Good evening, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm night of Thursday, May 11, 2023? I'm well, if a bit nervous for my family, since my mother and relatives are heading to Europe around now for a vacation. I'm going to pray hard for their safety and hope they have a great time. In other news, I head to St. Louis in eight days, and I plan to do plenty of reading and writing beforehand. Of course, I still need to work tomorrow and a good chunk of next week, but it'll be all right. So, this chapter will likely be shorter than the others, but it'll help get into the minds of many characters, while moving the subplot along and setting the stage for the conclusion of this arc in two more chapters. And it'll hopefully better elaborate on the bonds Edaan has forged with his friends while growing into the fine young man he eventually becomes in the main story. Well, I think that's enough small talk for now. I'd best get started on this chapter. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

Telona 28th, 53 ABY

Zygerria, Western Plains

Outpost Coburn

Sensing the impending arrival of the Jedi's latest reinforcement, Edaan could not help but tense up again at the mere thought of working with him once again.

True, Ben Skywalker was a highly accomplished Jedi Knight and investigator, with greater experience in warfare than most sentients twice his age and a sharp mind and tongue. The odds of victory would undoubtedly be that much greater with the veteran Jedi Knight, but there was one issue that Edaan would be all but impossible to ignore.

With Vestara Khai on the planet, there was no telling if either Jedi could keep their composure or restrain their opposing desires for stopping her scheming rampage. Ben's desire to apprehend the Sith Lady was well-known, as was his rage for her and her abandonment of him. But for Edaan, filled with sorrow and pity for his onetime friend, if his intentions became known to the Skywalker heir, it was a recipe for disaster. Which was why he could not help but wonder why Atai and Jaden ordered him to be a part of the security team to welcome his superior to this base.

'Consider this a part of your training to control your emotions, Edaan.' Jaden sagely told him. 'Not everyone will be so easy to figure out and practicing concealing your emotions can be a good way to pick up on little signs will be crucial in discerning truths from lies. Besides, you promised Atai you'd follow all his orders, and this one comes straight from the top.'

Regretting for the umpteenth his pledge to follow Atai's lead, Edaan quieted the storm of turbulence in his soul before the familiar roar of Ben's personal ship grew close. Seeing in the distance the custom-made vessel of the Jade's Legacy, a near-perfect replica of the Jade Sabre of his late mother, he glanced at Akku, "I hope you know what you're doing in meeting Ben. He doesn't exactly hold a high regard of Mandalorians."

"I hope to change that opinion over the coming weeks, just as I have with most of Atai's people and your fellow Jedi, my old friend." Akku stoically stated, a point Edaan had to concede with a graceful nod. For nearly two months, the maverick company of Mandalorians had accomplished so much for the Outer Rim Alliance on Zygerria, it was a wonder they weren't being mistaken for actual soldiers of this fledgling government.

By performing reconnaissance runs on the enemy strongholds, working alongside the Jedi in building the Alliance's soldiers into a cohesive fighting force, and helping to reestablish connections with the remnants of the resistance networks that Karra's treachery endangered, the Mandalorians under Akku's command had more than proven that there were those among the warrior culture that valued more than glory and credits as the main stigma claimed. And thanks to the Anazti leader's connections with many privateers and more legitimate powers, the Outer Rim Alliance was quickly growing and would soon be ready to launch its true offensive against their slaver enemies.

But interrupting Edaan's reflections, seeing the Jade's Legacy prepare to descend, he steeled himself for the awkwardness that was upon everyone. Observing the custom and sleek ship land and its boarding ramp unload, the Jedi Apprentice, accompanying Akku and two of Atai's advisors to greet the newcomer, Ben quickly surprised everyone by calling out in warning, "Hold on a minute! Some of my systems are damaged, and I need to finish some patchwork repairs before I can leave the ship."

Taken aback by the odd alert, Edaan called out, "You need any help, Master Skywalker?"

Hesitating a second, as if Ben was glowering at hearing Edaan's voice, the older man quickly bounced back and offered, "Yeah. You can deliver a case to Atai Molec. He needs the intelligence reports inside that the Council and Azzim prepared for him, and they can't wait any longer."

'Great. Guess it's going to be one of those missions.' Edaan sourly thought before hurrying aboard. Not seeing Ben anywhere aboard the ship's main hall, scanning the disheveled area and various tools and items lying about, he was prepared to call out again before his danger senses flared up.

