Hey, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm night of Wednesday, July 5, 2023? I'm well, if a bit tired from work today, and will go to bed in a few hours to repeat the cycle tomorrow. But in the meantime, I'll be busy writing the next chapter of this story, as there's about 11 chapters left in this story before I can move onto Story #5 in the rewrite saga. Man, events are certainly heating up in this story, and they're only going to get crazier throughout the series as things progress. I just hope I can finish strong in this work, as I worry that I'm getting a bit too chaotic in my writing. But I need to soldier on and make the best out of what I've written. Well, with all the small talk out of the way, I'd best get started on the chapter. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

Telona 12th, 59 ABY

Tulpaa System

Aboard the Star Fortress Adas

He floated in a place of serenity and warmth. Then ... sensation came from the pure darkness, cold and pain emerging from nothingness. He heard the low hum of electronics buzzing about, and memories began seeping back into him, starting as a slow trickle.

"His vital signs are above normal. He is starting to regain consciousness."

"Can he hear us?" Another voice interjected, this one a man and softer than the woman who had spoken first.

"I do not know. Perhaps, but it's far too soon to be certain of anything." A droid spoke, this voice strong and professional in tone.

He heard the slow movements of cybernetic components as the voices continued speaking above him. He had never noticed such mechanical parts before. Wait… he remembered, he asked for these enhancements, after the traitorous Iteration of Edaan Palpatine severed his spinal cord and left him close to death, and he wished to still be of use for the Grand Design.

Everything was rushing back to him now. He was Darth Wyyrlok, Voice of the One Sith, trusted Regent of Darth Krayt, and father of Sith Lady Sorzus, and he had too much to still accomplish before he died. And it started with returning to the front lines of battle to attain vengeance on the Jedi and their allies.

His body awoke fully to sensation, and he became more aware of himself and his surroundings with each passing second. Restraints held his arms and legs, leaving them immobile. Something was in his mouth—a tube. Adhesive strips kept his eyes closed. He tested his strength against the restraints. They wouldn't give, not even half an inch, no matter how much effort he put into breaking them.

"Let's get him ready." The man said, bearing a digitally enhanced voice Wyyrlok remembered from somewhere in his recent memory, but concealed behind the pain and grogginess that consumed him.

"Of course." The woman's voice, he now recognized as belonging to his daughter, complied.

Removing the breathing tube from Wyyrlok's mouth, then his restraints, he found it felt strange to have his feet back on the ground, supporting his weight as two droids held him up right until he was ready to stand on his own again.

Metallic latches released, a hiss sounded, and he heard a hatch or door open right before him. A blast of fresh and cold air hit his wet skin, at least what portions of it were still visible after his surgery, and he began shivering uncontrollably.

"Do not resist," A mechanical voice, one of the two medical droids helping him, coolly ordered. "The pain will fade, but you must stay strong.

Wyyrlok couldn't stop shaking, and the droid helped him sit on a table. He could not protest at all, only managing a grunt.

"You will be able to speak soon, Father." A soft, sibilant voice, his daughter's, soothingly told him. "You have never used your vocal cords or your lungs before your rebirth. Try to remain calm for the time being."

Wyyrlok was still restrained, with his eyes still sealed shut. He felt vulnerable, and it shamed him to no degree, even as he felt calming waves of Force energy permeate his very core, trying to ease his pain and underlying fear.

"You were restrained for your own protection," The droid's voice added. "The implantation process was quite painful, Lord Wyyrlok. Our master wouldn't want you to damage yourself before you're ready to do battle once again. And with the way our efforts are going, we'll need an experienced leader like yourself to recoup our losses and defections."

Defections and damage? What in the name of Chaos was the medical droid talking about?! How did a mere machine know so much about Lord Krayt's plans? Only one droid had the authorization required to… Of course. That droid had to be 11-4D, a medical droid who had served the Sith since the time of Darth Plagueis, past Darth Sidious's empire, and all the way to this day and the One Sith.

