Good evening, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm night of Tuesday, October 3, 2023? I'm good, as I had a good shift at work today, aside from being sore from being on my feet for several hours, and now I have a few days off before I get busy again at my part-time job. In other news, I've been reading a bit of Supernatural Encounters, and it's such a captivating read. You've all got to check out Joseph Bongiorno's work on his personal website and spread the word to your friends while you're at it. He's more than earned it. So, I know I said I'd spend a few days resting and regrouping, but I think I've got everything I need for this chapter. And if not, I'll make the necessary adjustments as required. Well, with all that needs to be said, I hope you all enjoy and stay safe and sane in these maddening times. May the Lord be with us all in these dark and chaotic times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
Nelona 2nd, 59 ABY
Tulpaa System
Aboard Star Fortress Adas
High in orbit above the verdant world that housed one of the final seven remnants of the Rakata, secure within one of their Sith-commandeered space stations, a crucial matter was underway between the Lords of the One Sith and their leader. Darth Krayt, the order's visionary leader and founder was hard at work replenishing his followers' depleted stores and morale while the Last Alliance worked on pushing the Servants of Chaos out of the Rakatan Archipelago. Along with the Jedi helping to retake and repair what warships and facilities they could for the war effort while destroying the rest, their many allies were diligently preparing their armies for the brutal war against Abeloth.
After recruiting and arming the millions of refugees that Krayt's people recruited from the Chiss Ascendancy's corruption, the One Sith found themselves woefully unprepared to properly train this new army after they enacted a ceasefire with the Alliance of Light. Fortunately, several of the Dread Lord of the Sith's followers had experience with creating strong armies out of so little, especially Darth Irola and her surviving marines from her days as a New Republic-allied insurgent commander. Combined with the instructors the Jedi and their friends provided to help train this rabble into a cohesive and capable military, the Last Alliance would soon be ready to fully take the offensive against both its enemies. And with the recovery of many of their stolen war assets and sharing resources with their current allies, this Sith order would soon be a force to be reckoned with once again.
But learning how the military buildup was progressing was not all that Krayt and his disciples were discussing today. No, the true purpose of this quiet meeting was for a matter more underhanded in nature.
"We've located the targets." Irola informed Krayt. "My agents have tracked your targets to the vicinity of Skal'nas City. Seems they've been granted a special invitation by the planet's elders."
Nodding, Krayt opened himself up to the Force, once again aware of the miasma of battle clouding his perceptions. But well-versed in perceiving what he wanted with limited resources and restricted ability, he was able to glean what he wanted, seeing Tau Palpatine, the soon-to-be-married Skywalker couple, Allana Djo Solo, and the two Aphras near the planet's capital city. Even more surprising was how he felt an ancient and powerful entity slumbering underneath the ancient structures, a strong presence he never felt before. What else could the Rakata have hidden from him that eluded his senses all those years ago?
"There is more to report, Dread Lord." Takaris Yur, a Kesh-born human Sith who helped ease the now-dead Lost Tribe of the Sith's transition into the One Sith and served as a master instructor for the One Sith, humbly interrupted. "My disciples have located five planets within the Perann Nebula that weren't properly evacuated by the Rhandites or devastated by the Olpakams, with ten temples between these untouched worlds. They could serve us well as training facilities and redoubts after the war."
"Perhaps." Krayt considered, even if he held grave misgivings about using Rhandite worlds for his people. Whether it was a remnant of his Jedi training, pragmatism over the Perann Nebula about to be thoroughly searched by the Last Alliance or his hatred of the Sorcerers of Rhand for their allegiance to Abeloth, the One Sith leader doubted that the Nihil Retreat could ever be used by his people after this war concluded. And from Professor Hextrophon's last project, there were far greater horrors within the region that waited to be released, evils that had no intention of ruling the galaxy as the Dragon of the Sith would.
Choosing his course, Krayt resolved, "We'll discuss whether or not we use the Nihil Retreat another time. For now, our focus must be in winning these wars and ensuring our order and the galaxy's survival."
"Lady Irola, I believe it is time for you and Lord Wyyrlok to take your recruits on their first field test. We need to take the offensive against Abeloth's servants across the region while we still have the strength to fully maintain our alliance with the Jedi. But beforehand, I need you to select the best of your commandos and our loyal Sith for another mission of equal importance, one regarding the Olpakan Hegemony." Krayt ordered the Sith Lady, before turning back to Takaris, "Lord Yur, I have another task, one just as vital for the Grand Design, in mind for you and Lady Sorzus."
