Hey, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm night of Saturday, July 29, 2023? I'm doing well, as I had a good short shift at the library today, as they needed me for a few hours before I mowed my parents' yard and have nearly finished the latest Canon Star Wars novel. I'll be done with it tomorrow, and then I'll get back to finishing The History of the Hobbit. But I'll be working every weekday this coming week, so I'll be quite busy. Well, with only five chapters to write in this story, I'd best get a move on this one. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

Telona 18th, 59 ABY

Hyperspace, On Route to Exegol

Near the Red Honeycomb Zone

Aboard the Annihilation-class Corvette Oblivion

Kung'urama'nuruodo knew something was amiss with this journey. After the last five days of navigating past the One Sith and Alliance of Light's ships and Force enhanced senses to come a mere twenty parsecs away from the barrier protecting Exegol from intruders, it made the Grand Sorcerer ensure the rest of his people had made it to their new home.

Unfortunately, two dozen convoys among the hundreds that left the Nihil Retreat had yet to make it to safety, and six of them were still unaccounted for by the Rhandite Grand Sorcerer Whether these missing fleets were captured or destroyed was impossible to say until the corvette and its accompanying force was yanked right out of hyperspace, right into the waiting arms of a sizeable Olpakan fleet. And leading this force was a presence Kung'urama'nuruodo knew quite well for her unquenchable hatred of all things blessed by the Force.

And speak of the wretch, the hologram of a confident Natasi Daala came over the Oblivion's bridge, and the aging admiral sternly warned the Rhandite leader, "You know your options, Kung'urama'nuruodo. Surrender now, and you'll save the lives of your remaining subjects. Refuse, and I'll obliterate you all and ensure justice for all the lives that your followers have ruined."

Scoffing at the Olpakan leader's pathetically obvious and clumsy terms of surrender, Kung'urama'nuruodo harshly dismissed the threat, "You underestimate my people's resolve, Admiral, if you think we'll give up to a worthless schutta like you so easily."

Eagerly smiling, Daala made a curt wave with her left hand, and wholeheartedly agreed with the Chiss's remark, "You're right. I know you fanatics would never surrender to me. But I needed a little more time to get my ships into position, and your small rant just gave me that. Now you can face the oblivion you and your followers crave so desperately."

"Have a terrible death, for what little good it'll be worth for you all." Daala finished before concluding the transmission, and a distant but muffled explosion could be heard by Kung'urama'nuruodo and a multitude of deaths could be felt across the area. He had to give the Olpakans credit where it was due; unlike the Jedi and Sith, they didn't waste time with grandstanding gestures and got right down to their bloody business.

But this efficiency would cost Kung'urama'nuruodo and his followers dearly if they couldn't escape this trap in time. And to do that, he would need the help of the Bringer of Chaos's servants if he hoped to save his fleet and all its treasures contained within, all while eliminating one of Abeloth's most tenacious enemies in the process.

Gathering up his energies and calling upon the hundreds of his disciples to pool their energies into him, Kung'urama'nuruodo felt a sudden surge of dark energy envelop him, and he recognized it all too well from his youth as a Jedi Padawan and many years in Coruscant's Jedi Temple. It seemed Abeloth had advanced her own plans further along than the Rhandite had ever expected.

Hearing his master's commands in his mind, Kung'urama'nuruodo was initially perplexed by the orders, but acquiesced and obeyed. Instead of obliterating all of Natasi Daala's fleets as he had originally planned, he merely used the energies to punch a gigantic hole in her formations, eradicating her interdictors and at least three dozen surrounding warships, and allowed his convoys to jump to hyperspace. But before the convoy could finish its withdrawal, the remaining Olapkans changed tactics, and concentrated their efforts on defeating the Rhandites a handful of ships at a time.

By the time the Oblivion covered the final elements of his convoys' withdrawal, the diminished Olapakan fleet had disabled or destroyed thirty total vessels, a small loss to Rhandites' remaining population, but seven of the transports carried many key artifacts and treasures of the Sorcerers of Rhand's storied history. If some of the items survived and fell into enemy hands… well, it was too late to do anything for them now.