"You may go now, One-One-Four-Dee." Sorzus ordered. "We can handle things from here."

"Apologies, Lady Sorzus," The droid replied, Wyyrlok also vaguely remembering the droid and his work in rebuilding his spinal cord and his work in turning him into one of the first Sith Troopers in Krayt's armies. "But I cannot leave my patient until we are certain he is functioning at full capacity. And the information you will soon deliver to him will certainly leave him feeling adrift and hungry for battle."

Despite the cold, Wyyrlok was sweating, and he felt his heart racing beyond his control. His breath was coming fast from sheer anticipation and anxiety, and he tried to ready himself for whatever bombshell his daughter had to give him.

"You are afraid," The man's voice uttered, so familiar to Wyyrlok, but he just couldn't place it. "There is nothing to fear..."

Wyyrlok felt a brief prick of pain, then pressure in his temple. There really was nothing he had to fear—

Then a shooting stab of agony exploded in Wyyrlok's head. He tried to shriek, but he found the pain numbed by Sorzus and… no, it couldn't be. His entire body was completely rigid, every muscle contracted as he now recognized the man who stood by him.

It was the original Edaan Palpatine, who Lord Krayt coveted more than any other and managed to brainwash onto the One Sith's side. But something was different in the Jedi Knight's Force signature, it was far darker and more powerful than before. At the same time, though, there was also a single faint spark of light within the young human's soul, concealed by all but the cyborg Chagrian Sith by impressive barriers the Palpatine heir had in place.

As he considered all what was going on, the pain suddenly vanished after at least ten minutes since the injection into his skull. And then, all his memories came rushing back to him. The pointless life he lived before he fought for Lord Krayt and the One Sith, the hundreds of Sith and their proxies he instructed, and the family he had built over the decades, they made him remember who he was and what he had yet to do.

The voice - Sorzus's voice - finally penetrated his perception. "Do you hear me?" it asked.

Wyyrlok felt a hand tapping his cheeks but ignored it in favor of recalling the last of his memories. The Jedi and their Alliance of Light, they still existed and threatened the Grand Design. He had to find Lord Krayt, learn what had transpired in his absence, and figure out what he could do to help give the One Sith back control of this war. They already had Edaan forcibly converted and serving as a general to their side, but they would need far more to destroy all their enemies.

"Open your eyes," Sorzus said, tearing the adhesive strips from his eyelids.

He hesitated, unwilling to let himself slip from the realm of memory and return to the world of the living until Edaan sternly ordered. "Open them."

He did, and even the dim light in the small, steel-walled room nearly set them to watering upon opening them. He blinked, with his vision blurry as he could barely make out anything in the chambers.

"I cannot see," Wyyrlok weakly said.

"Your vision will improve quickly," 11-4D factually stated. "And it will be magnitudes greater than it ever was without your cybernetics, Lord Wyyrlok."

He looked all around the room, trying to blink away the blurriness. He was in a large cabin, with a few books and a Sith Holocron- his own holocron, he recognized- and a bed with a simple refresher next to it, with Sorzus, 11-4D, and Edaan, donned in Sith armor and equipped with dozens of cybernetics all over his body. He stared at them, baffled by the sight, while his vision cleared.

Eventually, Wyyrlok's sight fully returned, and he hesitated as he fully reached out with the Force. He realized he was in the Rakatan Archipelago, on one of the Star Fortresses the Sith and Rakata held across the region, but there was so much out of order for his liking. Too few Sith were within the sector, and a far darker and stronger force was in play somewhere throughout the Unknown Regions. And the Jedi were almost focused entirely in Chiss Space, with one of their own now boasting far more power than even Luke Skywalker, rivaling Lord Krayt and his gifted power from the Son's spirit aboard the Mortis Monolith.

What in the name of the Dark Side and Grand Design was going on here?! Well, whatever was transpiring, it was time for Wyylrok to reenter the fight and help restore order to all the One Sith's ranks.

