Hey, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm evening of Monday, May 8, 2023? I'm all right, if rather peeved with my internship, which hasn't started yet due to lack of coordination from the library's part. Which means I'll have to work at the bookstore a while longer. It's not bad, but I was hoping the library would be more professional and prepared than this. And, in other news, I'm almost 800 pages done with Brandon Sanderson's Words of Radiance. It's a great read, and I look forward to going through more of his works as time passes. But I also hope to read some other great works as time passes and going back to older ones in Star Wars Legends. So, I hope you all have enjoyed the last four chapters I've posted of this story. I have three more interlude chapters to write after this one for the Zygerria flashback, and I'm sure you'll all enjoy them. If you have constructive feedback to give, I welcome it. But trolls will not be tolerated. Well, I'd best get back to writing. I need to rework this chapter a little, since I broke up the original Ch. 3 draft into two separate chapters, since it best works that way on account of the two different plots. May the Lord be with you all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

Kelona 33rd, 53 ABY

Deep Space, Gordian Reach Sector

Aboard the Liberty

"We owe you, all of you, a debt of gratitude for your heroic efforts in helping us escape our enemies' trap." Atai spoke to the Jedi and their Mandalorian allies on behalf of the sixteen remaining resistance leaders, who gratefully voiced similar sentiments. "Without your well-timed feint and your unconventional backup, we might never have made it out of that disaster."

After taking the last three days to ensure the Sith could not follow them after their retreat, the beleaguered allies realized it was only a matter of time before this brief reprieve ended. But being the resourceful leader he was, Atai knew this was the best and likely last chance for the resistance networks to unite against their common enemies. And he was not going to waste this opportunity.

Edaan, observing his friend and direct superior muster his courage, deftly maneuvered himself out of the way so Atai could persuade everyone of what must be done to win this war. Once the older man made sure everyone quieted down, he began, "I know these last few days have been hard on everyone, and we have suffered a great defeat from the capture of our friends from Orvax IV, Resh 9376, and Sump. But we cannot afford to ignore the message our enemies have presented us."

"In their fear of all of us and what we may yet become, the Sith and their forces tried to capture and eradicate us all, making it known that they dread our growing strength and shared purpose and would do virtually anything to prevent that outcome. They know that they can defeat us individually, so they sought to keep us scattered and divided through betrayal of one of your own. But through this last battle, for all our losses, it only demonstrates what we can do if we pool our people and talents together."

"You can skip the remainder of your plea for unity, Atai." The Mytaranor rebel leader politely interrupted. "We all see what you're trying to convince us of, and it isn't necessary. We've already agreed to a coalition of all our forces, provided it is under your direct leadership, of course."

Sputtering out a series of incoherent words, much to everyone's amusement, Atai eventually found his voice again, and after clearing his throat, asked, "Gratefulness of you all coming together aside, why choose me to command this alliance?"

"Were you not the driving force behind the summit? And did you not coordinate our retreat and sacrifice many of your own people to save us? You have been the greatest fighter among us with the strength, drive, and vision necessary to free your people from the thrall of slavery, and whether we knew it or not, we've all just been following your lead."

"You can do this, Sir." Edaan confidently assured Atai. "Everyone here trusts you to do what's right for everyone fighting for this righteous cause, and you'll have the backing of the Jedi Order and our many friends if you need us. I think it's time for a resurrection of the Outer Rim Alliance of old."

"Haven't heard that organization's name in a while." Akku wistfully noted. Recalling how the New Republic, under Borsk Fey'lya's corrupt leadership, abandoned much of the Outer Rim to the Yuuzhan Vong in its early stages, many of its worlds united with disaffected portions of the galactic government's military to fight the extragalactic invaders.

Despite eventually falling to the enemy's overwhelming and fanatical might, the young federation inflicted heavy casualties on their foes and bought many worlds time to evacuate their populations to spare them annihilation. And disobeying Luke Skywalker and the New Republic's originally cautious and defensive approach to fighting the invaders, several more militant Jedi and other likeminded rogues assisted the Outer Rim Alliance in a variety of ways until its inevitable fall.

"A rather simple designation for us." Atai noted to his Jedi crewmembers, before approvingly smirking, "Simple, but effective and poetic."

"Now that we all agree on forging a new identity for ourselves, I suggest we take the initiative and regroup before our shared adversaries manage to track us down and finish us off." The Kintan Freedmen's leader advised everyone. "We may have dispatched the traitor in our ranks, but there is no telling what she divulged to the Sith along the way."