Reacting on instinct, Edaan pivoted away from a blow aimed at his back and prepared to retaliate before seeing who attacked him. Biting back a curse, he instead screamed, "What in the blazes were you thinking?! If I pulled out my lightsaber on instinct, you'd be without an arm or worse!"

"If you tried to do that, I'd be disappointed in your lack of restraint." Ben's joking voice reverberated across the ship. Turning around, Edaan saw the Jedi Knight chuckling at his prank, and his ire only rose.

Regaining his composure, Ben simply greeted, "It's been a while, Apprentice Palpatine."

"Yes. That it has, Knight Skywalker." Edaan formally nodded, earning a frown from the red-haired man at the stiff greeting. "May I ask where the data is for Atai so I can deliver it? Or was this all a simple ruse to test me and my commitment to the Light?"

"Why can't it be both?" Ben countered before telekinetically calling a small case to him and handing it to Edaan, suggesting, "Try not to be so stiff and formal with me. It won't do you any good over the next few months."

"Not everyone has your free spirit, Ben." Edaan sighed before doing as he was told, praying to the Celestials that this mission would test Ben just as much as it was testing him. Of course, when it came to Vestara, both Jedi knew they would be thoroughly tested, especially if they encountered her at the same time.

Hopefully, it wouldn't come to that, but it never helped to be prepared for any eventuality.

Nelona 12th, 53 ABY

Capital City, Royal Palace

Attending De'Nal's midday meal, observing the extravagant spread before both women and their elite agents, Darth Kitai and Mirta Gev both knew the king was trying to keep them from delivering their report and damaging his fragile ego. Too bad for him, he needed to hear this news and prepare for the prolonged war against all his enemies. If Zygerria fell to the Jedi, then it was only a matter of time before the rest of their allied worlds were lost as well. But thanks to the regular intelligence and highly detailed reports Commander De'ralla and her rivals from their worlds delivered, both Sith and Mandalorian were able to refine their strategy in expelling the Jedi and all their underlings.

According to De'ralla's agents, the planet's populace still staunchly supported the monarchy, but many of the royal army were growing disgruntled by De'Nal's inept approach to solving the problem and were considering taking matters into their own hands to destroy this threat to their very way of life. And a growing number of civilians were deathly afraid of the coming civil war, remembering from their skewered history how the Jedi had brought desolation and ruin to their society after their empire ruined many other worlds and their populations.

Well, it was such a shame that the planet's slave practice had to come to an inglorious end, but not in the way the spoiled king and most of his subjects believed. Seeing the pointless waste of time and resources in enslaving countless sentients when they held boundless potential and could serve better as loyal and free soldiers in the One Sith's growing armies, both Sith and Mandalorian were working to train every slave they acquired to prepare for the wars against all their enemies. If any of the slaver-dominated planets had a problem with this program, then they might find themselves bereft of allies and left vulnerable to Jedi reprisals.

Interrupting De'Nal's feast, Kitai cleared her throat, only to observe the king ignore her. Mirta, on the other hand, was not in the mood for courtly etiquette, and fired her blaster up at the ceiling before, certain she had his attention, called out, "If you could stop stuffing yourself with expensive food for a few minutes, maybe you'd actually begin to see that this problem isn't just going to go away."

"You've got a war brewing on your hands, and you're just letting the issue fester instead of taking decisive action to stop this rebellion. From all I've seen of your 'leadership', I don't know how you ever lasted so long as king." Mirta continued her scathing reprimand.

Veins bulging, De'Nal was prepared to rise before he found himself trapped in his chair, held down by an invisible force. Glancing at Kitai, he commanded, "Release me at once!"

"While my companion and advisor can be a bit blunt, her assessment is quite accurate." Kitai diplomatically began. "Your hold over the planet is growing quite tenuous, and unless you take drastic measures to curtail the crisis, everything you and your ancestors strove for will be eradicated for good this time."

"You've read Commander De'ralla's reports, and heard from your peers across the galaxy, but the situation is far worse than you believe. My network of contacts has learned the Jedi and their allies are working to generate sympathy for your would-be usurpers in the Outer Rim Alliance by working with agencies like the Freedom Flight, and they are supplying your enemies with the tools to take you down."