Turning to Sorzus, Wyyrlok asked her, "What has transpired since my absence? Where is Lord Krayt?"

"Too much to explain in a single talk." Sorzus gravely answered. "But your holocron has been imbued with all the necessary information. Once you learn all you need to know from it, report to Ship to speak with General Yiv, Lady Irola, and the rest of our War Council."

"Suffice it to say that our war on the Jedi has to take a backseat to the threat Abeloth has unleashed on us, and we are suffering from more betrayals in our ranks, with the Dread Lord working to eradicate the Rhandites, who deserted us to serve the Bringer of Chaos." Sorzus finished, with her father stunned silent from the revelations.

"You have twelve hours before we set out for Chiss Space." Edaan added. "Abeloth's newest thralls are attacking the Ascendancy, and we need to do away with our traitors before they can force us back into an unwinnable war."

Sensing nothing but pure truth coming from the altered human, Wyyrlok pushed aside his questions regarding Edaan and his single spark of light. If Abeloth was truly returning, then everything regarding Lord Krayt's strategy would have to change, if not be put on hold indefinitely. He only hoped he would still be of use to the Dread Lord and the One Sith in this ever changing landscape of a war.

Deep Space, Within the Chiss Ascendancy

Aboard the Lucky Striker

Analyzing the reports coming in from across the Ascendancy, Wedge Antilles knew the Sith-turned-Abeloth forces were readying themselves for the final push against the Chiss. Having struck at five dozen locations so far in rapid succession, the old Corellian legend was feeling a familiar surge of anxiousness course through him. Knowing how many forces were now arrayed against the free powers and seeking total control over the galaxy, it made the old general yearn for peace more than ever.

It was bad enough when Krayt and his Sith were wreaking havoc across the Unknown Regions, but now the Alliance of Light had three major powers to contend with. That is, unless drastic actions were taken to mitigate the danger and bolster their numbers with a desperate alliance.

With the One Sith and their plans for galactic domination, the anti-Force organization of the Knights of Olpaka that now harbored Natasi Daala and her fleets of criminals and terrorists, and the growing might of Abeloth's acolytes and their armed forces preparing to wage a war more terrible than any in recorded history, Wedge still found it hard to swallow the idea of forming a coalition with Darth Krayt and his acolytes. Knowing from experience how treacherous the Sith were, and how many in the Alliance of Light would hate such a daring maneuver, any pact with them would be fraught with danger and suspicion around every corner. It would only be through the example of each faction's leadership that any hope of cooperation would still be possible.

And when the Sith inevitably made their treacherous move, the Alliance of Light would just have to trust they saw it coming and would be able to counter the betrayal. That was where their Sith defectors would be most crucial for everyone. But facing the prospect of a mad alliance was still a bit of a way off. Right now, the immediate focus had to be on stopping Abeloth's push against the Chiss Ascendancy, which meant Wedge needed to finalize preparations on his end for the intended trap.

Suddenly receiving a transmission from Vurawn and Ja'fosk, Wedge accepted the communication, and acknowledged, "Everything is ready on my end. All our fleets are prepared to do their part, and our rearguard defense will ensure we aren't taken by surprise from any contingency plans Abeloth may have."

"Very good." Vurawn nodded, a minute smile creasing his features before warning, "Unfortunately, we've just received word from another fifteen worlds and outposts that have come under sudden attack. They report many of Krayt's forces have laid waste to many civilian districts and population centers, along with many military loci of power."

Wedge instantly grasped what the Chiss clone was inferring and marveled at the sheer simple but brilliance of the plan all at once. Since the only way to possibly stop Abeloth once and for all was by uniting the Jedi and Sith into a single fighting force, the Celestial monstrosity was doing everything she could to gear up hostilities between both factions, all while spreading fear and anger to continue her empowerment and resurrection. And if her forces managed to devastate Csilla with rouges from Krayt's ranks, then all possible hopes for a ceasefire would be forever lost.