"One step at a time." Atai assuaged his concerns. "For now, we all need to inform our followers of our united front and reorganize our command structures, including those that are now compromised. Unless we act in a coordinated manner, we may lose many of our people to infighting or mismanagement. And we must reach out to all our compromised assets and assist them in going underground."

"My people can help with that, with your leave." Akku offered, getting curious stares from many of the rebel leaders before simply elaborating, "We're a well-balanced mercenary company."

"Akky's company isn't your typical batch of Mandalorians. And most of their society isn't as amoral, glory-hungry, or mere hired guns as the propagandists and their enemies portray them as, Fett's example notwithstanding." Edaan elaborated.

Eyeing the Anzati and his unlikely advocate, Atai instinctively knew this highly experienced mercenary, whatever price the Jedi paid for him, would be well worth it. Deciding to trust his gut, he allowed, "Very well. A few members of your company, six Jedi, and three teams of our agents should be more than adequate for this covert task."

"And while your people carry out this mission, we'll see how 'well-balanced' your company truly is by helping train our recruits, and by me and a few others get to know you Mandalorians a fair bit better." Atai warned his new ally.

"And while you do that, we'll all run a few ideas by you and your peers to see if we can give your movement a good bit of adrenaline." Edaan piped up, confusing Atai and making him wonder just what other surprises the human and his fellow Jedi had in mind for this campaign.

Selona 13th, 53 ABY

Zygerria, Western Plains

Aboard the Liberty

Atai could not believe he was about to do this. Ever since his disgraceful exit from the royal court of Zygerria and the murder of his entire family, just for proposing to gradually abolish slavery from the planet, he had dedicated himself to the overthrowing of that demented kingdom. Finding likeminded souls across the planet and reaching out to burgeoning cells that were cropping up across the galaxy, he poured all his energies into avenging his loved ones and redeeming his people for their millennia of complicity in a disgusting practice.

Even after he left his old and prestigious life behind, Atai knew that someday, he'd need to use his vast talents in diplomacy and leadership to see this task through. He just never expected to be making a public speech to the citizens of every world of the Outer Rim Alliance. After hearing the Jedi's plan to rally support for their fight, the young politician and insurgent leader thought they were completely insane.

But knowing how the fate of twenty worlds and billions of souls hung in the balance, Atai realized how all the pro-liberty factions of those planets were short on options, and how a decisive act would be needed to get the galaxy and its major powers on its side. Whether or not this declaration would ensure the cause of freedom rang across the four corners of the galaxy or generate fear of a new galactic government coming to power from the final ashes of slavery, it was impossible to tell. Unfortunately for the former prime minister, right now it was the only option he and his subordinates had to rally support for their cause.

Hearing the timer go down to one minute, Atai glanced to the mirror one last time, ready to bear his heart out and paint a giant target on his back, along with everyone else that served with him in this battle. Having read over his speech, carefully drafting and evaluated it with his advisors before committing it to memory, he was prepared to address the galaxy and rouse them from their complacency or die trying throughout the next few hours when the Zygerrians tracked the sectorial address and sent everything they had after the Liberty.

Banishing his doubts and fears aside, knowing they would do him no good now, Atai took a few deep breaths and a deep drink of water before the timer reached ten seconds, and he steeled himself for his historic speech.

"Greetings, citizens of the galaxy. I am Atai Molec, former Prime Minster of Zygerria before being hunted like a rabid animal by the royal family and his followers for daring to oppose his violent expansion of slavery." Atai addressed the galaxy's inhabitants.

"For the last three years, my followers and I have been forced to endure De'Nal Scintel's brutal kidnapping campaign in the outer reaches of the galaxy, ignoring every form of humanity while most of the galaxy has looked the other way or was kept unaware while the rights and dignity of countless innocents were stripped away from millions of poor souls from all across the galaxy."

"Only a small number of brave individuals have had the foresight to see what my planet truly was and have taken a stand to protect the innocent from its unsympathetic wrath. These noble souls, regardless of their origins, have sown the first seeds of rebellion that will restore freedom to my wayward people."

"But it is not just my world that still suffers from the horrors of slavery." Atai paused, allowing the holograms of the fifteen planetary resistance leaders to appear. "Across worlds such as Thallassia, Orvax IV, Kintan, and Mytaranor, others have come to realize the stains on these worlds' honor and strength and wish to rectify this grievous blight on civilization."

