Good evening, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm but cloudy night of Tuesday, September 12, 2023? I'm all right, if a bit worn out from my job, but I'm resting now and enjoying a good read in my spare time. I'm taking a break from Supernatural Encounters, to read an illuminating book on the Second Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic Church. It's interesting stuff so far, I have to say. So, after this chapter, I'll be starting to get deep into the nitty and gritty of my 5th Jedi Odyssey story, and it'll be a dark and powerful ride for all, with occasional interludes into how the Jedi Order defeated the Lost Tribe of the Sith and liberated Kesh, while also showing how Edaan Palpatine met and fell in love with Adari Thayn. There will be ten interludes total, and I've already outlined them, along with the rest of this story. Anyway, I'd best get started on this chapter, as I want it done before the week is over. May the Lord be with us all in these troubling times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

Telona 33rd, 59 ABY

Hapes Cluster, Shedu Maad

Jedi Temple Medical Wards

Drinking a hearty amount of medically proscribed fluids, eating a hearty breakfast made of rations and a few small treats for a little extra energy, and mentally preparing himself for his next round of daily exercises, Luke Skywalker reminded himself to take his time with this session. If he continued trying to push his body to its limits, even at the astounding rate of recuperation he was experiencing, then his fellow Jedi would never discharge him in time to help the Last Alliance win either of its two wars, or the third if the One Sith betrayed them at any point in this rare partnership.

Having spent the past three months in recuperation after the One Sith infiltrators' attack on the Jedi Temple, Luke had been all but helpless as the galaxy was pushed to the edge of eternal damnation, and he burned to return to the fray and help undo Abeloth and Daala's wicked machinations. Not even his more intellectual efforts were to aid the Last Alliance were enough to calm his roaring mind.

By helping the diminished staff of the Order's headquarters shore up their defenses and coordinate many peacekeeping efforts across the galaxy, Luke was doing much to stem the chaos and offer hope to the beleaguered worlds and people of the galaxy, he had to admit. And helping the Jedi's efforts in deciphering the ancient Sith ruins underneath Coruscant's Jedi Temple was a good way to keep his attention preoccupied while undoing the Sith's taint on the capital world with many long-lasting repercussions. But by the Force, the elder Skywalker yearned to once again be on the front lines and help combat the Jedi's enemies.

Whether it was fear of the danger everyone was in, an overprotective urge to help his students, friends, and family against these horrific evils, or a deeply rooted sense of duty and devotion to the cause of freedom he had devoted decades towards, Luke knew the galaxy would need all the help it could before all was done. Still, he recalled a conversation he once had with his late wife Mara, who reminded him that saving the galaxy was not solely his responsibility, and that he had to know when to step back and allow others to take up the reigns of guardianship when the time was right. And with the Jedi Order growing again with strong ties with the galaxy after its years of self-imposed exile, he knew the time to fully pass on the torch to the next generation was at hand.

After the decades of protecting the galaxy in every manner, Luke knew this crisis would be the last one he would take part in, and he knew everyone else was ready for that inevitability. Just one more fight, and he would at last be free from the burdens that weighed him down for so many years.

Interrupting his bittersweet reflections, he heard the door to his room open, and the vibrant form of Josat, a Jedi Knight and prominent healer in the Order's growing Medical Corps, entered, signaling to Luke that it was time for his next round of examinations. And from what Josat informed him of from his constant chatter was any indication, if he kept at his current pace of recovery and didn't overexert himself, he could be discharged before the six-month projected period, perhaps a month or two ahead of schedule. A surprise, to be sure to the elder Jedi Master, but one he would wholeheartedly welcome. The sooner he could leave this infernal hospital bed, the sooner he could see his loved ones again and help save the galaxy one final time before having a well-earned rest.

Unknown Regions, Deep Space

On Route to Zonama Sekot

Aboard the Raider II-class corvette Orinda's Bloom

Practicing his lightsaber drills against his mother, performing a series of ripostes and saber locks with Jaina Solo Fel, Jayce was deftly reminded yet again of how she had earned the moniker "Sword of the Jedi." Despite landing a few good nicks on her and evading most of the training saber's otherwise fatal jabs, he slowly found himself being overwhelmed and defeated, getting knocked off his feet at the end.