Kung'urama'nuruodo could sense his mistress calling to him, and he would be wise not to keep Abeloth waiting any longer. But he wondered what her overall strategy would be to contend with the Jedi, Sith, and Olpakans. Even with her growing armies and cultists preparing to reveal themselves and draw even more souls into her waiting arms, this war was still too uncertain to leave anything to chance. Whatever would come next, it was clear that a whole new kind of war was brewing, and it would change the galaxy forever more.

Csilla System

Aboard the Cal Omas

Across the central world of the Chiss Ascendancy, the newly christened Last Alliance was reminded of the horrific burdens of war and the cost of failing those they swore to protect. From the twisted and warped wrecks of hundreds of ships from both the Jedi and Sith's followers all over the system, the ruins of six of Csilla's once highly populated cities and thirty of its military installations, and each of their few survivors, it was clear that the Alliance of Light had utterly failed in its vow of protecting the Chiss capital world from Abeloth's followers.

Thanks to the Bothans' betrayal and the lethality of Abeloth's soldiers and commandos, the Jedi had lost fifty of their number to either death in battle or kidnapping, while the rest of their allies had each lost a combined total of one hundred and thirty warships and ten times as many fighters. And many of their leaders were either killed or wounded, with Confederation admiral Traest Kre'fey among the most critically injured and unlikely to survive beyond the week. And with thousands of similarly wounded, the Alliance of Light's resources would be stretched perilously thin, almost to the breaking point.

Without the timely arrivals of the One Sith and Knights of Olpaka, all would have certainly been lost for their former enemies-turned partners. Quite a disturbing prospect, but everyone who was still alive was just grateful they were still able to fight another day. But Tau knew this was only the prelude to the coming war, and he was not sure if this coalition would be enough to stop the end of the galaxy as he knew it.

With the vision he and virtually all the Jedi and Sith across the system had experienced not even two hours ago, it made him realize that the greatest evil the galaxy had encountered in eons had risen and comprehend how everything depended on the success of this shaky treaty. Jedi and Sith each saw dozens of worlds being devoured by unholy flames and saturated in the Dark Side, each of their inhabitants twisted into monstrosities similar to those that attacked many of the Last Alliance's flagships, mutated beings with tainted red crystals and all under the control of Abeloth and her willing servants. And only a few brave souls, Jedi or Sith, Force Users or not, they would all be the key to even stand a chance of stopping this madness before it destroyed everything that everyone cherished.

Such a revelation terrified everyone and drove home the point that this coalition was the only way to make it through these next few months. But against the power Abeloth was amassing, gathering strong nexuses of Force energy from all over the galaxy to complete her spirit's rejuvenation, Tau did not know how victory could still be possible.

Among the many Force fonts of power that Abeloth pilfered for her diabolical use was the vergence situated above the Jedi Temple and Sith shrine. According to Master Tionne Solusar and her teams of researchers and the Alliance's force users, the dark energies from the Shrine of the Depths was suddenly beamed off world in a blinding flash of light that knocked everyone off their feet, along with the Jedi's ancient footprint on the world as well. By fully draining the site of all its accumulated energy and leaving both temples devoid of power, it helped drive the point home to all that they were dealing with an enemy they didn't know nearly enough to assume anything.

While everyone picked up the pieces of this disastrous battle and prepared for the full-fledge alliance between the Jedi and Sith, there was still the matter of the Olpakan fleet aiding in rescue and recovery efforts. The Last Alliance couldn't let Daala escape justice for all her crimes, but if they moved too aggressively or demanded too much, then they would face two wars against two insidious threats, and all would certainly be lost.

But while most of the Alliance of Light's high command was still deliberating on the best course of action, Tau and his coconspirators decided to act before this vital opportunity slipped away. Working with Jan, Wedge, and Vurawn in establishing a secure line of communication with the Olpakan's fleet commander, the four fighters patiently waited until Kor's hologram appeared, and he did not appear pleased by this impromptu meeting.

"Why have you decided to reach out to me now, when your people are struggling to survive the carnage that they have just endured? Are you here to make me an ultimatum in getting my people to surrender, or get me to betray my cause and ensure the Force continues to dominate the galaxy?" Kor snidely guessed.

"Nothing so grandiose or arrogant as you might assume, Vice Admiral." Vurawn calmly assured the Olpakan human. "But there are many crucial matters we need to discuss with your people, and we wish you to take a message to your superiors when you have the next opportunity."