Ja'fosk then took over, adding, "There is some good news, fortunately. All the allies the Supreme Commander managed to enlist have accepted our terms of alliance and they've deployed forces to help us protect the capital world."

"Then your Parliament accepted them all as full equals?" Wedge deduced. Knowing how isolationist and hosting a superiority-complex many ranking Chiss had, he marveled at how the many subjugated worlds and smaller territories in the Ascendancy's sphere of influence had agreed to a full-fledged alliance with the strongest government in the Unknown Regions.

With the help of the Garwian Unity, Lioaoin Regime, Paccian Governance, Vak Combine, and many peaceful Tof and Nagai fringe colonies, the Alliance stood a far better chance of repelling this attack while showing how the Chiss had grown past their previous arrogance and create goodwill with their neighbors. A shrewd political maneuver, one that could very well also work to cause many of Krayt's rank and file soldiers to question their vendetta against the Ascendancy and loyalty to the One Sith.

"How long until they arrive to help?" Wedge asked. "If our predictions and warnings from the Sith are correct, then it will not be long, probably less than twenty-four hours, until Krayt's traitors make their final push on your people."

"Within two days, at least." Vurawn answered. "They will help us encircle Abeloth's forces and complete our trap, ensuring none of her followers escape to fight another day."

Knowing what Vurawn meant by his previous remark, Wedge was prepared to remind him how they were not like the Sith, but then remembered how this war would be too much like the Yuuzhan Vong's invasion of the galaxy, and too few would be willing to be made prisoners of their enemies. Knowing that victory would not come without tremendous sacrifice by all, he hardened his heart for the inevitable carnage that would soon ensue, while desperately praying against all odds that everyone could win this war without losing their souls.

And with the allies Raynar Thul and his fellow Jedi, Chiss, and the Silentium were preparing to reach out to in helping to combat Abeloth, they would need more miracles than any war had ever accumulated before. Though he never encountered or faced them before, he remembered from his old friends in the Jedi and Galactic Alliance military the immense danger these insectoids held, and their capabilities in battle and the ancient knowledge they held from the time when the Celestials ruled over the galaxy.

But the old war leader in Wedge Antilles knew that all these prayers would be too much to put many hopes in, especially with the supposed information Tau Palpatine delivered to the Jedi and Alliance High Command not even twelve hours ago.

From all the Jedi agent's dreams, or visions, if Tau's word was to be taken at face value, a terrifyingly old and devastating power was about to be unleashed on the galaxy with Abeloth's return, and only the Jedi and Sith's forces, together, had a chance of stemming the coming chaos. And imbued within the clone was the embodiment of the Light Side-aligned Celestial, just as it was for the Dark Side-loyal Celestial that bonded with Darth Krayt, it was almost too much for the old pilot to grasp. He only hoped that something good and worthwhile could come out of all this suffering, and the galaxy could survive this tribulation and work towards a better future, even if his grizzled old spirit tried to tell him otherwise.

Telona 13th, 59 ABY

Nihil Retreat, On the World of Rhand

Within the Capital City of Ro

In the Grand Cathedral's Catacombs

"They are coming." The Rhandite acolyte anxiously warned Kung'urama'nuruodo. "At the rate they're cutting through our defenses, they'll be right outside the cathedral by the end of the day."

The Chiss Grand Sorcerer, turning to face the young Twi'lek woman, calmly instructed her, "I know. And when Krayt and his loyal followers arrive, they will find far worse surprises awaiting them than all the Sithspawn and weapons we took from them."

The woman nodded, but continued her message, "There is more. They have a defector with them."

Genuinely taken by surprise from that remark, Kung'urama'nuruodo paused his preparations, and coldly ordered his messenger, "What do you mean by that?"

"One of your disciples, Shara Lon, our scouts saw her with the invaders, cooperating with them in eliminating your guards and evading twenty of your traps." The quivering acolyte answered. "She is being protected by Darth Krayt and his top followers."