Deactivating the training saber, Jaina offered a hand to Jayce, who gladly took it before he was complimented, "Ten minutes and forty seconds. That's your best time yet. You'll make a fine Knight in no time."

"It's too bad there's more to being a Jedi than knowing how to wield the lightsaber." Jayce patiently countered, grabbing a towel to wipe all the sweat off his messed-up face.

"Then it's a good thing you're just as much a deep thinker as your uncles were." Jaina playfully acknowledged, grateful for the reminder of her late two brothers in Jayce and each of her children. After all the losses and tragedies that marred her life for more than three decades, losing so much of her family and fighting in so many conflicts, it was a miracle from the Force itself that she had been blessed with so much in these recent years. With a wonderful and devoted husband in Jagged Fel and three brilliant and good-hearted children to fill her weary heart, she felt rejuvenated and ready to help lead the galaxy into a new epoch of peace and vigilance.

Not even the impending ascension to ruling the Galactic Empire alongside her husband as empress was enough to make Jaina dour again. Once the Last Alliance finished its work and the One Sith performed whatever duplicitous act they were scheming, she would be ready to leave the Jedi Order and help create a new Force order for the impending monarchy. These "Imperial Knights", as many critics had dubbed them, would fit the role of the Jedi for the Empire and serve as the protectors of its emperor and citizens. An extremely controversial choice for everyone, but after the brief and bloody civil war Darth Krayt and Natasi Daala had orchestrated that decimated the floundering democracy and murdered most of its leadership, a desperate change was needed to ensure anarchy didn't ensue.

But few took the decision as hard as Jayce did, who soon afterwards, announced his intentions to renounce all claim to the Fel line to avoid the temptation of power that doomed Jacen Solo before his fall. Such a decisive decision did not weigh easily on Jaina's conscience, but she had faith in her elder son to follow a righteous path and avoid the pitfalls of life that destroyed countless others. And she hoped the journey to Zonama Sekot, part of the Jedi's diplomatic efforts for recruiting the world into the two coming wars, would help give the eldest of her children a clearer path on what the Force wanted for him.

Sensing the subtle change in mood, Jayce was prepared to change topics before the Imperial Military craft suddenly dropped out of hyperspace, the force of the lurch throwing everyone hard onto the ground. Starting to hear at least three alarms blare and recognized them all, Jaina helped her son back onto his feet. After making sure he was unharmed, she quickly ordered him, "Help the crew scan all systems and get us ready for combat. I'm going to check on the bridge and have Iden send out a distress signal!"

Silently acknowledging the commands, Jayce hurried off, allowing Jaina to rush towards the bridge before she felt her head all but split in two from a bloodcurdling scream that echoed throughout her skull. Collapsing onto the ground, barely able to retain consciousness, she slowly forced herself to endure the pain until the cry faded to more manageable levels. Struggling back onto her feet, Jaina ignored the concerned queries and medical efforts of the crewmembers who tried to stop her wobbled walk. But while stumbling towards the cockpit, she found her efforts to call on the Force severely diminished. Even as she was regaining her balance, she began to realize just how dangerous the situation was becoming.

Narrowly able to make it to the bridge without falling again, Jaina found the commandos who made up Inferno Squad issuing orders all over their ship. Seeing squadron leader Iden Versio turn towards her, Jaina, swallowing a spit's worth of blood, intuitively asked, "Who's attacking us?"

"Can't get a positive ID on them yet, but my bets are on the Olpakans with how the enemy's jamming all our comms." Iden answered. "But we ran right into an artificial gravity well and got pulled straight into this trap."

Struggling to reach out with the Force to gauge the enemy, Jaina recognized a familiar dark flicker respond, but this one felt more powerful than their last interaction. It seemed Darth Haxar had learnt a few new tricks since she left the One Sith for Abeloth's service.