Eyes narrowing in growing suspicion, Kor, with as much diplomacy he could muster, allowed, "I'll hear you out. Whether or not the Grand Council hears of your offer depends on what you will say next."

"The galaxy needs to unite against Abeloth and her armies right away, and we're going to need every able-bodied soul we can get. Your people seem to have a distinct advantage at facing Force Users that most do not possess, and a creativity in military and science that our people would find hard-pressed to keep up with." Jan patiently and diplomatically began. "The Last Alliance believes that we can do more good working together than we can separately."

"Empty platitudes and false flattery will get you nowhere with me, General Ors." Kor coldly rebuked her. "Give me specifics I can work with and bring to my superiors."

"Very well." Wedge agreed. "We're prepared to offer the Knights of Olpaka our full military cooperation in patrolling the Chaos, every bit of intelligence we've accumulated on Abeloth's origins, forces, and her primary base of operations. We'll allow you limited use of our supply routes, and work to have some of our elite teams operate alongside your own as part of an effort to have everyone work as a cohesive force."

"And in return?" Kor curiously challenged.

Tau, sensing a tiny crack in the vice admiral's mental shield, decided to take a chance and see if he could break the barrier down entirely. Breaking from the script, he answered, "We need guarantees that this alliance won't dissolve when the threat of Abeloth is over. And to ensure a lasting peace is assured for everyone, we want your people to extradite Natasi Daala and allow us to lawfully try her and her top officers for crimes against the galaxy."

"So, the truth comes out faster than I thought." Kor amusingly mused. "You talk about building a lasting peace, but you just want revenge for one of our top officer's acts against your hypocritical dictatorship."

"This coming from the very people and government who are harboring a mass murderer who not only waged war on the free galaxy five times but led the massacre of tens of millions of innocent souls just to instill a totalitarian regime across the galaxy or maintain her incompetent grip on power." Tau calmly rebuked. "And that doesn't include the inhumane experimentation of thousands of Force Sensitives and a dozen Jedi Knights for the abominable anti-Force weapons you now use, the destruction of an entire solar system to cover her escape from our pursuers, the acts of sabotage and terrorism that Daala's agents enacted in their mass exodus, and the prison break on Coruscant to rescue two conspirators of the plan to overthrow the Empire and Galactic Alliance. It seems to me that you and your followers are the real hypocrites here."

"Here are our true terms for the Knights of Olpaka." Tau warned. "We'll accept your help in destroying Abeloth and we'll help you rebuild from your losses when the war's over. But when all is said and done, we want Natasi Daala to stand trial for her atrocities against sentient life and freedom, your hegemony to drop its mad crusade against the Force and its followers, and you to enter into fair negotiations with the rest of the galaxy in expanding your influence with far nobler tools than force and subversion."

"Do this, and we'll let your acts against us be brushed aside, and we can work to forge a new beginning where all involved parties can benefit. Refuse, and you'll see just how powerful and dangerous a gentle and trusting titan can be."

The smile Kor wore now dropped any pretense of civility, and viciously answered, "So, the Sith-bred Jedi mongrel has more sense and mettle than the most vaunted generals and commanders of this paltry coalition. You've said your piece, now let me say mine."

"We've watched you and the Sith tear the galaxy apart time after time in your millennia-long interreligious feud, and still, you Jedi believe that you are the guardians of peace and justice. It was your squabbles that led to Abeloth being released, that nearly led the Killiks to consuming the galaxy, and nearly doomed the galaxy from within your own ranks hundreds of times since you barged your way into the Old Republic's affairs."

"Those within my people's ranks that believe we can coexist with such madness, those that think that leading by example is enough to stem the tides of chaos you unleash, and those that refuse to see the truth of your evil, they will either fall in line or fade away into the ashtray of history when we free the galaxy of your dominion."

"Jedi, Sith, everyday civilian, soldier, or leader, it won't matter. We'll kill you all and ensure the Force becomes nothing more than a cautionary tale for any being that tries to take too much power for themselves. The atrocities Natasi Daala committed against your worlds will be child's play compared to the full might that the Olpakan Hegemony can bring to bear on our enemies." Kor animatingly declared, his voice given a full fanatical craze now.

Seriously gazing at Kor, Tau glanced at his friends and superiors than rhetorically asking, "Then you refuse our offer? You reject any chance at reconciliation between us and will choose war instead?"