"Those seeds of liberty first coalesced into what we considered to be a shadow alliance, a military confederation that has achieved many victories against the slaver societies, all for the belief of a just form of government that shall protect and serve the people, not subjugate them for personal gain, glory, and wealth."

"We, the members of this coalition, have struggled through these horrific three years to see justice restored to our corners of the galaxy. We have fought against the abuses and moral atrocities of our worlds. We have watched countless innocents lose their freedom subjugated, and we will help those people regain their rights and dignity. We have embraced a great and powerful ideal, and many of us will die for this just cause."

"What was taken away by coercion, trickery and violence will be reclaimed through the efforts of brave, honorable beings banded together in a common cause. We have begun what many claimed was impossible, and we will defeat this infernal industry."

"Acting upon our own moral conviction and the principles of equality and compassion that guided the Outer Rim Alliance of the Yuuzhan Vong War, we have proceeded to start accomplishing its lofty goals. In the name, and by the authority, of the free beings of the galaxy, each of the separate rebel groups has dealt many blows against these tyrants. It has revived hope for the victims of slavery, and in its place, we declare the birth of the Outer Rim Alliance."

"Let the stars sing and the many beings rejoice! The cause of freedom lives again in new champions. But it is not the Alliance of old, facing off against enemies it knew little about. It is against a bitter foe many of you know all too well, founded on the principles and laws of the original, but with the benefit of history to serve as advisor and mentor."

"We must not allow the mistakes of the past to corrupt the future. The new Outer Rim Alliance shall be dedicated to liberty, freedom and justice for all beings in the galaxy; sworn to be fair, virtuous, and honest; sworn to serve by and for all peoples of the galaxy."

"We shall not fall victim to the failings of our predecessor state, for it was through their independent nature that prevented the New Republic's sympathetic members from coming to their aid when the need was greatest. By all that we fought for, the terror of the past shall never rise again."

"The true work is just beginning. We must now free our worlds in deed as well as in name. From across the Outer Rim Territories to the Core Worlds, throughout the entire galaxy, we call upon all worlds to send representatives to help forge a new beginning for us. This is to be a union of all peoples."

"With these words, the rebirth of the Outer Rim Alliance is hereby declared! Built upon the foundation of the old and cemented with the promises of freedom, justice, and law for every being. We are all dedicated to the ideals of galactic prosperity in every sense- economic, cultural, and spiritual. Its member worlds must aid in the work to come and be dedicated and committed to persevere through the painful struggles that are sure to come."

"We, the denizens of the Galaxy, to form a new free union of planets, establish justice, provide for common peace and prosperity, and to secure liberty for all beings, do ordain and establish this grand alliance. Let the stars sing! Let the planets shout! Let the cause of freedom begin again across the forgotten corners of this galaxy!"

Wiping tears that were rushing down his face after the speech ended, Atai implored the galaxy, "Please. Don't let the flames of freedom and hope die in this generation. Or we will see all we love and cherish die a slow and numbing death, and that will be the end of us all."

The moment the transmission ended, alarms began blaring across the ship, and Atai knew it was time for the Liberty to make a hasty escape. Hopefully, though, the message got through to the right people, and this desperate measure didn't all he loved and was fighting for.

Selona 24th, 53 ABY

Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple

Operations Planning Center

"New reports are coming in from all over the Outer Rim Alliance." Kyle informed the Council. Keying in the holoprojector of the twenty-world confederation, the Grand Master continued, "According to all our assets in the field, the coalition is making excellent strides in building their ranks and starting to destabilize the slaver regimes' hold over each of their populaces. Aside from the occasional setbacks, everything is proceeding better than we had originally anticipated."

Having read through the reports beforehand, Kyle knew how well the Jedi-Alliance pact was working together in undermining their enemy's despicable practices, and how the Sith-backed governments were failing to quell the growing stirrings of dissent amongst their loyal subjects. And judging from the many HoloNet reports and discussions on the topic, the Outer Rim Alliance would soon meet its ultimate test.

After Atai gave his momentous speech, and the Jedi's agents helped ensure the message reached across the galaxy, public pressure began to build on eradicating the last vestiges of slavery that escaped the efforts of Freedom Flight and its many agents and allies. As expected, the rebirth of the Outer Rim Alliance had generated an uproar in every major galactic government, and the Jedi Council and its top diplomats were hard at work to ensure the new power had many allies in its quest of liberation.