Staring hatefully at the two women, De'Nal was prepared to utter a foolish assumption before Mirta beat him to it. "If you'd listen to us instead of forming your idiotic opinions, you'd learn that my friend and I have come up with a plan to reforge your kingdom into a fortress worthy of our Dread Lord."

"Then what is your supposed strategy?" De'Nal ground out, barely able to keep his composure at the betrayal he was witnessing.

"We're going to turn your broken hord of slaves into an elite fighting force the likes of which the galaxy hasn't seen in millennia." Kitai simply answered, silencing the king before he could erupt in a violent tirade. "For all the Jedi's nauseating idealism, they are correct on slavery being a blight on the galaxy. It deprives so many of their full potential and keeps civilizations stagnant and weak against the tides of change and progress every other society goes through."

"Take your capital city, for example." Kitai offered. "Built upon the backs of countless slaves, it serves as a remarkable piece of Zygerrian architecture, but houses many enemies in the indentured souls trapped within its walls. And those that seek to emulate you and your practices, your sycophants and adherents, they jockey and quarrel with each other over people when they could be pooling their energies, talents, and creativity together to build a greater society than anything your ancestors ever conceived."

De'Nal, disgusted at this blasphemous talk, from nefarious Sith and Mandalorians, no less, couldn't find the words to accurately portray how betrayed he felt by his patrons. It was if all of creation was closing in around those few adherents of the natural order of the galaxy, and he was trapped and bound to lose everything no matter how this partnership concluded.

Further infuriating the spoiled king while enjoying his distress, Mirta gleefully continued outlining the strategy, "Here's what's going to happen, Your Highness. You're going to make a public address to your people, detailing the plan to gradually abolish slavery and train the newly emancipated citizens to protect and serve your people, while the best and most loyal of them will either join the Neo Death Watch or eventually work for the One Sith as field agents or full-fledged Sith. You will make note of any and all dissenters that may arise within your ranks, and my friend here, along with your brilliant commanders, will decide on how to make the most of this opportunity by luring who we can into an inescapable trap."

Hatefully nodding at his two advisors, De'Nal realized how he could not overtly defy them without risking all he had and could gain. No, he'd have to find a more covert and creative method of achieving retribution against these interlopers. But first, he had to help the Sith eradicate the opposition by setting the perfect bait for this infestation. And what better way to do it than to use those that would dare question his authority as a lure?

Nelona 22nd, 53 ABY

Coruscant, Senate District

Senate Building, Chief of State's Office

Having been inaugurated as Chief of State for the Galactic Alliance not even six months ago, Kajin Bar Yimmon found himself swamped with passing more pieces of legislation and regulations than ever before from when he was a senator. Thankfully, though, the Cerean's dual brains and his amazing staff helped him manage the immense workload and carry out his duties to the people he swore to serve and represent.

However, today's morning routine was quite different from the usual schedule. Having received dire reports from Galactic Alliance Security and many of the government's worlds of about seven million of kidnappings over the last three years, Kajin was prepared to annihilate any and all perpetrators of this vile and criminal act of war.

Tracking the patterns of kidnappings and utilizing the Galactic Alliance's informer network across the many criminal enterprises across the galaxy's far reaches, Kajin was disgusted and disheartened to learn that the masterminds of this abominable campaign were the Sith, scattered across twenty worlds that still practiced slavery and using their planetary governments to act as middlemen for this immoral business. Thanks to many of his former peers in the Senate and their idiotic neutrality bill regarding the Jedi's war against the Sith they passed eight years ago, his hands were tied in eradicating these last bastions of this Sith-funded slavery.

Of course, that didn't stop the previous Chief of State from unofficially collaborating with the Jedi in stomping out any Sith plots that arose within the Galactic Alliance's borders, neutrality act or no. Regardless of the Sith appeasers in the Senate and their many misled sympathizers and supporters, no one could ignore the millions of cries for freedom that reverberated throughout the insurgent cells seeking to rebuild the Outer Rim Alliance to serve as a bulwark against the free people's many threats out there. And with the Jedi working overtime to repair the damage they inadvertently caused when Abeloth took Coruscant while uprooting all the Sith's schemes, Kajin knew it was only a matter of time before the Alliance came to its senses and repealed the abomination of a legislation.