"Of course." Kor maniacally stated. "The time of the Force is over. The age of Olpaka will soon begin."

"Then you've just ensured the downfall of your hateful and genocidal government." Vurawn solemnly stated. "This conversation is being broadcast across all the Chaos, and your people will soon see just what their leaders are truly fighting for."

Letting out an amused huff, Kor dismissed, "A nice bluff, but-" Torn away from the taunt by an unseen call, and he quickly paled at hearing whatever the interloper had to say. "You played me." He agonizingly whispered.

"Yes, but it really wasn't that hard to get you to confess the truth." Jan chuckled as the sensors picked up several of the Olpakan vessels either jump to hyperspace or fly towards the Koros with their weapons blaring to life. "We just needed you to do most of the work for us with the proper bait, and you certainly overdelivered there. You fanatical army figures are always easy to get to show their true colors."

"Now you have a choice to make." Vurawn advised Kor. "Take our message to your people and give them a chance to surrender with a measure of your honor and dignity intact, or you can flee now and let us hunt you all down after Abeloth is eradicated."

If looks could kill, the veins bulging across Kor's face, his clenched jaw, and murderous glare would destroy the four Alliance leaders. He hatefully growled out, "This is far from over." An instant later, the transmission cut out, and the remaining loyal Olpakan ships under the vice admiral's command quickly withdrew from the system.

Letting out a relieved sigh, Wedge noted to everyone, "Well, that couldn't have gone any better. Our plan went off without a hitch."

"Now all we have to do is triumph against two enemies we know little about, all while stay alert for any treachery from the One Sith." Tau lamented, earning a few genuine and bitter laughs from all four of them before they had to break the unfortunate news to the rest of the Alliance command.

From all the intelligence Fyor Rodan and the rest of the prisoners from Coruscant had divulged, the Olpakan Hegemony had divided ideas over how to battle the rest of the galaxy and was still working to build its strength for their war while undermining its enemies. In convincing the Olpakan leadership to show its true intentions to the galaxy ahead of schedule, it forced their hand and sowed a rift between the peacemakers, moderates, and radicals, possibly precipitating a civil war, unless the Last Alliance could act fast enough to ensure the transition was a relatively bloodless one. But to do that, they needed to reach out and embed with more reform-minded elements of the Hegemony's society and convince them of their better intentions.

Either way, the Last Alliance was committed now, and needed to move quickly, which was why the Jedi and their allies had a plan in the works. Hopefully, the Olpakans would react positively to the mixed groups of ambassadors and armed forces they would soon receive.

Aboard the Rude Awakening

"In all my years and experience with cybernetics, I have never seen augmentations quite like this." Jarael noted, plenty of wonder laced in her voice after completing her examination of Edaan. "It's a miracle that you're even still alive after the torment Krayt and his people put you through."

"And now we're going to be in a karking pact with them to destroy two far greater evils bearing down on us all." Edaan bitterly lamented, still hardly able to comprehend what the Alliance of Light had been forced to result into doing.

Knowing that the dual threats of Abeloth and the Olpaka Hegemony would be too much for the Jedi to handle on their own without dooming all life to eternal darkness, they had formed a full-fledged alliance with the One Sith and Darth Krayt's many legions of followers. A necessary evil, but it tore at Edaan more than he ever thought possible, perfectly remembering every heinous violation they committed on his body and spirit and the murders he carried out in their name.

Sensing Edaan's rumbling resentment ready to bubble over into full-laced fury, Adari tacitly gestured for Jarael to exit, who only said, "I'll examine my findings with the others and get back to you soon." Sorrow lacing her features, the Iskalloni medic solemnly warned, "I know this is ill news to hear, but I wouldn't expect immediate results, if we can come up with them at all in undoing the Sith's abominable work on you."

"Just do what you can, old friend. That's all I can ask from anyone, really." Edaan despondently acknowledged before Jarael excused herself, leaving the Palpatine couple alone in the medical chambers. After enduring six hours of intense medical tests aboard the Cal Omas, he had been allowed to return to his ship and reunite with his crew, where they welcomed him back with open arms and heartfelt and tearful greetings.