'Well, that certainly complicates things.' Kung'urama'nuruodo quietly seethed. First Roland, now Shara? Who else among his people suffered from the same weakness that plagued both Jedi and Sith, and compromised all the Sorcerers of Rhand were working towards, and so close to their goals? How many others might yet betray their sacred creed to live a life of comfort and the sickening self-sacrifice that defined his adolescent years? It was a problem that he had to root out before he could even think of advancing the galaxy's ultimate and final destiny.

All the information Roland already divulged to the Alliance of Light about the Rhandites' plans and Abeloth before he was executed by Tor Valum, that was a travesty that should've been dealt with long ago. But with Shara, one of Kung'urama'nuruodo's most trusted disciples and commander of a fleeing convoy, having handed the One Sith at least as much damning intelligence as the first traitor, this was a far worse wound to the Beloved Queen of the Stars' plans that could not properly mend.

Suddenly, it didn't matter to Kung'urama'nuruodo if he lived or died in his adopted home. It didn't even matter if he might defy Abeloth's direct orders and deal with Darth Krayt himself, no matter what plans she might have in store for the Sith leader. Before the last of the Rhandites left their falling capital world, they would eliminate the Dread Lord of the Sith and as many of his best servants as possible, just as was being done to the Alliance of Light in the heart of Chiss territory. Fortunately, he knew just how to deal with and educate the Sith and their neophytes in the ways of the Dark.

What better way to defeat an enemy than to break them in mind, body, and spirit? And with the unnatural horrors awaiting the One Sith beneath the Rhandites' most sacred temple, it was only a matter of time before a major threat to the Bringer of Chaos' plans was eradicated.

Deep Space, Just Outside Csilla System

Aboard the Kaine's Vengeance

Darth Haxar, vainly trying to resume her meditations to empower the defecting Sith force in attacking Csilla, was mentally cursing up a storm at the improbability of what was now transpiring. After coordinating well over a hundred raids across the Ascendancy over the last three days, the Chiss and their Jedi friends should have been spread thin across the Chaos in a vain attempt to keep order across the region. Having used the Force and co-opting the One Sith's few remaining spies in the Chiss's ranks to ascertain the Alliance's rapid deployment, Csilla was supposed to be left with a meager skeleton force to defend itself, providing Abeloth's armies the perfect chance to strike.

Instead, the entire force, approximately eighty warships from among Krayt's deserters, now found itself ripped from hyperspace at least two parsecs away from their target by dozens of interdictors and hundreds, perhaps close to three hundred total enemy vessels of dozens of configurations. Aquilians, Confederation, Galactic Alliance, Jedi, Hapan, Mandalorian, Hutt, Chiss, and the many lesser-known members of this freedom fighters' coalition, were all lying in wait to strike their foes down.

How could this have happened? Tor promised nothing but victory for the Servants of Chaos, and the Grysk knew he couldn't afford to aimlessly sacrifice his allies when the galaxy was still arrayed against their shared mistress. How did the Jedi, predictable as they were for most of their existence, outmaneuver the Servants of Chaos so ably? Well, she couldn't afford to worry about it now, not if she hoped to help her followers survive this gigantic trap.

Just then, Nox's voice broke through into Haxar's meditation chambers, ordering her, "We have new orders, these coming directly from Tor Valum. Prepare all forces for battle."

"What do you think I'm trying to do on my end, Nox?!" Haxar irritably snapped back. "Try getting that decrepit fool up here to explain how he messed up this plan so badly! We were promised a flawless victory and power beyond our wildest dreams, not betrayal and a one-way trip to the Gates of Chaos."

"We're not dead yet." Nox heatedly shouted back. "Now use all your knowledge and ability to keep us alive long enough for the rest of Tor's plan to kick in. The only way for us to survive is if we stay united and focused against our true enemies, not divided against each other quibbling over minor details!"