Amongst each of the twenty worlds fighting against the strongest remaining bastions of slavery, the Jedi Order's rising stars were working overtime to help the new faction establish itself. From intelligence breakthroughs, liberation of hundreds of prisoners and slaves, the capture or assassination of several key enemy commanders, and rebuilding broken or compromised rebel networks, the Order's unofficial mission was paving the way for the Outer Rim Alliance to take up the mantle of leadership on each of their worlds after their victory.

After the rest of the Council examined the data, Octa Ramis satisfyingly noted, "Then it is only a matter of time until they succeed."

"It is too premature of us to claim victory just yet, Master Ramis." Saba Sebatyne, Barabel hunter and brilliant warrior for the Jedi, pointedly and wisely hissed. "This one knows the real battle is only just beginning. Remember, we need to draw out the true power behind slavery's resurgence, and once the Sith are revealed, that is where matters will get complicated."

"And as long as the Galactic Alliance's neutrality act in in effect, our friends in their ranks won't be able to make a move without censure or worse once the Sith are exposed as the backers of this practice." Kam Solusar ruefully noted.

Barratk'l, Yuuzem Jedi Master and the Order's lead figure in the anti-slavery cause, took her cue to speak, "Then it is fortunate we have many more allies than just Chief Yimmon and his sympathizers to work with. Many independent worlds and privateers we work with are not bound by those absurd laws and can act where the GA cannot. And our strong ties with the Empire, Hapans, and Confederation will more than make up for that small inconvenience."

"Right now, we ought to put our focus on preparing our friends and agents for the coming struggle, which means we'll need to establish new supply lines for their war efforts, and work to get the new faction a healthy dose of publicity for the propaganda front. Every bit we can spare to assist in overthrowing those despotic regimes is one step closer towards building a lasting peace for all."

"I take it you already have a few possibilities in mind?" Kyle knowingly smirked.

"I think the Freedom Flight would do well to establish ties with the nascent movement, and they can help generate plenty of good publicity with the new government while rebuilding its allies across the worlds of Thallassia, Orvax IV, Resh 9376, and Sump." The middle-aged giant of a Jedi Master suggested.

Selona 26th, 53 ABY

Zygerria

Capital City, Zygerrian Slavers Guild Headquarters

"This is unacceptable!" De'Nal ranted and raved to his prime minister. "There must be something we can do to stop this rebellion in its tracks before the rabble strikes again!"

Having to hear from the Sith and his top commanders on his subjects' public sentiment starting to turn against him was bad enough, but to have his efforts to curtail such despicable talk by the one official he trusted most was nothing short of high treason.

"My liege, this is a war." Anton Molec tried to reason with the king. "And our foe is a far more insidious one than you give them credit for. It is not simply armies and their leaders we fight, but the ideas and how they spread that do equally as much harm to us. Three of their leaders might be in the Sith's custody and are educating us on how widespread and virulent this vile movement is, but the true battles have only just begun."

"If we are to survive, let alone triumph against these many powerful foes, you will need to take counsel from our benefactors and your officers, all while carefully heeding their wisdom and experience with these matters."

Glaring at Anton, De'Nal slowly settled down before reluctantly acceding, "Perhaps. At the minimum, we'll need their help to break this ridiculous coalition before they can grow beyond our control. Which means we'll need more professionals that can contend with the Jedi and triumph against them."

"I will make the preparations for contacting the Dread Lord at once." Anton bowed, before humble pointing out, "But that still leaves the rebels and my brother unaccounted for. We will need a strong and intelligent mind to keep them at bay and predict their movements until we can shatter their resolve."

Knowing that gleam in Anton's eyes, the king sighed, "Who do you have in mind that might possibly accomplish this?"

"Despite Commander Invoa's failure to capture more of the enemy leadership, she displayed remarkable efficiency in locating their summit, and flexibility in the attack before the unforeseen difficulties she encountered. I believe she should be given a chance to redeem herself by leading our Inquisitorial Battalion."

"Bold words, Prime Minister." De'Nal remarked, before considering the matter. While it was true De'ralla failed in her primary objective, she showed incredible initiative and adaptability in her hunt for the traitors and had managed to keep the bulk of the enemy's seditious messages from reaching the populace's ears. And ruining or eliminating a talented commander would terribly damage morale for the entire army. Perhaps a second chance would be for the best for all relevant parties.