Unfortunately, after the joy wore off, Edaan secluded himself in his captain's quarters, unable to bear the sight of his friends after all he inflicted on them the last time he saw them. He desperately wanted to cry, to howl to the heavens the injustice of this entire situation, the agony he endured, the unholy joining between Jedi and Sith in this aptly called "Last Alliance", and the fear at facing Abeloth and Daala after all they wrought upon the galaxy and the trauma they both inflicted on him in years past. But he knew better than to let the darkness control him or bottle it up, so he let Adari and K'Kruhk, the two he trusted most with his shame, be with him in his weakest point.

Although duty and the wounded compelled K'Kruhk to soon leave, his presence helped comfort Edaan and remind him there was still much good for the Palpatine Jedi to do, even if the human could not yet see it himself. A difficult battle to overcome, but Adari would not let her husband and father of their soon-to-be born daughter succumb to despair. It was time for her to snap the love of her life out of his self-loathing and give him another hard dose of reality.

Gently placing a hand on Edaan's armored shoulder, Adari reached out for his soul, and kindly caressed it, giving it a greater love and devotion than ever before, desperate to remind him of how he was not as alone as he felt, nor was he cut off from help as he believed. Holding onto her presence like an anchor in a hurricane, he cried out his heart to her, weeping tears he could no longer shed until he felt his heart run dry of sorrow.

Wiping his face, hoping to find a single tear shed, Edaan apologized to Adari, "Sorry, I-"

Interrupting his apology with a fierce slap to his face, Edaan was astonished to see Adari now shedding a river of tears of her own, and silenced when she rebuked him, "Don't you dare say you're sorry, my love. You're hoisting all the blame onto yourself for what the Sith brainwashed them into doing, and Robonino and Jaden wouldn't want that of you! Neither would your parents and siblings, either, from everything you told me of them all. This situation, your armored shell, it's all just superficial and temporary. We'll find a way to get you your full life back, and we'll defeat this darkness together."

"Remember our promises to each other when we were wed, to love, protect, and cherish each other until the day we die, and I intend to fulfill that oath. The question now is whether you will do the same, Edaan Palpatine."

Seeing and sensing Adari's firm resolve, Edaan looked deep within himself, striving to locate the strength to carry on and honor all those that trusted him and those that depended on him rejoining the fight. After what felt like a year of soul searching, he found the determination he was looking for, not merely in himself, but by remembering how he would soon have a child of his own to look after and nurture, and he would not let Adari carry that joy on her own.

For the sake of their unborn daughter, he would be the leader everyone wanted him to be and finish this fight before taking a long leave of absence and having a very long vacation with his family. It was the least the Jedi Order owed him after all the effort he put into saving countless lives over the last fourteen years.

Gently caressing Adari's hand, Edaan solemnly agreed, "I will. We'll finish this fight together, and then we'll take some time to heal and enjoy the coming peace."

Telona 19th, 59 ABY

Copero System

Aboard the Victory III-class Star Destroyer Guardian

"Master Jedi, we're receiving a transmission from deep space in the Chaos." Admiral Yage warned Jaina and her son, the worry in his voice enough to send a shiver of anxious anticipation through Jayce's spine.

After accompanying his mother to the Chiss Ascendancy and learning just how extensive the damage done to so many of its worlds, the young Solo Fel's heart broke a little more, especially when Jayce sensed all the death and anguish permeating the star system's facilities and its sole world and its wounded shipyards. Helping his mother and extended family offer aid to the wounded and relief to the displaced citizens while assisting in repairing as many of the Chiss's damaged vessels and crippled shipyards, it was a much-needed balm and distraction from the terror coursing through his being.

And learning that Abeloth was set to return and try to force the galaxy to accept her wicked rule, how the Jedi and Sith would be forced to work together to try and blunt this evil, the prospect terrified the teenaged boy to a level he never felt before. But the fear he felt was only amplified after Desmond added, "It claims to be from Zonama Sekot, and it bears the signature of Magister Danni Quee."

Danni Quee. That name was not one Jaina expected to hear in many years, not after the living world disappeared deeper into the Unknown Regions to escape the Bothans' genocidal vow against the Yuuzhan Vong. Remembering her fondly from their shared efforts in defeating the extragalactic invaders and her decision to leave the Jedi during the Swarm War to devote herself entirely to Zonama Sekot, it sent a brief warmth of reassurance through the Jedi Council member before she caught the anxiety in Desmond's voice.