But until then, Kajin knew the threat of the Zygerrians and their allies and backers posed, and how they would not ignore such vulnerable targets and seek wealth and power elsewhere. They needed to be nipped in the bud right away, before it could explode into an even bigger crisis and the galaxy faced a new Sith empire. Having contacted the Joint Chiefs of Staff not even a week ago, the leaders of the Galactic Alliance's armed forces agreed on the severity of the danger and were preparing clandestine ways to assist the rebels.

Readying several task forces, shifted to patrol deep space against raiders and other threats, contacting many allies and privateers to bolster the insurgents and increase their supply lines, and collaborating with the Imperials, Hapans, and Confederation in sharing intelligence and sending all manner of advisors to help the rebels create a new government as they established themselves on all twenty worlds that comprised the new Outer Rim Alliance.

Knowing the dangers of operating with such illegal methods, Kajin knew this plan needed the utmost secrecy if it hoped to succeed. No one in the opposition could be allowed to know what was happening until it was too late to do anything about it. He hated to play politics like this, but with the Senate so divided on the Jedi-Sith war and pride dictating many of its actions, the Chief of State knew secrecy and a deft hand would be needed far more than overt methods.

But no matter what, Kajin vowed to do what Wynn Dorvan was unable to complete and finish healing the divide between the Jedi and the Galactic Alliance, allowing both powers to work together again in promoting and protecting their values and the lives of all encompassed in their authority. Only this time, both institutions would need to learn from their many mistakes to build a better future and prepare for whatever came next. While the Chief of State was no Force User, he could instinctively feel how a new and far darker war was brewing deep in the recesses of the galaxy's unexplored fringes, and he somehow knew that this conflict would test the galaxy in ways it had not seen in eons.

One thing was certain, soon the bane of slavery would finally be excised from the fringes of the galaxy, and no one was going to stop this noble fight.

Interrupting his vow, Kajin's chief of staff, Sorsa Tiin, an Iktotchi woman with decades of experience as an incorruptible and highly knowledgeable civil servant starting from the early years of the New Republic, approached the Cerean while explaining, "There's been a drastic change in the Zygerria situation."

"The Sith have revealed themselves?" Kajin guessed.

'Worse. Their puppet of their king is preparing a public edict preparing to gradually abolish slavery." Sorsa corrected, providing an answer the Chief of State was flabbergasted to hear. Before he could sputter out any rebuttal and the impossible declaration, she beat him to it, "Our spies report how they're going to rehabilitate their captives before training them to serve in the planet's armed forces and public service, and it's to serve as a model for other slavery worlds to end the practice."

"But what is their true endgame with this maneuver?" Kajin surmised, thinking out loud. "What could the Sith and their pawns be thinking in depriving themselves of a tradition that's been a part of their society and culture for eons? Why become pragmatic and show integrity now of all times? They wouldn't humble themselves like this unless they had a plan to capitalize on this drastic change."

"That is what we need to find out." Sorsa suggested before tactfully adding, "I've already cleared your schedule for the next four hours, allowing you to make the necessary calls and plans to help uncover the truth of this matter."

Smiling at his longtime friend, Kajin dramatically thanked her, "What would I do without you, Sorsa?"

"Let's hope you never have to find out." Sorsa smirked before excusing herself, allowing the Chief of State to contact the Jedi and peers in the galactic community and compare notes while formulating a new plan. If the Sith could get creative in their strategies, then so could the free powers.

Nelona 24th, 53 ABY

Adole City

Zygerria Liberation Front Outpost Tano

Glancing outside through the stone windows, seeing the bustling trove of activity from the civilians and increased military patrols, Edaan, much as he wanted to deny it, felt that Ben's hunch on this supposed meeting was spot on. According to Atai's spies in the monarchy's armed forces and indentured servants, a group of disgruntled officers and civilian officials that opposed the king's proclamation to gradually end the slave trade were prepared to meet later in one of the city's most bustling taverns today, and the Zygerria Liberation Front was determined to take advantage of this opportunity as much as it could.

By spying on the potential conspirators and map out their network of dissent, it would allow the Outer Rim Alliance to better plan their strategies and seek out possible recruits or targets for their armies while scoping out the extent of the alliance between the Sith and the Mandalorians on their payroll. On paper, the plan made perfect sense, and promised great rewards. But in practice, the strategy seemed too simple and susceptible to a trap for Edaan's liking.