Resisting the compulsion to demand answers, especially when reminded of the terrible odds they now faced when she sensed how the Alliance of Light began deploying its forces, Haxar reluctantly relented. But she vowed that if she survived this great and decisive battle, she would wreak terrible vengeance on all those that tried to use her.

And speaking of those who tried using her, Haxar could feel two- no, three- familiar presences she loathed reaching out to locate her. First was K'Kruhk, who vainly tried to reach his one time charge, with the former Jedi Youngling reveling in the sorrow the Whiphid felt at how she transcended the Jedi Code and found true power. She would enjoy picking him apart, either in battle or in Abeloth's dungeons.

And then there was Wyyrlok and at least thirty Sith still loyal to Krayt and his pathetic Grand Design. They were coming with a sizable fleet of their own in a vain attempt to destroy their traitors. But one being among them was blazing in the Force almost as strong as a supernova, and Haxar recognized him as the original Palpatine heir. Coupled together with Tau Palpatine, stronger than any Force user than perhaps Darth Krayt and Luke Skywalker, this force could very well undo all Abeloth sought to accomplish.

However, this terrible danger could also be the perfect opportunity Tor and his mistress were looking for in capturing the Bringer of Chaos's future vessel. In fact, this could lead to many great prospects for Abeloth, if Haxar could play the two sides off against each other. She would have to figure out the best way to do so before the chance slipped past the Servants of Chaos. But the former Jedi and Sith was nothing if not an opportunistic and clever individual, and she now had power beyond all her wildest fantasies. It was only a matter of time before she got everything she rightfully deserved.

Hyperspace, On Route to Csilla

Within the Mandator

Aboard Ship

Knowing he was hurtling towards a brutal confrontation with his masters and recovering all that he once was and believed in, Edaan prepared himself for the terrible trials he would endure once he made it to Csilla. Even with Sorzus and Wyyrlok accompanying him aboard Lecersen's personal destroyer, Ship was keeping him informed of the Alliance's progress in defending the Chiss capital world, and the results greatly encouraged him. It helped him see and remember how the Jedi had stymied the One Sith's plans of conquest over all these years.

But even more important for Edaan, Ship kept him appraised of the positions of Tau and Adari, the latter he began to remember through small glimpses and intense stirrings from both his mind and soul. If the sentient vessel was correct and truthful in his information, then those two would hold the key to his full recovery of his individuality and mind, a prospect he looked forward to with increasing anticipation.

Recalling more of how the One Sith used whatever means possible to attain victory, sunk below conceivable depths simply to grab power for themselves, and slaughtered or ruined any who interfered in their goals, it kindled a roaring fire within the wavering cyborg general, and demanded great oceans of blood. Only through intense self-discipline from the Jedi and Sith's teachings, pure pragmatism, and the promise of soon leading a massacre of the Abeloth-loyalists did Edaan keep his rage at bay.

If anyone inquired, Edaan would say the prospect of destroying Krayt's enemies enkindled his fierce anger, and it eased their minds. It certainly calmed Lecersen and all the Sith who crossed his path, aside from two Chagrians who he thought he had kept in the dark of his shifting loyalties. It seemed Wyyrlok and Sorzus might have caught a whiff of his doubts and were trying to determine how to act against him if they uncovered the truth.

Well, even if the Sith might seek to contain Edaan out of their hunch, it was far too late to do anything about it now. They had created a monster, and now it was almost time to experience a measure of the pain he had when they forced their barbarity on him. But something held him back from fully giving into his inner fury right here and then, something deeper than all the hate and helplessness he felt. Whether it was patience, knowing there were greater dangers out there than the Jedi and Sith's wars, or hope of recovering what he once was and regaining his severed bonds of camaraderie and love from his past, it stayed his hand.

