Hey, everyone! How are you doing on this scorching hot day of Sunday, July 2, 2023? I'm all right, as I had a good Mass today at church, and published Ch. 16 and 17 yesterday before I played a bit of Dragon Age: Inquisition. Man, that game is still fun, even after all these years. I can't wait for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf to be released in a few months or so. I just hope it surpasses all my hopes, or I'll lose a bit more hope in video games and entertainment, and I don't have much left after all that's gone wrong with so much. In other news, I plan to read more of my Tolkien book later today, and it'll be a good read. Well, I'd best get started on the chapter. I want to get a good chunk done before I have to work tomorrow. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

Telona 8th, 59 ABY

Within Tau Palpatine's Subconsciousness

Hovering within a mindscape, somehow knowing he was between death and life, Tau Palpatine struggled to recall what put him in such a unique situation. Countless questions proliferated within his mind, ranging from the attack on Csaplar and his friends' safety, to wondering just how the Alliance of Light was faring against the Sith.

After what felt like an eternity passed, Tau felt a familiar presence enter his mind, one that triggered a complete recollection of the events of the past two days. Finding himself back on solid ground, at least, as solid as it could be within his own mind, he prepared a slew of questions for Ahsoka, only to find them vanishing as he felt another individual enter his mind, one that dwarfed both Jedi's impressive command of the Force and the light within their souls.

This individual, a beautiful, radiant woman in ornate, regal clothing with creamy white and golden fabrics and several pieces of jewelry on her, with rich green hair reaching down to her knees and was freely flowing but was partially held back by a golden head piece. But mere visual appeal was not what silenced Tau, but the woman's sheer power in the Light Side of the Force, and a gut hunch on just who this mysterious lady was.

Prepared to ask the question, Tau, first instinctively knelt before the physical embodiment of the Light Side, humbly greeted the glowing woman, "Forgive my impudence, but I must ask. Are you the Daughter of Mortis?"

"I am." The Celestial answered, walking towards Tau, "And you… are not who I expected Ahsoka to bond with. When I foresaw the events that led to this moment, I believed that it was your brother, the original Palpatine heir, that would seek me out and inherit my power and will."

"But perhaps that is a lesson in there for us all." The Daughter carried on, approvingly appraising Tau, "Created from darkness, but through a future friend's love and will, chose to seek the light and make his own path in the galaxy. Perhaps, no one's destiny is set in stone, and they can change their fate simply if they wish it so."

Raising his head, daring to look at the woman who would judge him worthy of her gifts, Tau meekly answered, "I cannot claim to be an expert on the Will of the Force, or even the hearts of others as my brother is, my lady, but there is a great deal of truth in that belief. Many who fight for the Alliance of Light and their redemption are a testament to that conviction."

"True enough. And perhaps you can reach others who follow my brother's vessel, showing them a better path than to follow the Dark Side above all else." The Daughter agreed, before warning Tau, "But there is a far greater danger loose upon the galaxy than the man who calls himself Darth Krayt."

"Yes." Tau whispered, sensing the terror in the Daughter's eyes before continuing, "The being who was once considered the Mother, but now is the menace who calls herself Abeloth."

Risking a question, Tau cautiously asked, "Is that why Ahsoka imbued your life force into me? To help save the galaxy from Abeloth now that you and your family are gone?"

"Among other reasons, yes." The Daughter nodded. "There are many horrors throughout all of creation, watching and waiting beyond this galaxy's borders- no, even beyond this plane of reality- that covet what your people possess. Evils that you can scarcely comprehend or hope to destroy on your own."

"That is why I have called you here, Tau Palpatine. To educate you on many matters, not merely on Abeloth or my brother's followers, but to prepare you for the role you must play in saving this galaxy from all that seeks to devour or enslave it for its own."

"You already read Arhul Hextrophon's final testament and allowed yourself to consider many ideas that most would shy away from, so you have begun to walk the correct path. But your journey must be accelerated if you hope to make a difference in time to save even a fraction of all that you hold dear."

"Then what must I do?" Tau asked, both afraid of what might be required of him and for the galaxy, and hopeful that he might yet make a difference in the grand scheme of things.