Bowing before his superior, Takaris humbly deferred, "What do you wish for me, Master?"
"I need you to meet with the leaders of the Tulpaa Tribe and finalize our pact with them. Learn all you can of these Rakata and what ancient secrets they possess, and report back to me once you uncover all that you can." Krayt ordered, before adding as an afterthought, "Take Lady Sorzus and General Yiv with you. Consider them your retainers and advisors on how to best navigate the treacherous waters you'll soon find yourself in."
"As you decree, Lord Krayt." Takaris complied, before cautioning, "But what of the Jedi's representatives that are already in their capital city? How do you propose I deal with them, should that scenario arise?"
"I will leave that to your wise discretion, given the uncomfortable alliance we now find ourselves in." Krayt simply deferred the decision. "As for me, I need to meet with the Jedi Council and the rest of our allies so we can prepare each of our counter offensives against Abeloth and the Olpakans."
Deep Space
Zonama Sekot
Village of La'okio
"The Jeedai will be arriving outside the village in a few minutes, my love." Taleth Qua informed her betrothed, who only responded with a noncommittal grunt. In all honesty, that was a far better response than she hoped for from the Sith she wholeheartedly loved. Seeing him learn how to till the fields that surrounded the Master Shaper's home, using the Force to telekinetically use multiple tools to plant and remove dozens of crops for the village, it filled her with hope that he could yet see the value in peace and plenty, and not eternal war as their people had once worshiped.
Smiling at Darth Vua in just the right way to make his heart swoon, Taleth seriously noted, "You're going to have to at least try being friendly with them. If all you say is true of these enemies is true, then all these old grudges and vendettas will be meaningless if we hope to survive."
Halting his farm work, the Yuuzhan Vong Slayer-turned Sith Lord solemnly gazed at the woman he loved, "This… alliance," Vua momentarily paused, wholly repulsed by the very mention of the word, "it might be necessary for our continued existence, but I do not have to like it as you do."
Sighing at her love's stubbornness, Taleth walked towards Vua, inspecting his work, and admiring how diligent his labors were. Seeing the dozens of baskets filled with crops, and all her fields either sowed and tilled, it nourished her with hope that he might yet put down his blade and adopt a peaceful life soon. Remembering how he told her of the One Sith torturing him and making him into one of their many tools of war, but how he never forsook the Yuuzhan Vong's pantheon of gods or his love for her, it renewed her resolve and broke her heart to know how much he suffered.
Gently grasping Vua's face, turning him back towards her, Taleth sagely told her, "I can't imagine all that you suffered at the hands of the Sith. Just knowing that you endured so much and committed all these heinous acts on their behalf, it makes me wish that all the infi- sentients, who wrought this on you and so many of our people suffer a painful death and eternal damnation."
"But if all our people returned to our ancient roots, if we brought back the divisions between the castes and prepared for war on all who didn't share our way of life, it would only undo all that we have gained and doom everyone." Taleth cautioned. Gently grasping Vua's hands in her own, she urged him, "Here, on the seed of Yuuzhan'tar, we have found all a peace that eluded us in our wanderlust and conquering ways. Like many of our biots, we are undoing our conditioning and remaking ourselves into a people that not only honor the Gods, but those that showed us a better path forward."
"The Jeedai." Vua defeatedly sighed, certain that was where his betrothed was leading him. Knowing how the Jedi Order had unwittingly found a place in the Yuuzhan Vong's religion over the course of the war between this galaxy and the extragalactic race while undoing all their military gains and upending millennia of tradition, he knew it was pointless to argue that point. That realization was especially true when he learnt how Taleth, once a devout believer in their people's ancient traditions, was now ardently loyal to the Jedi and how they wormed their way into the faith.
This discovery, learning how his love abandoned their religion for the interlopers and anathema of all their people's culture, shattered something in Vua's soul that he never believed could be broken. If a woman as faithful as Taleth could find the Yuuzhan Vong's ancestral religion lacking for their people, then what did it say for all the rest of the race? Had they truly been wrong all these millennia, and could they find redemption in this prison world as most of its denizens now wholeheartedly believed?
And it wasn't just the Yuuzhan Vong that were suffering from such a terrible crisis of faith. Oh, they might deny it all they wish, but there were divisions within the One Sith that were beginning to deepen and fracture the supposedly mighty order. Not only were these losses from defections to Abeloth and her Servants of Chaos, but from those who abandoned the Dark Side entirely for the Jedi Order and their Alliance of Light, and the few with ulterior motives that they had thus far concealed from all.