Nodding in concurrence, the king agreed, "And I find myself agreeing with them, old friend. Inform De'ralla of her coming transfer, and then contact our best client."

Hopefully, bringing more Sith into Zygerria and their other allied worlds would do far more good than harm in the long run, especially with all the attention the Jedi would soon bring onto them, and with all the kidnappings the king's raiders conducted for Darth Krayt and his scientists and to keep the planet's coffers flowing. What happened to those children was beneath De'Nal's notice, but if it brought harm to his people and allies, then it would be nothing short of a disaster for his rule.

Telona 3rd, 53 ABY

Hyperspace, On Route to Zygerria

Aboard Ship

Meditating aboard her most personal vessel and oldest friend, Darth Kitai reviewed the orders given to her by the Dread Lord himself. Having heard of the Jedi meddling in the slave trade across the Outer Rim, and their latest batch of allies gaining momentum on several key strongholds, the woman who once called herself Vestara Khai knew it was only a matter of time before the conflict escalated to this point.

With so many of the Jedi's best and brightest Apprentices and Knights aiding the Outer Rim Alliance in its crusade, it represented both a crucial opportunity and terrible danger for the One Sith. Since Kitai had invested much of her resources into the slave trade, no matter how much it made her queasy, it would be remiss to let all her efforts go to waste. If she hoped to take over Kesh and utilize it as a bastion for Darth Krayt's armies, she would need many allies and resources from all corners of the galaxy, no matter where they originated from.

Still, she couldn't help but reminisce back towards her teenage years, when she conversed with him on the issue of slavery, and how their powerful bond was shattered by betrayal and abandonment on her part not even a year later.

Quickly banishing her lingering regrets, Kitai stretched out her hand, calling her lightsaber to her hand before she quickly activated it, looking deep into the heart of the crimson blade as she recited the Sith Code.

"Nwûl tash.
Dzwol shâsotkun.
Shâsotjontû châtsatul nu tyûk.
Tyûkjontû châtsatul nu midwan.
Midwanjontû châtsatul nu asha.
Ashajontû kotswinot itsu nuyak.
Wonoksh Qyâsik nun."

She chanted the words in the ancient language of the Sith, though her native Keshiri accent likely caused her pronunciation to waver from the way most modern Sith would speak the original mantra of the first Sith Lords. Many of Darth Krayt's disciples had said as much when she swore her loyalty before them in what seemed a lifetime ago, a small mark of shame she wore as a badge of honor, if only to remember where she started out on her dark path and her promise to make her home planet a bastion of Sith culture and power.

"Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Through passion, I gain strength.
Through strength, I gain power.
Through power, I gain victory.
Through victory, my chains are broken.
The Force shall free me."

In Kitai's naïve adolescence, after Abeloth destroyed her family and her hormones temporarily led her into the arms of her people's sworn enemies, she knew how tenacious and powerful the Jedi were, even as idealistic and selfless they were. And, much as it angered the Sith Lady, they were worthy of the renown and fear the galaxy held towards their guardians. Even after being ostracized for their colossal failures over the years, they remained as persistent as ever, determined to redeem themselves and defeat all their foes.

Even if the Jedi weren't destined to lose this war and fade away into a footmark of history, Kitai respected her adversaries far more than most Sith. She especially respected her onetime flame for his good qualities, even if they were enemies.

But Ben was not the reason Kitai was traveling to Zygerria. No, the problems involved two of the Jedi Order's best apprentices and their new pact with the reborn Outer Rim Alliance. With Allana Djo Solo and Edaan Palpatine, two teenagers who interfered in the Sith's plans far too often, she needed to either capture or eliminate them so they could no longer pose a threat to the Grand Design.

Unfortunately, if she were to publicly work with the planet's monarch, it would be too much of a detriment to Lord Krayt's plans than a boon. For now, she would need a few intermediaries to present a veil of secrecy for her and her fellow Sith. It was time to give Mirta Gev and her retinue of Mandalorians another contract, and a way to expand upon the Neo Death Watch's wealth and increase their armies for their coming war against their own enemies.