"Listen and learn." Ahsoka answered. "For we will teach you the primordial truths of the universe, and how to properly wield Niphal's power. But we will not have much time, so we will have to adjust our training methods quite drastically if you hope to understand in time."

From there, time ceased to exist for Tau and his two teachers, and he felt as if he aged hundreds of lifetimes in the span of a meager handful of hours. One thing was clear from the instruction he underwent. When he awoke, he would never again be the same man he was before. He only hoped that whatever he became, he would still be a force for righteousness in all he endeavored.

Telona 9th, 59 ABY

Hyperspace, On Route to Chiss Space

Aboard the Imperial II-class Star Destroyer Kaine'sVengeance

"Everything is prepared on your end?" Tor Valum pressed Darth Nox, who knelt reverently before the Grysk. "We cannot afford to delay any longer, not with the forces massing against us and the Light and Dark's followers starting to rally together."

"All our fleets are ready to strike at the Ascendancy from dozens of angles, and Kung'urama'nuruodo and his followers have nearly finished readying his trap for Krayt and his main fleet. Soon enough, the final remnants of both Eipha, and Niphal will be captured or vanquished, and then we can fully focus our efforts on building the Beloved Queen of the Star's everlasting empire." The onetime Jedi Padawan and demented Dark Jedi reported.

"That remains to be seen." Tor curbed Nox's enthusiasm. "Though the galaxy is bloodied from its constant infighting, we can never let our guard down again. Powerful enemies remain set against us, and they can undo all our progress if left unchecked. And there is still the Weapon to account for."

Remembering how the Jedi currently held the fabled Dagger of Mortis, the one weapon capable of permanently destroying a Celestial, and were prepared to bring it here to annihilate Abeloth, Nox genuinely acknowledged Tor's warnings. Even a fool could get lucky and undo all the Servants' plans with a single well-placed strike.

Rising to stand on even ground with the Bringer of Chaos's oldest herald, Nox swore, "We will recover the Dagger and deliver it to Exegol or die trying."

"Be careful what you proclaim, for we cannot afford to lose capable followers and soldiers such as you and yours." Tor cautioned. "For now, focus on breaking the Chiss and their Jedi patrons. But especially be sure not to underestimate Tau Palpatine or his protectors. They are all a powerful and wily bunch and will require more than brute force to defeat."

"I know." Nox acknowledged with a deep bow. "The commanders and I already have a plan in motion to deal with them. I assure you; we will not fail."

"That remains to be seen." Tor paused before continuing, "I now leave you to your work. Go forth and spread chaos, Lord Nox."

Feeling Tor's presence vanish from the Human ex-Sith's mind, Nox turned towards the bridge's crew, reaching out to sense every individual who now served the rightful rule of the galaxy. With the dozens- nearly one hundred- of warships now under his direct command, and plenty of additional reinforcements promised once the rest of the ancient Grysk's plan came together, it was time to begin testing the true mettle of the Alliance of Light. And he would start with sowing confusion and fear through their ranks and dealing with a few troublesome nuisances that didn't know when to quit their little espionage games.

Ordering the helms, "Have all task forces jump to their prearranged targets. And connect me to Lady Haxar. I have a special assignment for her and her particular talents."

Six Hours Later

Crustai System

Aboard the Hapes Battle Dragon Isolder

"Here they come." Allana reminded Erika. Sensing the Alliance of Light's scouts hurtling towards their awaiting fleet, as well as the immense hatred and darkness coming from the rogue Sith and the rest of Abeloth's newest servants, the Hapan heiress and Jedi Knight knew this was going to be a harrowing fight. But even more nerve wracking for her was the fact that both her grandparents aboard the Millennium Falcon were being hunted down, and just who was pursuing them.

From Lecersen and Yiv's report, among the fifty Sith defectors that now followed Abeloth were Darths Haxar and Nox, both the highest-ranking Dark Lords among the deserters, and certifiably insane, even among such depraved standards of the One Sith. But thanks to the data the two fleet commanders provided, the Alliance might have a chance of taking the rogues out here and now, even if it were a slim one. And with the information procured from Allana's grandparents giving the Chiss a little extra warning, they would be that much more prepared to defend the Ascendancy from their many raids on their borders, even if the rogue Sith made their move a day or two ahead of schedule.