Turning to warn Iden, Jaina urgently responded back, "It's not the Olpakans. It's much worse than them." Seeing the worry in the Jedi's eyes, the unspoken fear in her eyes made the commando start to understand the severity of this attack.

"The Rhandites and the rest of their allies…" Jaina hesitated, drawing in her breath, "They're all but severing all our people's connection to the Force."

Iden, now realizing exactly how deep a trap the Last Alliance just fell into, ordered the comms officer, "Send out another distress signal now. Do whatever you have to, but make sure word gets out that we need relief ASAP!" Fully addressing Jaina now, she pressed, "How bad is the enemy's jamming on you?"

"I can barely feel anything outside this ship." Jaina grimly answered before she firmly resolved, "But I'm not out of this fight yet. It's your ship, and I'll help however I can, just like Jayce is now."

"Good." Iden nodded. "You still have more experience and command over the Force than me, and we need that here now more than ever. Do whatever you have to but help us survive this fight until help arrives."

"Count on it." Jaina vigorously promised before following Iden back to the command center to plan out their response.

Olapkan Hegemony

Carthean System

Aboard the Orbital Asteroid Superstructure Kolovish

Deep within the heart of the Olpakan Hegemony, secure from any intrusions by the government's enemies on every emerging front, a wide myriad of crucial experiments was underway for its growing military. Throughout every level of this orbital station, hovering far above the system's most populous planetary body, Cylo-V, former servant of Darth Sidious and now chief scientist of the Olpakans' Research and Development Division, was working around the clock to provide his greatest and most dangerous weapons for Natasi Daala and the government's war machine.

Having already created dozens of powerful tools for the Olpakans' war machine, from their strength-enhancing armor and several variations, each more powerful than the last, to his cloning experiments in resurrecting or creating pods of pliable predators, and his vast knowledge of the old Imperial war machine to bolster their own, Cylo-V had almost singlehandedly overhauled his latest patrons' capabilities. But his latest projects, given to him by Daala and her old records and sympathetic elements still embedded within the Galactic Alliance, these would irrevocably shift the balance of power towards the Hegemony, provided they could survive the strife plaguing their worlds. Being ordered to prepare a trial batch of Alpha Red and Resonance Torpedoes, he knew that there would be no going back once these weapons were utilized.

By preparing a batch of Alpha Red, the Chiss-engineered bioweapon that was once utilized to eradicate the Yuuzhan Vong and all their infernal biotechnology, Cylo-V knew Daala was readying herself to go after Zonama Sekot and its refugee population before the Last Alliance could recruit them for their cause. An easy decision for the Olpakans to rally behind, remembering how the extragalactic invaders caused the deaths of about 365 trillion people in their five-year war, and despoiled or destroyed hundreds of worlds in their religious zeal. And when the truth came to light, the scientist had little fear of the galaxy decrying this batch of well-deserved genocide.

But with the Resonance Torpedoes, an old project left over from the former admiral's time as guardian of the Maw Installation that could cause a sun to go supernova, it was obvious Daala was going to use them to eradicate any world in opposition to the Olpakan Hegemony. First, she'd start with Abeloth's well-protected headquarters of Exegol, and following it up with the One Sith's strongholds in the last refuge of the warmongering Rakata warlords. But once those targets were eliminated, Cylo-V desired for these weapons to be disposed of and the galaxy would accept a more enlightened rule than that of the Jedi or Sith and do away with all the religions and bureaucracies that had condemned countless souls to the ashbin of history.

Unfortunately, Cylo-V knew the situation was far more precarious than most would admit. With the civil divisions underway within the Olpakan Hegemony from one of its disgraced vice admirals' careless divulgences of its ultimate endgame for the Force, and many of its worlds going into full-scale rebellion, there would be great temptation to use them to cow the fools into submission. But the ex-Imperial scientist knew that such a barbaric response would easily backfire against the Olpakans' cause and encourage enemy propaganda of them being no different from the Galactic Empire of Sidious's time.