Telona 15th, 53 ABY

Hutt Space

Cyax System, Napdu

Maya Armus Spa

"I bid you good day, Lord Azzim." Ben cordially bowed his head before the young Hutt Kajidic. "I am grateful for your support of the Jedi Order's efforts to finish stamping out slavery and uncovering more of the Sith's operations."

Jovially chortling at Ben's formal attitude, Azzim Anjiliac Atirue reminded the Jedi Knight, "Oh, come now, Ben. You're among friends and trusted servants here. No need to be so stuffy with me."

"Apologies, but it never pays to be overcautious in some settings." Ben defended before handing his attaché a case. "Your uncle's payment, as promised."

The Nikto woman, analyzing the contents of the case and its wealth, nodded to Azzim before the Hutt solemnly nodded, "Good. Now we can get the more unpleasant business out of the way. My clan has word of several unusual transactions and movements across the Outer Rim. Many of which originate from Zygerria or other backwards-thinking worlds."

Waiting for Azzim to continue, Ben wasn't disappointed when Azzim handed him a datapad. "Your father and his friends can corroborate this information and they added a few bits of information we were previously unaware of. One of which being a contract Mandalorian company commander Mirta Gev recently took with King De'Nal Scintel of Zygerria."

Mirta Gev, now that was a name Ben recognized. A longtime friend and accomplice of Vestara Khai, his former flame and bane of his existence, she had helped the Sith Lady with many of her acts of sabotage and mayhem, and the Jedi were eager to get their hands on her, not only for her complicity in the Sith's plans. If they were lucky, Mirta knew how to find Vestara and her growing armies, and that was a problem the Jedi needed off their table soon before the war criminal's growing power resulted in a full-scale galactic war.

And the possible sightings of Vestara in the capital city of Zygerria was the best opportunity to take her down he had in over a year. If he were given the chance to capture her and haul her before the Order to answer for all her crimes, then he would seize the moment when the time came no matter the risk to himself. But if he was given no other recourse but to kill her… well he would steel his heart for that possibility.

But that was all in the future. Right now, Ben's father wanted him to help expand his covert network's reach and help Azzim's clan, and with their interests aligning, it was clear where Ben was going now.

Reading through the datapad's contents, Ben was not surprised at the orders the Council had given him. Having been tasked to investigate and assist the Jedi stationed to help the Outer Rim Alliance in fending off possible Sith assistance and evaluate if the Order needs to get publicly involved in this struggle, it would be a daunting task, but one he was well-prepared for. Of course, it had been almost six months since he had worked under another Jedi's direct authority, but he was prepared to do what he must if given the chance to go after Vestara.

Deleting the datapad's contents after committing it to his near eidetic memory, Ben thanked Azzim, "I am most grateful for the opportunity you have given me. Next time I'm here, I just might have to try those vaunted hot springs everyone has been raving about."

Appraising at the grim Jedi Knight, Azzim sadly promised, "First session will be on me, as an endorsement to the rest of you stuffy Jedi Knights." Knowing from Grand Master Katarn of Ben's vendetta on Vestara, and how Edaan Palpatine planned to go after her in a selfless bid to save her, he lamented how much joy had been sapped from the well-respected and honorable young man standing before him. Seeing such contrasting emotions from two young humans puzzled the Hutt Kajidic, and how they could take such divergent paths when facing off against their same quarry.

Hopefully, when the time came, neither Jedi would try to maim or kill each other once the truth came out. The galaxy couldn't afford any more infighting or fallen members of their order amidst the countless crises erupting across hundreds of worlds.

Well, I'd say this is a good place to end the chapter. I hope you all enjoyed this political piece, and a reuse of another excerpt from one of my earlier works in my collaboration with JSailer and Squasher. Oh, and I got inspiration from an Archive of Our Own work titled The Darkness Awakens, by ThePlatinumAge, on the scene with Vestara and the Sith Code. Hope it works well with what I have planned. So, how are you all doing on this dreary day of Tuesday, May 9, 2023? I'm all right, if fearful for the world and all that's going on in it. And my mother and siblings are going out of the country for a bit, so I'm going to be praying for them hard while they're away. And I've got my own trip in ten days, so I'll hopefully keep my mind off my anxiety. And I'm reading plenty of Brandon Sanderson's Words of Radiance, and it's a riveting read, just as it has been since the beginning. But I need to step it up if I hope to start on another book by my flight. Well, I think that's enough for tonight. I'll read through this chapter a few times, and then I'll publish it in a couple days or so. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!