Taking the offered datapad from Desmond, Jaina was astonished and horrified to hear the contents of the message, learning how the One Sith beat the Alliance of Light to finding the world and informing them of the Jedi Order's many terrible errors in judgement since the world went into hiding. Seeing the heartbroken response from her old friend, how Danni was devastated at how the Jedi failed the galaxy in allowing the Second Galactic Civil War escalate, letting Darth Caedus and Natasi Daala come to power over the Galactic Alliance, and their inept handling of defeating the Lost Tribe on Coruscant before their banishment, it filled her with a renewed sense of remorse over all her failures over those five years. With all that knowledge, it was no wonder Danni was so irate with the Jedi and willing to hear the One Sith out.

And yet, from the message, Danni had not fully despaired nor given into the One Sith's efforts, convincing Sekot to allow the Alliance of Light a chance to explain themselves and demonstrate their willingness to atone for their tragic mistakes while meeting with Darth Krayt's delegates. From what she was willing to divulge from this meeting, the Sith's members had outlined a plan that the world found compelling and worth pursuing but wanted to hear the Jedi's thoughts before agreeing to it. They were to send a delegation to plead their case and help protect the world against any reprisals by Abeloth's soldiers or the Knights of Olpaka.

The one good thing from this part of the letter was how Sekot and its inhabitants had agreed to fully join the fight against Abeloth, a genuine miracle in this all-encompassing darkness if Jaina ever saw one.

But the giant question remained on who would journey to the sentient world at this vital juncture. With Darth Krayt and his elite followers now working with the Jedi and their followers to fully ratify the Last Alliance's foundation and purpose, and Abeloth and the Olpakan's forces gearing up for full-scale war, the Light Siders could hardly afford to send too many key figures now to be diplomats.

"I'll go." Jayce offered, intruding on Jaina's reflections, and confusing her with his sudden declaration. Sensing her bewilderment, he elaborated, "I can go and help represent the Empire and Jedi Order before Zonama Sekot."

Stunned into pure silence by Jayce's bold words, Jaina listened as Desmond pointed out, "Jayce, as inspiring as your devotion and sense of duty and honor are, this isn't a typical diplomatic summit. You'll be representing far more than the Empire or your fellow Jedi, but helping to serve all the free galaxy, and I don't believe that a thirteen-year-old, even one as talented as you, ought to take such a heavy burden all on your own."

"I wouldn't dream of it." Jayce agreed. "Only a fool thinks they can do it all by themselves in any job. What I mean is that I can assist the Imperial and Jedi delegation in negotiating with Sekot and the Yuuzhan Vong, and maybe figuring out the One Sith's endgame out there."

"It may be a long shot and I might sound crazy, but I believe I can do a lot more good for the galaxy and serve the Force by working on Zonama Sekot than on the front lines." Jayce urging, then turning to his mother and insisting, "You wanted me to figure out my place in the galaxy, and I believe this might lead to something worthwhile for all of us. Please, trust me on this."

Gazing into Jayce's eyes, gauging his intentions in ways only a mother and Jedi could, Jaina slowly nodded, and told Desmond, "Assemble a list of our top operatives and diplomats by today's end, and be sure to include Inferno Squad and Jayce on the delegation. I know that whoever accompanies them to Zonama Sekot will need fighters of great caliber and strong perception to perceive the Sith's deceptions."

Saluting his superior, Desmond loyally complied before Jaina warned Jayce, "Just so we're clear, you'll need to follow every order you'll be given, just as you've been obeying all my commands. This'll be a great trial for you, and I want to be sure you are adequately prepared for whatever you may face out there."

"I will, Mother." Jayce resolutely nodded before earnestly promising, "And if I break any orders, I'll own up and face the consequences of my disobedience. But I'll do what's right no matter what."

Warmly smiling at her son, Jaina agreed, "I know you will. That's why I'm letting you do this." Taking a moment to steel her resolve, she solemnly bade Jayce, "May the Force be with you, Apprentice Jayce Solo Fel."

Csilla System

Aboard the Jade's Legacy

Quietly dining with Ben aboard his personal vessel, Vestara was equally amused and concerned by his uncharacteristic silence. After getting a fitful sleep and having a busy two days of rescue and recovery efforts, it was nice to spend a little time with her beloved amidst the insanity of this war and discomfiture of the Jedi-Sith pact. They certainly wouldn't have many days together after tonight, not with coordinating and maintaining the Last Alliance while working to finally destroy Abeloth and defeat the Knights of Olpaka.