No, to win this war, the mainstream Olpakan society would need a more refined and intricate approach to subduing its enemies, especially since the Jedi and Sith were able to unite against a shared enemy. If they could put aside their differences to fight for a greater good, then so could the Olpakan Hegemony and those that shared their beliefs. But that was a lesson that Cylo-V feared Natasi Daala would never learn and would only lead the Hegemony down a self-destructive path of ruin and desolation for all.

Barging into his thoughts, Cylo-V's cybernetic implants transmitted to him a series of messages from his subordinates and probes, each troubling the altered human with greater urgency. According to his agents, the Last Alliance was preparing its forces to engage Abeloth's blockade of the Rakatan Archipelago in a full-scale attack, while the Jedi and their fleets were nearing Zonama Sekot, but they had dropped off the radar approximately two hours ago when they were traveling close to territory known to have suffered raids from the Nihil Retreat.

Abeloth and her followers had obviously been busy during the last few weeks, and it was clear the Force-based coalition needed a helping hand in triumphing against the Celestial monstrosity. Although it galled Cylo-V for what he was about to do, he knew better than to let old grudges blind him to the bigger picture, unlike Daala and most of the Olpakan High Council. If the Bringer of Chaos triumphed in this war, then no one could escape the apocalypse that would inevitably follow, so that meant that old vendettas needed to be put aside for the time being.

Contacting his adjutant, a trusted friend among the Olpakans that shared both his pragmatism and loyalty to the Hegemony's ancient cause, Cylo-V ordered her, "Make sure this message reaches the proper channels in a timely manner. And prepare my fleet for an expedition within the next two days. I have a new and pressing engagement that must be addressed, along with a perfect opportunity to test several of my new prototypes for the High Council."

Telona 34th, 59 ABY

Rakatan Archipelago

Just Outside the Tulpaa System

Aboard the Jade's Legacy

Appraising the deteriorating situation before the Last Alliance, the three-man crew of the custom-made vessel was quietly assessing their options on how to best break through the enemy blockade. Utilizing both technology and the Force to gauge the Servants of Chaos's stranglehold over the One Sith's weakening defenses, Ben Skywalker, Vestara Khai, and Tau Palpatine all realized how the time to act had come. And sensing how the Rakata and their vassals were preparing to reveal the full might of their power to the terrified galaxy, the team quickly recognized the immense galactic implications of what was about to transpire.

Sending out several burst transmissions throughout the Rakatan Archipelago to the many Last Alliance fleets working throughout the contested territory, Tau inwardly chuckled at the immense irony of working alongside so many of the galaxy's most reviled and dangerous enemies. Born from Sith intrigue and freed of his wicked programming by his friend in Chelli Lona Aphra before her narrow escape from Korriban, he could hardly believe the course his brief life had taken since his artificial inception.

Having been implanted with all Edaan Palpatine's memories and created from the cells of his severed hand, all for the purpose of infiltrating the Jedi Order after his genetic source was captured, it filled Tau with a fury few beings could match. Were it not for Chelli and her late mother and friends, he would surely have followed the conditioning and advanced the One Sith's twisted agenda no matter the cost. He owed the Sith more than a healthy debt of payback, and when the truce with them was over, he planned to collect in full. Once that was done, he would take some time to figure out his place in the galaxy while building upon the good works of those that preceded him and continue to redeem his family name.

But he never would've expected the Celestials to take such an interest in Tau and imbue the Daughter's remnants of power within his being through her previous vessel, long-dead Jedi Knight and Rebel agent Ahsoka Tano. With the avatar of the Light Side's power coursing through him, he felt more powerful and certain of his path than ever before. And with Darth Krayt embodying the Dark Side through his connection to the Son, meaning both would have to work together in slaying Abeloth, it was almost too much for him to bear.

Hearing the concerned whine of Butch, the young Tuk'ata hound he bonded with in his time on Korriban, Tau broke from his actions and thoughts to rub the redeemed Sith beast's neck, calming him as well through the simple gestures of affection. Seeing Vestara smile from her station, he childishly stuck out her tongue at her, causing a giggle from the repentant Sith.

"I see little Butch has found your weak spot, Tau." Vestara teased in between laughs. "Maybe we should take pictures and share them with your brother and Chelli so they can see what a gentle sweetheart you are."