With Nox and his retinue of Inquisitors, all adherents of the more esoteric and dangerous art of Sith Sorcery to devastating effect against their enemies, it would be an insurmountable effort to even be able to drive them back. It didn't help how their leader, a onetime Jedi Padawan named Dray that once suffered a blaster shot to the head, leaving him completely insane and a threat to all, tried to take over the galaxy for himself before disappearing from all watchful eyes. His antics at the start of the Yuuzhan Vong War, trying to corrupt a Jedi hopeful and assassinate the New Republic's Chief of State to grab power for himself certainly left a lasting impression on the galaxy of the danger of fallen Jedi, and gave Natasi Daala's supporters plenty of reasons to be wary of all Force Users.

And yet, probably even more dangerous to the Alliance of Light was one of Darth Haxar, a fallen Jedi Youngling once in K'Kruhk's care at the onset of Order Sixty-Six and the rise of Darth Sidious's Galactic Empire. Once calling herself Sidirrri, the then-Jedi slowly succumbed to her rage and inner darkness as she encountered many of the galaxy's worst reprobates and murderers, before eventually deserting her fellow Jedi to strike out on her own. Making a terrible name for herself as a criminal Dark Jedi over the next few decades, she was eventually sought out by Darth Krayt and recruited into his growing Sith Order.

Even more demented and sadistic than Nox, Haxar was a master of psychological warfare and Sith Sorcery, but woefully unpredictable by friends and foes alike. And now that she was under Abeloth's influence, there was no telling how exponentially more treacherous she would become.

Interrupting the Chume'da in her introspection, Allana's military commander and distant relative, Erika Djo, reported, "All gunnery crews are ready, and our allies report complete battle readiness. They now await your command to fire."

"Hold on…" Allana hesitated, sensing something unusual in the enemy's attack. There was no rhyme or reason to this attack, no known military formation she could tell, just a mad dash to catch up with their targets. In fact, the ten warships that composed this enemy strike force would not be able to break through the garrison defending this inroad into Chiss Space. And her Force-enhanced senses were not revealing much also, with the increasing shroud of Dark Side energy clouding her senses. In fact, the darkness was only deepening the closer it approached the Alliance fleets.

Suddenly, the answer hit Allana, and it terrified her to her core as she ordered Erika, "Have all ships lay a line of suppression fire for our scouts, and then concentrate all firepower on the enemy's command ships. We need to decapitate their efforts before they can cripple our ability to fight."

"Of course." Erika obeyed, relaying her princess's orders, and observing the cover fire before Allana also ordered,

"Once the scouts are secure, alert all forward commands. It looks like Abeloth's definitely launching her invasion of the Ascendancy a bit ahead of schedule."

Telona 10th, 59 ABY

Rhand System

Aboard the Retribution

"Status report." Krayt ordered Garo and the Pius Dea Cathedral ship's bridge crew.

"We've almost pinpointed the location of the Olpakan interdictors and jammers, and we're preparing to deploy our forces to destroy them." The Nikardun commander complied. "And your technicians and crews have almost repaired all the systems damage from the failed hyperspace jump."

"Good. I leave you in charge of the fleet until my return." Krayt told Garo, much to his surprise. "Keep us at full combat readiness and on alert for any would-be ambushers. I need to travel down to Rhand and deal with Kung'urama'nuruodo and whoever else he still has accompanying him."

Beating Garo's inevitable protests, Krayt calmly elaborated, "I sense the Grand Sorcerer somewhere in the planet's capital city, and this is our best chance to deal with him before he can regroup with his remaining followers. And there is something down in that world, something that threatens all of creation that the Rhandites hold within their world, that must be destroyed before they can unleash it on the galaxy."

"How do you know this?" Garo cautiously asked. "Did our Rhandite defector have more to reveal to you?"