Bringing along five other Jedi, several of Atai's best scouts and officers, and endangering most of their precious few sympathizers in the city to achieve this spying mission, it was risking a great deal for the Zygerrians in the Outer Rim Alliance for an unmeasured gain. But this danger was why Edaan had asked Robonino, Akku, and the Anzati Mandalorian's best soldiers to bolster the reconnaissance team, just in case his superiors' suspicions were correct. And with the meeting set to begin in under four hours, it was almost time for the young Jedi and his team to move out if they hoped to make the rendezvous in time.

Daring to reach out with the Force to try and sense if any Sith were in the area, Edaan was not disappointed when he felt nothing out of the ordinary. Aside from the typical oppressive pall of despair and hatred for the victims of slavery, the fear and confusion of the civilians over their king's bizarre proclamation, and the arrogance from the slave overseers and their subordinates, no Sith were felt within the city. Of course, with many Sith that Edaan fought having learnt how to hide themselves within nexuses of Dark Side energy or individuals, there was no telling if the Vestara and her people were prepared for this spying operation.

Oh well, it was all up to the Will of the Force to decide who would emerge victorious in today's battle. Edaan just hoped that the followers of the Light would win this battle, even if he somehow knew it would be a daunting one.

Ninety Minutes Later

Adole City Garrison

"They've taken the bait." Mirta dutifully informed Kitai. Preparing her equipment for the coming carnage from dissident officers and the Jedi-allied rebels, the Mandalorian could not help but feel a small sense of unease at what she had to do next. Despite her hate for the Jedi after all the harm they caused her and her family, and she would follow her friend into Chaos herself if it was required, she did not wish to kill young individuals, even those indoctrinated by a naïve, hypocritical, and semi-pacifistic religious code.

And according to the Sith's spies and informants, three of the Jedi that were walking into this trap were teenagers, barely beginning to truly live their lives and did no wrong against the Mandalorians. Not even Edaan Palpatine, the Jedi's poster boy and a subject of cautious curiosity to many, had done anything malicious to Mirta, and if half the reports the One Sith acquired on him were accurate, he was well on his way to rivaling his ancestor in terms of intelligence and raw power. He even managed to recruit a well-respected leader and his company of Mandalorians to this cause of eradicating slavery, a great testament to his character and charisma.

Kitai, sensing her friend's multi-layered apprehension, teased Mirta, "You really need to work more on improving your mental barriers. If I can sense them when I'm all but cutting myself off from the Force, then just imagine what the Jedi can feel."

Seeing the conflict etched on Mirta's face, Kitai generously offered her, "I can handle the ambush on my own if you want. We're going to get the drop on the Jedi and their friends and close the trap on them quick enough to keep them off-balance and in disarray."

"Thanks, but that won't be necessary." Mirta politely declined. "Against your old love, the Palpatine Jedi, and a Mando as tough and smart as Akku Seii, you'll need my help. Besides, I won't let my people go on a mission I wouldn't do myself."

Hesitating, Mirta asked, "Do you really think you have to kill Skywalker? If captured and broken, he could be-"

"It won't work." Kitai coldly cut off. "Ben isn't ever going to come over to the Dark Side, no matter how much I might wish otherwise, and I can't be like him. This is the only way to put the past behind me for good while serving my people and advancing our master's Grand Design."

Calming herself, Kitai cordially acknowledged, "I appreciate your concern, old friend, but it isn't needed. I'll be fine soon enough once we deal with our enemies. For now, we'd best make sure everything's in position for our ambush. If we botch this, we'll have far more than just a ranting king to worry about."

And that's a wrap on this chapter! What do you think? Do you think the interlude is progressing along well? I only have two more chapters to write before I resume the story, or maybe I'll write a present-day chapter to mix it up. Decisions, decisions. So, how are you all doing on this warm night of Saturday, May 13, 2023? I'm all right, as I had a good day volunteering, finishing this chapter, going to church, and having a good sub out with my dad. And the rest of my family is in Italy by now, so I'm going to be praying hard for them to make sure they have a great time. Well, I'd best get this chapter looked at before I publish it, as I have a few friends who might be willing and able to help me. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!