"All right, that's enough, you two." Ben firmly called out to the two Jedi from the cockpit. "We're supposed to be preparing for the attack, not going stir crazy in here."

"Is that why you're more stern than usual, Ben? Because you haven't had any quality time with your fiancée since we set out on this mission?" Tau joked, delighting at how waves of embarrassment were coursing off both lovers and the furious blushes crossing both faces. Knowing Ben and Vestara had proposed to each other shortly before the Last Alliance was founded, and how eager they were to finally tie the knot between them when the opportunity presented itself, it filled the Iteration with joy at seeing Edaan's mission finally succeed, even if he would never admit it out loud.

Before anyone could issue any sort of quick-witted rebuttal, a familiar presence contacted everyone aboard the ship through the Force, and the three Jedi halted their teasing to listen to what Vestara's oldest friend had to say.

Ship, a self-aware Sith meditation sphere who, like Vestara, went rogue from the One Sith to seek out a new destiny for itself, projected many images through the crew's minds. Seeing the verdant land and many domed cities layered across what had to be the planet Tulpaa, the many Rakata and the emancipated descendants of their slaves preparing for war with machines not seen in millennia, and the incredible power that was pouring off the world, it was all enough to knock everyone's breath away.

But the visions did not stop there, for Ship could see far more than just the Rakata and their plights. Through the combined foresight of the Last Alliance's many Force orders, the vessel was able to peer throughout the Unknown Regions to glimpse the threats moving in the shadows, even afforded to get a few glimpses of what might yet come to pass.

Throughout the Olpakan Hegemony, the anti-Force society was preparing to tear itself apart in a civil war, one that threatened to spill out into the rest of the Chaos and eventually consume the galaxy. And Natasi Daala and an unknown human cyborg creating terrible weapons to unleash on a weary galaxy that it had long ago forsaken.

On a hellish world that was saturated in darkness and housed a citadel of evil, Abeloth, bearing the form of Kung'urama'nuruodo, was conversing with Tor Valum, the Celestials' most dangerous and cunning servant, and the words they spoke filled the construction with unspeakable terror. The two ancient marauders were speaking of recruiting one of the Bringer of Chaos's own to join her cause, one of her long-exiled kin that the Chiss supposedly held under heavy guard.

And the Last Alliance fleet that should have nearly concluded its journey to Zonama Sekot by now, Tau could see the armada ensnared by a trap of untold origins, but he recognized many of the Rhandites' and rogue One Sith ships encircling them. The vision was barely visible, as if something was trying to cloak the battle in shadow and dread, but the power of the Daughter helped Tau discern enough of the glimpse of what was transpiring to comprehend its significance.

Following these premonitions, everyone could see thousands of worlds screaming through the Force, producing abominations the galaxy had not seen before, and countless souls being twisted into unspeakable forms. Coruscant, Csilla, Kesh, Mandalore, they all fell before the weapons of the Olpakans, now wielded by Abeloth and her unstoppable legions.

Before the visions ended, Ship desperately warned Tau, 'You and A'Sharad Hett, vessels of power greater than any mere Jedi or Sith could contain, must act swiftly if you hope to save anything out of everything you and all those dear to you cherish. Hurry, for time has nearly run out for us all.'

Panting as he returned to the realm of the living, Tau turned to see Ben and Vestara visibly shaken by what they saw, confirming that he didn't hallucinate. After he wetted his lips and gently rubbed Butch to ease his troubled mind, he urged Ben, "We need to contact all our fleets and have them accelerate our timetable immediately. Abeloth is on the move, and we need to blunt her on every front before her armies reach their full power."

"And I have to get word to Zonama Sekot and Last Alliance leadership right away. Our delegation and their escort are under attack, and they need help before they're obliterated or captured." Tau anxiously added, rapidly composing the message for Grand Master Katarn and Darth Krayt. Maker willing, help would arrive in time to make a difference for Edaan and the rest of the Last Alliance.