"Some of it, and I received a recorded message from Cylo-V that answered the rest." Krayt answered. "He claims the interdictors will automatically deactivate in five days, and that the secrets the world holds will provide key clues in eliminating Abeloth." Raising a hand to forestall any arguments, he continued, "Obviously, I don't trust the doctor simply at his word, but we cannot leave any stone unturned for when we face the Celestial monstrosity, and we need to determine just how to break through the Red Honeycomb Zone's defenses to assault the Servants of Chaos on their home turf."

"I'll be taking fifty of my best Sith and a battalion of our elite soldiers, especially SCAR Squadron 99. We'll be heading to the capital city, and we'll be ready to spring whatever trap the Rhandites have readied for us. And our defector will be coming with us to navigate past many of the city's defenses."

Knowing better than to countermand the Dread Lord, Garo instead said, "I hear and obey. But, if I may suggest anything, perhaps you should take more people down when you reach Ro and begin your hunt. Against an enemy as treacherous and dangerous as Kung'urama'nuruodo and his servants, none of us can afford to underestimate him."

"And while you are down on the planet, my people can work to break through the jamming and alert the rest of High Command on our situation, while trying to remotely deactivate the interdictors so our people can track the Olpakans and Rhandites to whatever refuges they call their own."

Staring at Garo with an unreadable expression, Krayt allowed, "My forces depart for the surface in five hours. You have that long to decide who should be added to my strike force."

"I'll get right on that, my Lord." Garo eagerly promised.

Csilla, Csaplar

Aboard the Rude Awakening

"He still hasn't woken up?" Kyle expectantly asked Jarael, Kix, and K'Kruhk. Hoping that Tau would have recovered enough from the battle four days earlier to have awoken, the Grand Master was soundly disappointed in himself for not being able to do anything to help. After the miraculous and draining effort to drive back Tor Valum and Malla when no one else could, the Sith-bred Iteration collapsed, drained of all his strength, and forced into a Jedi healing trance to try and accelerate his recovery before Abeloth's thralls began their full-frontal assault on Chiss Space.

"No. None of his readings have changed since yesterday." Jarael perplexingly stated. "His vitals have stabilized, and his brain activity is functioning at above-normal levels, but we simply can't diagnose the problem. Physically, he's recovered enough to have awoken, but something beyond our comprehension is keeping Tau unconscious."

"What about the sudden surge in power he displayed?" Kyle reminded the three doctors before probing Tau's mind, sensing a bright miasma of energy blocking all efforts to see into the clone's being. "Could that hold the answers we're looking for?"

"Probably." Kix agreed. "Master K'Kruhk here has a theory on that, and it's quite a stretch, but it's the best we've got on the situation."

Turning to face the Whiphid Jedi Master, Kyle listened as K'Kruhk began, "When I sensed the influx of power Tau displayed, it seemed familiar to me, from an old friend I had not seen in many decades. After the last two days trying to remember, it all came back to me. I believe a Force Spirit, specifically, the ghost of Ahsoka Tano, has attached herself to Tau and transferred her power to him, and by extension, the remnants of the Daughter's strength."

Impressed with the Grand Master's outward composure, even as his expression through the Force conveyed his shock, K'Kruhk continued, "You may recall how the Jedi of my time sent a team to investigate the Mortis Monolith and the three beings who dwelt within. Well, during the expedition, Ahsoka was pushed to the brink of death by the Son, who embodied the Dark Side of the Force. It was only by the Daughter's dying act of transferring her essence into the Padawan that she was resurrected."

"That power never revealed itself in Ahsoka, at least so far as we know. But for whatever reason, when Ahsoka latched herself onto Tau when he calmed her broken soul, that power made itself manifest inside him, allowing him to tap into it. And that power could very well be the key to stopping Abeloth when we next face her."

"But it nearly killed him." Kyle sternly reminded K'Kruhk. "That effort against Tor and Malla was only a few minutes, but the battle left him drained of strength and put him here. There's more going on here than we're aware of, and we need more information before we place all our hopes on him."

"A wise decision, Grand Master Katarn." A weak voice whispered, surprising everyone as Tau groggily sat up. Licking his dry lips, the Jedi agent asked, "You think I could get a pitcher of water? Those IVs don't do much for my parched throat."

