their goddesses, my own people included."
"And if the weapons fail in their objective, then it will only incite our targets to fight us, spelling our doom. Even our armadas and legions cannot stand against a world of Zonama Sekot's power."
Staring at Ochi, eyes widening a margin before recomposing himself, Krayt calmly asked, "Then let us say, for argument's sake, we alter our strategy and do not use the enhancements. How would you propose we achieve our goals without Zonama Sekot and a galaxy united against us?"
"I never said we would avoid the world. After all we have invested in tracking down the world, the power and limitless potential it contains, we need its strength to win this war and rebuild the galaxy. I simply believe there is a more poignant and better way to win the world over than with coercion."
"We need to convince Zonama Sekot and its population to join us of their own free will." Ochi answered. "They are undoubtedly not fully aware of the shifting tides of the galaxy, and the idiocies and hypocritical acts the Jedi committed since the planet's withdrawal back into the Chaos. We can use that to disillusion all the world's denizens and get them on our side without coercion."
"Then, after we refine the Force enhancements, we can consider applying them to our allies. Until that time, we should be focusing our efforts on keeping the Jedi and their friends on the defensive of this war and away from our hunting parties." Ochi concluded.
Closing his eyes, Krayt took an indefinite period before addressing Ochi, "And if your plan fails, Ochi? What then?"
"It will not." Ochi ardently denied. "Between all our allies, all your disciples, and all our advantages, we cannot lose. Too much is at stake for us not to succeed. But if we fail, if I fail, I will do whatever you ask of me, even forfeit my life if that is what you desire of me."
Raising an ignited lightsaber to Ochi's neck, Krayt held his gaze before coming to a decision. "Then rise, my prized assassin. You will soon have your wish."
"We have work to do before our order's endgame is set in motion." Pausing, Krayt ominously addressed Ochi one last time, "And you will tell me everything Invidious confided in you on the way here, including what you wish to withhold from me. I cannot afford to allow any loose ends or traitors in my ranks this far in my campaign."
1800 Hours
Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple
Main Hangar, Aboard the Millennium Falcon
"I can't believe they got our baby up and running again three months early!" Han joyously laughed while scouring through the rebuilt YT-1300 that served as his signature vessel for over six decades. Aside from several of its damaged internal components replaced with the most modern versions, its three droid brains serving as its computer reworked to the latest specs, and many of Han's custom specs refurbished, the Millennium Falcon was back and ready to fly and fight again.
"Guess it helps to have an army of professional mechanics and technicians you can trust, and a well-connected family." Leia playfully teased, burying her anxiety considering her husband's buoyant eagerness.
With the Alliance of Light fleets finalizing preparations to start their journey to the Unknown Regions, and the Jedi and its many allied Force orders serving as the vanguard to ensure the Sith hadn't left any surprises for the massive convoys, this good news was a relief amidst the trauma of the last two weeks.
While Luke was recovering well from his injuries, even able to start his physical therapy tomorrow morning, and Ben was faring well after reuniting with his first love, the rest of the growing Skywalker-Solo-Fel clan was experiencing great pains of their own.
Although Jagged Fel had survived the Sith's assassins, and the Empire was quickly rallying against this brazen attack, he still had a long way to go before he was healed of his grievous injuries. And with Jaina preparing to depart with the Imperial fleet and assist the war effort from the front lines, there was no telling when their family would reunite again. But while all this troubled Leia, she genuinely believed the Fel family would emerge better and stronger from this war and work in rebuilding the galaxy from its many years of strife. She had to believe it because the alternatives were too ghastly to contemplate.
Banishing her fears to help her husband run a systems-check of the rebuilt Falcon, Leia knew better than to dwell on what could happen in any war and focus on what must be done to triumph against the Alliance's many enemies. The time for contemplation would arrive soon enough. But for now, the two Solos had to ensure the Falcon made it in time to the departing Alliance flotilla. With their fleets leaving in just under eight hours, nothing had to go wrong over the next few days.
0500 Hours, Selona 29th, 59 ABY
Deep Within the Unknown Regions
Remnicore System, Exegol
Dark Citadel, Ancient Sanctum
Walking through the sanctum's renovated and expanded lab, Tor Valum rejoiced at seeing his mistress start reconstituting herself once again. Several tentacles took shape, but this time they became fully solid and did not dissipate, the Grysk sage knew the time was almost ready for Abeloth to be fully revived. With the incredible influx of dark energies pouring into Exegol from all the galaxy's corners, all Abeloth needed now to fully return to this plane of existence was a viable body to serve as her ultimate vessel.
And Abeloth's legions were beginning to take shape, with Tor's experiments on the Jedi and Chiss prisoners bearing much fruit. Implanting them all with lightsaber crystals, tainted with the same power that the Bringer of Chaos utilized, they would soon be the first of countless thralls for her to command. Already, the patients were slowly falling under her influence, losing their individuality, and becoming the most powerful instruments of her growing armies. And unlike her more deceptive servants of old, they would be totally obedient to her and incapable of betrayal.
Speaking of great servants, Tor could not help but marvel at the descent of Edaan Palpatine and how far he fell into the darkness. Serving the dimwitted One Sith, even coerced like he was, it unleashed all the rage and hatred the fallen Jedi Knight had kept bottled up inside him throughout the last fifteen years. Combined with his great command of the Light Side of the Force, his brilliant mind, and intuitive grasp of how the galaxy's political, military, and economic structures worked, it made the poster boy of both Force orders the perfect choice for serving as the greatest and most powerful vessel for Abeloth.
That is, once this war drew out long enough to fully reenergize Abeloth, and the rest of her servants in the Rhandites were able to complete the exodus. And before they could do that, he needed to tie up one final loose end that currently resided in the Chiss Ascendancy's capital world.
It was time for Tor to personally make an appearance in the Chiss's center of government and eliminate the traitor in the Sorcerers of Rhand. Although the dangers were great with his impending return, it would be good for him to see the galaxy again after so many millennia in isolation. The resulting chaos from his attack would do well to feed his mistress and serve as the perfect prelude for the coming cosmic war.
The Jedi, Sith, and all their flunkies had no idea of the dangers they were about to face head-on from him and his goddess, and it would be a perfect way to show the galaxy its time as rulers was almost over.
Well, I'd say this is a good way to end the final interim chapter. What did you all think? Did I make it good enough to enjoy, and sufficiently set up Part 2 of this story? I hope you all enjoy and have plenty of constructive critiques to give. But I need to let you know that I don't think I'll be publishing any chapters after this one for a bit. I need to take a bit of time off, to fully outline the rest of the story. And I need to get a lot of reading done for some of my non-Star Wars books. I need to get some real-world books done, as I have dozens to read, but I can't buy any more unless I get through a bunch of them. Well, I hope you're all having a blessed day on Sunday, March 5, 2023. I'm well, as I went to church, read a bit of Star Wars: The New Jedi Order: The Unifying Force, and did some yardwork. I guess that's all to say tonight. Have a blessed night, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