But the long silence was slowly grating on Vestara's nerves, who was far more used to seeing Ben more upbeat and energetic, and once they finished their Chiss-imported meal, she seriously warned, "Time to fess up, Ben. What's wrong?"

"Wrong?" Ben repeated, his voice conveying the anxiousness pervading his entire being now. "Nothing's wrong. Why would you assume that?"

"Because you're as afraid as an abused uvak and look like you're ready to jump out of your skin." Vestara bluntly answered. "Has something happened to your father?"

"No." Ben quickly and honestly assured Vestara. "No, he's well on the way to recovery, and should be ready to be discharged in a month at this rate." Hesitating, he added, "I just wanted us to have a little private time together after last week. I... had some things to say, and I wanted to ask you a few things."

"Like what?" Vestara warily asked, not able to discern Ben's intentions through reading his telltales signs and the Force. Guessing in the dark, she warned him, "If you're worried about me falling back to the Dark Side since Krayt and his Sith are so close, then you're being paranoid. I already made that mistake once, and I'm not going to leave you, ever again."

"I know." Ben softly agreed. "Just, hearing you say that helps calm me, and give me the strength to offer you a couple gifts." Pulling a bottle of sparkling wine out from the kitchen's fridge, he surprised Vestara before pouring her a glass. "I figured since this is a special occasion, we deserve a little celebration."

"Celebration?" Vestara repeated, unable to repress a small chuckle before jokingly asking, "What for? It's not like you're asking me to marry you…" She paused, her mouth dropping open, and her heartbeat started speeding up, she stammered out, "That's it, isn't it?" Seeing Ben's defeated gaze, that was all the confirmation she needed, and she quietly asked, "How long?"

"How long have I been planning this proposal?" Ben guessed. Sighing, he answered, "I spoke to Dad fourteen days ago, and he gave me a few pointers afterwards to help plan this out. Mirta also helped me figure out a few gift ideas for you, and Jaina gave me the idea for the dinner."

Regaining a little of her snark at knowing how her best friend went behind her back, Vestara mock-scolded Ben, "I guess I'll have to give Mirta a piece of my mind for helping you out like that."

Pausing, Vestara asked her love, "How would this even work? You're a Jedi Master and I'm a reformed mass murderer on parole until my trial comes around."

"But you're the only one who stole my heart, Ves." Ben lovingly answered before he seriously continued, "I have a few ideas on a plea bargain for you. It's not going to be easy, but I'm not going to abandon you to face the courts on your own."

"What kind of ideas?" Vestara curiously inquired, even as she was touched by Ben's promise to stand by her side.

"Helping your people acclimate to their new role in the galaxy, establishing new outposts for the Jedi and our establishing diplomatic relations with many outlying Force schools, and teaching the galaxy how to undo the One Sith's agents and sabotage, among other duties." Ben offhandedly remarked, impressing Vestara with how far along and carefully he thought this through.

"Well, that's quite a good offer. But you know, you still haven't formally asked me to marry you, Ben." Vestara playfully huffed. "I have impeccable standards to hold, as you undoubtably know."

"Then let me make it official." Ben agreed, pulling out a black box from his robes, and dropped to one knee beside his love. "Vestara Khai…" Opening the box, he revealed a set of rings, each of a simple but elegant design that had a blue crystal - an Ilum crystal, Vestara recognized - embedded where the jewel was supposed to be, "Will you make me the happiest man in the galaxy and be my wife?"

Smiling at her love's formality, Vestara did the only thing she could and pulled him up to his feet before kissing him with all the love and passion she possessed. After the kiss finished with the couple breaking away to gasp for breath, she joyfully answered, "Or course I will, you silly fool."

When both Jedi put their betrothal rings on each other's hand, Ben apologized, "I'm sorry it took so long for us to do this."

Putting a hand on Ben's lips to forestall any other arguments, Vestara seductively suggested, "Why don't we pour some of that wine you bought, and see where the night takes us? It's young, and I want to celebrate our engagement while we still have many good hours left."