Beating everyone to it, Kyle handed Tau his flask, who greedily consumed the water within until he gasped for breath to replenish his oxygen reserves. Gratefully smiling to his brother's teacher, he nodded, "Thank you."

"Not to be too blunt, but what the kriff, Tau?!" Kix exclaimed. "What in the galaxy happened to you, and how'd you wake up so suddenly?"

Sighing, Tau truthfully answered, "I spoke with Ahsoka and the Celestial who called herself 'the Daughter', and among other things, they both had to teach me about my new powers, and show me how we can stop Abeloth for good."

"As much as I'd like to tell you all that I've learned, this conversation needs to include all the Alliance of Light's leadership. We have a great deal of work to do, and we're running out of time." Hesitating, Tau warned, "To stand a chance of destroying Abeloth, we're going to need the One Sith's help, especially Darth Krayt."

"Why Krayt, specifically?" K'Kruhk noted. Knowing of the Dread Lord of the Sith and how familiar he seemed to the old Jedi Master, and how Krayt proved pivotal in defeating Abeloth the first time, any information Tau could share would be essential in saving the galaxy from annihilation.

"Because he holds the essence of the Celestial who called himself 'The Son', a living manifestation of the Dark Side of the Force." Tau honestly answered before spontaneously asking, "Does anyone know where I can find some robes and a good hot meal? I can't go out there with an empty stomach and the right armor."

"Not just yet." Jarael denied. "I need to run a few more tests on you before we can even think of discharging you. We'll get you a decent meal, but nothing more for now."

"As long as we can get back to the war by today's end." Tau relented. "I could sense everything that was going on around me, and I know we're in deep osik now."

Everyone knew just how accurate Tau's statement was, and how a new and far more terrifying war was about to commence. Already, the Bringer of Chaos's newest servants were probing the borders of Chiss Space and launching dozens of surgical strikes before retreating into dark space, working to spread the Ascendancy and Alliance's forces as thin as possible to leave Csilla as vulnerable as they could before the final push. And rumors of civil unrest within the Rakatan Archipelago were spreading outward, with the chaos unleashed only strengthening Abeloth and pushing her one step closer to her full revival.

"I'll arrange a meeting with the War Council by late tonight, or early tomorrow at the earliest. Just focus on resting up for now." Kyle ordered Tau, who sighed in reluctant compliance. But before anyone could make any other plans or say anything else, Butch burst through the door, the Tuk'ata hound leaping onto his master's lap and licking him in joy.

Everyone, even the normally composed and stoic Jarael, smiled at the heartwarming sight. As small as the loving moment was, they all knew Tau, and all the others involved in this fight, would need to take what moments of joy they could in the face of this dark war.

Telona 11th, 59 ABY

Deep Within the Unknown Regions

Aboard the Bestoon Legacy

Ochi startled awake from a deep sleep, feeling as though someone or something was about to crack his skull wide open. He called out in alarm, flailing wildly at the empty air before recalling where she was: resting up against the wall in his ship's captain's quarters. He'd closed her eyes to meditate when Darth Vua had announced the mission was nearing its end, and he must have dozed off. According to his chronometer, he'd been sleeping the last five hours before the pain started.

No alarms in his ship were ringing; he couldn't feel any disturbances in the Force; everything seemed completely normal—except for the fact that the crack in his skull seemed to be deepening ...

He sat up with a start, teeth grinding from the pain permeating his vessel. His eyes peered out from under heavy, knotted brows, darting back and forth while recovering his equipment. He focused upon a spot on his cabin's wall desperately trying to determine what was causing the immense disturbance.

Find the pain, Ochi reprimanded herself. Trace it back to the source!

Breathing deeply through his nose, the Sith assassin searched for his inner calm, the still center of his being. It had taken him years to hone the natural instincts of his species, and in times of stress—when every cell wanted to unleash the Dark Side on the attacker instead of contemplating and responding with careful forethought— the urges were particularly hard to suppress. But he was strong and determined.