Remnicore System, Exegol

Dark Citadel, Ancient Sanctum

Prostrating himself before his mistress, Tor Valum did not dare to gaze upon the radiant form of Abeloth, daughter of fallen and long-dead Celestial Tilotny, the galaxy's Beloved Queen of the Stars and supposed "Bringer of Chaos" by lesser beings. Even through her host body of Kung'urama'nuruodo, an ally of hers that failed one too many times but still served a vital purpose for her cause, the Grysk sage could feel the sheer and unrelenting power pouring out from her and held his tongue until bidden to do otherwise.

Hoping that Abeloth would be pleased by the initiative her oldest and most cunning disciple was displaying, his aspirations were uplifted when she ordered him, "I have a special assignment for you, Tor. One that I can only trust to you, on account of how my attentions are needed here for now and how I trust no others as I do you."

Even amidst this primordial temple, surrounded by an upsurge of unnatural plant life and saturated by the Dark Side of the Force in ways that made Korriban's powerful pall feel minute by comparison, Tor could not conceal his surprise from the galaxy's rightful ruler, and she gently explained, "This is not a demotion, my dear. Your efforts with the Rhandites and all my other disciples has borne a great bounty and will only multiply after you depart. But I need you and a select team of your choosing to recruit one of my few remaining kin, and he will be a challenge in surviving that only you can overcome."

Quashing any doubts or blasphemous thoughts he might have harbored, Tor loyally answered, "I live to serve, my Lady." Hesitating, he dared to ask, "But if I may, whom of your kin will I be endeavoring to convince to join your cause? There are few left who can be brought into the fold quickly enough to benefit your designs."

"A being whose appetite for destruction and living flesh is only rivaled by my power and beauty, and who now lives in exile deep in Chiss Space." Abeloth informed Tor. "You are to journey to Mugg Fallow with all utmost haste and stealth, for our enemies must not be made aware of this plan until everything can fall into place."

"The Last Alliance, though they are distracted by the Olpakans and suspicion throughout their own ranks, they will soon bring their full might down upon us. And we must be ready to crush their final rebellion against me before they can rally all their forces against my impending rule. Even gnats may leave a nasty sting if underestimated."

"And you believe he will wish to help you in this endeavor?" Tor incredulously blurted out the question, unable to stop the impudent thought from emerging before he calmed and controlled his voice, "Mnggal-Mnggal… you know what he wishes for the galaxy, and if his hunger grows out of control again-"

"I'm well aware of the risks." Abeloth curtly acknowledged before conciliatingly adding, "But I know that bringing him over to our side is the most efficient way for us to eliminate our growing opposition. And he will be contained again well before his appetite endangers the galaxy."

Something in Abeloth's wording of a response unnerved Tor, and he had a sneaking suspicion on what that truly meant for the sludge of a Celestial spawn. Ah, well, it wasn't any genuine concern of his, provided his mistress could carry out her plans. Right now, he had a delegation to assemble and a mission to undertake, and the sooner it was underway, the better for those that were blessed enough to survive the coming months and see the coming new order.

Well, I'd say this is a satisfactory place to end Part 2 of the Prologue. Now it's time for the first Kesh interlude to begin. I hope you all enjoy the foundation of this story, as it'll only get crazier and darker with each chapter. And I hope to start on the next chapter in couple days, but I'm going to be hanging out with my brother tomorrow after he comes home tonight for a few days, so I'll be busy. I'm going to a soccer match with him, so it'll be loud and hopefully, exciting. So, how are you all doing on this cool night of Friday, September 15, 2023? I'm well, if a bit worried about several personal things that have been slowly cropping up. I can't go into them for protective reasons, but I'm going to be seeking assistance with them over the next few days, so I'll be fine soon enough. And I plan to finish the Second Vatical Council book over the next couple days so I can get back to Supernatural Encounters. Oh, and my internship is ending in two weeks, so I'll be back to my bookstore job at regular hours, so that'll be a grueling adjustment. Well, I'd best get this chapter squared away for a couple days. I want to get this and the previous two chapters published soon, after I give them each a thorough look over for any improvements that could be made. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!