Smile widening at the unspoken implications, Ben teasingly agreed, "Sure thing, Mrs. Skywalker Khai." That jest earned him a playful smack and loving smooch from his fiancée, and the night slowly passed by in a pleasurable crawl for the newly betrothed couple, which was exactly how they both wanted it to be.

Telona 20th, 59 ABY

Rakatan Archipelago, Tulpaa System

Aboard the Star Fortress Adas

"The casualty reports for the day, Lady Irola." A Nagai officer handed a datapad to the Sith Lady, who took it with a measured disdain. After the last six days of near-continuous warfare across the Rakatan Archipelago, with hundreds of traitorous Sith and many of their fleet elements attacking dozens of installations and convoys, now bolstered by Bothan deserters from the Jedi's monstrosity of a coalition, the Krayt-loyalists were nearly worn down to the bone. The only good news from today's list was that it was thankfully very short, their losses only in the few hundreds.

With Irola and Yiv leading a last-ditch defense of the Sith's most vital facilities while preparing for a full-fledge alliance with the Jedi, they were desperate for any news that could boost their troops' morale and embolden their resolve. With the loss of the Deathless, another twenty-four One Sith warships over the last week, and the fall of several of their naval production yards or fortresses, this so-called Last Alliance could be just what was needed to survive, even if it would cause just as many problems as it would possibly solve.

To have the Jedi and Sith join forces so readily and suddenly, it could very well encourage more dissent and desertions from within both their ranks, allowing Abeloth to gain even more followers. That would especially be a problem in the One Sith's army of recruits who joined to seek revenge against the Chiss. But if Irola had learnt much from her time as an insurgent leader, it was how to get creative in encouraging her people to stay the course and trust in the plan. And if her hunch was right, the Jedi and their comrades would also be seeking new and inventive ways to keep their own in line.

Hopefully, whatever higher power willing, they would be able to survive this tribulation and maybe, against all odds, forge a better future together for all and cease this endless struggle for power over the galaxy that the Celestials had left behind.

Barging into her peripheral vision, Yiv interrupted her reflections and wheezed, as if the Niikardun Supreme Commander had just run a marathon before he eventually caught his breath and handed her a five-page letter on flimsi, hoarsely whispering out, "An… eyes-only message from Tulpaa and Makatak, from emissaries from the Archipelago's representatives with us."

Sensing utter disbelief and a wider variety of emotions course through the normally composed military leader, Irola was confounded at what the letter could convey. Reading through the message with increasing urgency and alertness, she quietly ordered Yiv, "Bring the ambassadors aboard this fortress immediately."

Shaking his head, Yiv regrettably declined, "That won't work, I'm afraid. They want to speak with high-ranking members of both factions of the Last Alliance. Only then will this Rakata-borne resistance group even consider entering a pact with us against Abeloth and the Olpakans. If we refuse, then we could be looking at an insurrection from the remainder of our Rakata allies."

Running a weary hand through her hair, Irola was close to panicking before realizing that this surprise movement could be a perfect excuse to get the Jedi to devote people to working out here and help save the One Sith's remaining forces and refuges. Yes, this could work out just perfectly for all parties, if they could just buy a little more time to get them help they all desperately needed.

Regaining her composure, Irola ordered Yiv, "Tell the ambassadors that I'll reach out to Lord Krayt immediately, and help will arrive in two weeks, at the most. Implore them to have this resistance group send a delegation to prove their intentions and give us an idea of what we'll be working with here."

Well, I certainly didn't expect this chapter to be done in just four days! I'm just a lean, mean, writing machine, and I love it! So, how are you all doing on this warm night of Tuesday, August 1, 2023? I'm well, if almost ready to go to bed after a good 6-hour shift at my bookstore job today and starting a good book that's a compilation of Pope Saint John Paul II's writings over the decades after I finished The History of the Hobbit yesterday. I also have a shift at the library tomorrow afternoon, so I'll need to get some rest for the day. In other news, just four more chapters to go in this story before I can conclude it and start revising the outline for Star Wars: Jedi Odyssey V. But I think I'll change the name from Requiem to Tribulations on account of all the trials the Last Alliance will soon undergo. Well, I'd best get this chapter ready to be posted in a day or two. I hope you all have a blessed night and stay safe and sane in these dark and dangerous times. May the Lord be with us all, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!