The Force, weak as its connection was, came to him with enough ease, sweeping the tiredness and confusion away. And with it, too, came the knowledge that what he was feeling was coming through the Force itself, as though something very large and powerful had been disturbed nearby. And if he could feel a disturbance, one greater than any he ever felt before.

Through the discomfort of such intense feelings, he felt the first glimmerings of excitement of all day. It could be only one thing! They had finally reached their ultimate destination!

Ochi hurried forward through the ship. He could tell that the others gathered at the main hold shared her excitement. Darths Snoke, Invidious, and Vua—they could all feel it! On a ship full of Force-sensitives, it was impossible to hide something as powerful as this.

D-O rolled past Ochi, who acknowledged the diminutive data and archive droid with a polite nod, Vua ordered the assassin's longtime companion, "Send a message to the Retribution, Top-Priority. Tell Lord Krayt we've found Zonama Sekot."

"Not yet, because we can't be sure at this range," Invidious cautioned. "It could be anything. Massive Force-based disturbances have occurred for all sorts of reasons throughout time."

Snoke nodded. "He's correct, Vua. We've all felt great disturbances from vast distances over the years, especially from natural disasters."

"I know Zonama Sekot." Vua insisted, his voice thick with excitement. "I can feel it. What else could it be?"

Ochi could sense the others wanting to believe but remained reluctant to gamble on the Slayer-turned-Sith's hunch. "I think Vua is right," he said. "Zonama Sekot, it's crying out in pain."

The Director of Sith Intelligence faced Ochi, "Perhaps. But the question remains, why?"

"Why else?" Ochi shrugged. "Sekot may be under attack, either by the Olpakans, Rhandites, or Abeloth. Either way, we need to find out and help the world."

"Okay, suppose it is the living world," Snoke said. "What then? If we go in with all blasters blazing, how do you think it will respond to us?"

"That depends on whether you think we can make a difference and make a good impression on the living world." Invidious pointed out.

"Maybe," Snoke replied. He turned to the Slayer, "Vua—you're our expert on Zonama Sekot. What do you think?"

Vua looked as if he would pop a blood vessel if he had to wait much longer. Struggling to control his anxiousness, he implored everyone, "All I'm sure of is that this is our best shot at getting where we want to go. If we ignore this chance, we'll probably never get another one."

Invidious inhaled deeply. "Okay, then let's do it while we still can." Contacting their escort, he ordered them to prepare for one last hyperspace jump. Once the small fleet began its final journey, the Sith entered a meld, with Invidious and Vua taking the lead in trying to reach out to Zonama Sekot.

After what felt like an eternity, the planet responded, implanting coordinates into everyone's minds, and pleading for them to hurry. Ocih took everything provided and plotted a course. Bestoon's Legacy's hyperdrive roared into life, and he felt the familiar sensation of lights streaking past them and falling behind as the strange topology of hyperspace enfolded them.

Here the territory belonged to the true Sith. Even with the Force to guide Ochi, the way was tortuous and fraught with danger for a neophyte like himself. His shipdid her best to follow the path laid down for her, with the Sith fleet firmly in tow, but almost immediately he encountered the same barrier he felt earlier. With a sickening wrench he was dumped back into realspace, only slightly closer to the unnamed star system than everyone had been before.

But no one was willing to give up. The signal from the distant mind was at least as strong as ever. Every Sith concentrated on it, feeling out the insubstantial pathways between it and them. There was nothing but vacuum in the way, he told herself. Crossing that vacuum should be as easy as leaping across a room. And they all quivered with anticipation at the end of the journey.

The Bestoon Legacy jumped again. The hull vibrated as Ochi plunged the ship headlong through the strange spaces surrounding their objective. He didn't know what they were passing or where they came from, but it seemed for a time as though they were all making progress. They were getting closer—they had to be!

Then, rattling like the old freighter the ship was, they were dumped back into realspace. They stopped long enough to check on the rest of the fleet. Every ship limped from hyperspace seconds after Bestoon Legacy.

"Is everyoneholding up okay?" Snoke asked.

Hearing everyone sound off about their condition and willingness to continue, Snoke gathered the Sith minds around him for another try. "I think we can do it this time," He encouraged them. "Vua was right when he said before that there had to be a way in. All we have to do is find it."