Well, it wouldn't matter soon enough. In less than forty-eight hours, the One Sith force would arrive to reinforce the Alliance of Light and wipe its traitors from the face of the galaxy. Edaan only hoped that Yiv and the rest of Krayt's followers could hold things down there until all was accomplished. If any more among the defenders were swayed to Abeloth's side now, or they enacted whatever acts of sabotage she wished, there was no telling what the repercussions could be, and the unfathomable horror she could unleash sent shivers of pure terror through him that could not be ignored or suppressed.

One way or another, Abeloth had to be put down, once and for all.

Deep Within the Unknown Regions

Zonama Sekot

Southern Hemisphere

Village of La'okio

Aboard the Bestoon Legacy

Darth Vua, his mind finally freed from whatever haze it was under, slowly rose to his feet and took stock of his surroundings. Remembering how the fleet had finally found Zonama Sekot and saw how the world was under siege by rogue Sith and their thralls, the Slayer also recalled how the world had sent a brief wave of power against the Bestoon Legacy's crew, knocking everyone out cold. At least, that was what he assumed before he sensed the rich vibrance of life surrounding him from outside Ochi's ship.

Even while discombobulated and confused, Vua knew which world he was on, and silently praised the Gods at the inevitability of being able to see his betrothed and all his people again after thirty years of separation. But first, he had to see where his crewmates were, and determine just what to do in advancing the One Sith's goals. Seeing D-O roll to him, he was ready to demand answers from the droid before the mechanical creation's holoprojector blared to life, broadcasting a recorded message Invidious left.

'Apologies for leaving you, Vua, but we were summoned to meet with the leaders of Zonama Sekot at the Far Distance Islands six hours ago, at 1300 Hours on Telona 13th, Galactic Standard Time.' Invidious explained, making Vua realize he had been unconscious for two days.

'We would have waited for you to join us, but Sekot wanted you to stay behind for now, after your last encounter with the world.' The Arkanian continued. 'When you awaken from Sekot's slumber, you have been asked to meet with the Village Chiefs. They have many questions for you, and a special guest from one of the Master Shapers that is especially eager to see you again.'

One of the Master Shapers… Vua couldn't believe what he heard, even as he silently rejoiced at seeing the woman he loved once again, even if it was long after she had been promoted from the mere rank of Acolyte that she used to hold in what felt like a lifetime ago. Just after the recording ended, the Yuuzhan Vong creation profusely thanked D-O, "Thank you for delivering the message, droid. You do your master and the Grand Design much credit."

Stuttering out his gratitude in Droidspeak, D-O moved out of the way to allow Vua to make his way off the Bestoon Legacy, the droid knowing better than to interfere with a man looking for the love of his life. Woe to any who tried to stop the master fighter from seeing his people and doing what he could for them now. He would do his part in rallying them towards their destiny, all while trying to undo the injustice heaped upon them all. But one way or another, nothing would be the same for the Yuuzhan Vong creation.

Well, I'd say this is a satisfactory place to end the chapter. What did you all think? I hope it was to all your satisfaction, as I worked on it and completed it in just three days, and it was worth every hour I spent on it. And it helped that I was inspired for the first scene by Paul S. Kemp's Legends novel Star Wars: Riptide, that cut down on time. But everything else, all my own creation. But I hope you enjoy, as there's still at least ten chapters after this, and I plan to make it even crazier and more intense than what you've seen so far. So, how are you all doing on this warm night of Friday, July 7, 2023? I'm well, if ready for bed since I have volunteering tomorrow, and some errands to run before and afterwards. And I hope my library internship continues to go well, as I've been making a few mistakes I shouldn't have, but at least I can still learn from them. And I've been doing well in everything else at the job, so there's that. In other news, I've also been reading through The History of the Hobbit, nearly completing a third of it so far. Finally, I hope to watch a great movie in a few days, called Sound of Freedom. It's going to be a beautiful and heartbreaking piece, but I need to see it to observe the worst and best of humanity and God's grace and perseverance, especially in the darkest of times. Well, I'd best get to bed and store this chapter away for later. I hope you all have a blessed night and enjoy my previous chapter once it's published. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!