Grimly determined, they tightened the meld and tried again. Ochi felt herself dissolving in the confusing sensations passing through and around him as hyperspace folded around them. The pull of Zonama Sekot was stronger than ever and growing stronger with each passing second. He felt as though he was drowning in the massive outpouring of emotions, a mote of sand swept up in a dust storm, swept up on a rising surge, unable to control where it took him.

For a timeless moment, Ochi completely lost all sense of him. He was everything and nothing. The hunt consumed him, with all his attention focused on the prey—on tracking it, finding it, catching it ...

Then, abruptly, something changed. Ochi didn't know what it was, but the thoughts changed in pitch. It was as if everyone had reached the eye of a storm, with energy swirling around them, but at the center there was a kind of peaceful balance.

Ochi felt his thoughts regain a sense of normality, returning to their regular patterns. They had emerged from hyperspace once more, only this time the screens were alive with data: there was a sun blazing on one, a series of gas giants looming on one another. A faint green-blue speck hung in the center of a third screen—and it was to this that his senses clung. Green could only mean chlorophyll; while blue represented water. If a world was ever to live, it had to have both.

Zonama Sekot! They were finally here! The sight was enough for everyone to rejoice if the joy they exuberated through the Force was a clear indication.

But as the view zoomed in closer, everyone saw yellow and bright red clouds blossoming as energy weapons flashed and flared around the atmosphere. Hundreds of small spaceships burst open under the influence of incomprehensible forces, casting countless lives into the harsh vacuum of space and into the Chaos's merciless embrace.

And that wasn't all that caught the Sith's attention. What Ochi saw behind the space battle was completely beyond his vast experience. Across the planet, energies levels beyond comprehension were being unleashed on the invaders. Lightning crackling across the planet's atmosphere and bouncing into space to catch dozens of the invading ships, gravity manipulation crushing many more above the planet, and bursts of pure energy being emitted from both hemispheres to catch the remainder, it was all measured by the Bestoon Legacy before it was caught in what appeared to be tractor beam, but its effects were on scales he never imagined possible until now.

Zonama Sekot's attackers were, to Ochi's complete astonishment, ships that were supposed to belong to the One Sith's allies and servants: five mid-size Ssi-Ruuk cruisers and countless of their droid starfighters, six Rakata gunships, and ten Tof warships of various configurations. But they weren't the only ships in the air, the remaining ships darting and weaving tiny points of light of no designs the Vahla had ever seen before. They were all different, beautiful, and deadly all at once.

But even more majestic was how Zonama Sekot was fighting back! Ochi now fully grasped just how dangerous the planet was, and why Krayt desperately wanted it on his side for the coming wars. Anger blazed—ugly in its ferocity, devastating in its efficacy—and with it came a return of the storm. He barely had time to wonder what would happen when the mind they'd been seeking finally noticed them, when a wall of psychic energy struck them, tossing them into oblivion.

All of them, that is, but Ochi. He heard the psychic world's orders, and in complete fear of the living world and its boundless power, also for his three companions and their escort, complied while sending the encoded transmission to Lord Krayt. And through the entire ordeal, flying right into the heart of the maelstrom and into the den of a potential ally without any backup as per the living planet's terms, he prayed to the Supreme Maker to be shielded from these many dangers.

Well, I'd say this is an excellent place to end the chapter! What do you all think? I drew inspiration from many sources, such as Joseph Bongiorno's Supernatural Encounters and Star Wars: The New Jedi Order: Force Heretic: Reunion, to help craft this chapter, and I hope it turned out well. I just hope it all wasn't too much to take in, as I worry that I cram too much into my chapters. In other news, how are you all doing on this hot Independence Day in the United States of America? I'm well, as I had the day off from work, and did plenty of fun and productive things, such as reading and practicing driving. It's a good thing I finished this chapter today, because I'll have to work quite a bit the next three days, followed by a hot shift at my volunteer center on Saturday. Well, I'd best be signing off now. I'll store this chapter for a few days, and then I'll ask a friend or two to examine it for any flaws or ways I can improve my craft. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!