Well, these doubts weren't simply going to vanish with ruminations. If Vua had questions, then he ought to seek answers while he still had the opportunity. Glancing back at his love, he knew the next few words he'd say would nauseate him, but he also knew he couldn't work through this alone. Gathering up the courage to say the next sentence, he asked Taleth, "Would you like to accompany me to greet our… new compatriots?"
Taleth, not expecting such a turnaround, scrutinizingly stared at Vua before he quickly elaborated, "I want to understand your position better, and like it or not, this Last Alliance must exist for the greater good of all our peoples. And there are questions I need answers regarding several of my fellow Sith, and I have a hunch this meeting will give me the opportunity I am after."
Lovingly pecking her fiancé on the cheek, Taleth answered, "I would be honored to help you in any way I can."
"Thank you, my dearly beloved." Vua softly acknowledged, just as he felt the Jedi start landing on their ships about a kilometer away from the village, as per the agreement with Last Alliance and the planet's governing body. Well, the time for farming and ruminating was over for now. Now, it was time to seek out the truth and prepare his people for the two brutal wars that were right upon the horizon.
Twelve Hours Later
Nelona 3rd, 59 ABY
Tulpaa, Northern Hemisphere
Near the Equator, Lehon Jungles
Having established a foothold right on the outskirts of the continent-wide jungles, the ten Last Alliance battalions that entered the ancient forests six hours earlier were understandably on edge. With their initial scans and Force senses clouded by the dense foliage and wary of their supposed allies' directions on navigating the treacherous landscape, it was only through the iron resolve of their leaders that many didn't flee back to their ships in cowardice.
Reports from Tulpaa's leaders came in, estimating up to fifty thousand of Abeloth's marauders waging a terror campaign in the planet's forests, with top priority given to clearing them out and protecting the area from enemy incursion. Apparently, the Rakata leaders had built several dozen storehouses to house dangerous technology, including over one hundred mind spears designed to house the worst of the Infinite Empire's criminals, and were the invaders' primary targets in this campaign. The only reason they hadn't been uncovered yet was due to their locations being a closely guarded secret by the elders and their direct subordinates, and each of the prisons' having automated and self-repairing defenses that secured their secrecy a while longer.
With all this in mind, the Last Alliance wasn't in the mood for dissent and cowardice now. Commanding the vanguard of this large army, Mirta Gev kept a tight watch over her men and a vigilant eye out for any potential problems from the terrain and whatever might be lurking within its boundless depths. As a Mandalorian who worked alongside both Jedi and Sith and commanded legions of soldiers from many different backgrounds, the sole granddaughter of Boba Fett found herself right in her element, even if her command staff could easily be taken out of something from a cheesy holofilm.
With such a dangerous mission and facing a terrifying enemy, this mission demanded only the best and most elite from the Last Alliance. And supporting Mirta as her unofficial lieutenants included Phasma, Soldier and Grace Tirall, Din Djarin and Mirta Gev, Captain Kreel, and Tesar Sebatyne. An odd mix of Jedi, ex-Sith, Aquilian Paladins, Mandalorians, and repurposed Imperial commandos, they held the combined experience and insight of well over a century of combat from many different wars, with them all united in the common goal of defeating the greatest evil they ever encountered.
And after traversing the vast jungles with no enemy contact, following the instructions the Rakata Resistance provided the Last Alliance to arrive at the rallying point, everyone was anxious for some form of civilization. But the nearby explosions that would wrack the area threw everyone off guard, which left them vulnerable to dozens of darts that downed anyone unfortunate enough to be grazed or pricked by whatever venom they were coated with.
Mirta, seeing what was happening here, immediately took command, "Light them up! We need to clear a path to the rendezvous point!" Her Mandalorians, using their flamethrowers to ignite a blaze in the trees and any nearby plants, quickly caught many Rakata on fire and made them scream in gruesome agony from their fiery deaths. The Aquilians and Phasma, each proficient in using many Sith-favored abilities, relied on a more precise approach by either unleashing a storm of lightning or telekinetic bursts against the concealed enemy, with every blast destroying several Ssi-Ruuk and Trandoshans.
Surprised at seeing the Ssi-Ruuk, former allies of the One Sith before the Last Alliance forced them to the sidelines, and Trandoshans, a predatorial reptilian race dedicated to hunting and worshiping Abeloth in her veiled form as their goddess, the Scorekeeper, both here, Mirta realized that the enemy had more surprises in store than anyone assumed.
Jedi, Aquilians, and Sith, each igniting their lightsabers to help repel this ambush, they barely avoided the destructive blast of energy that attacked them from the west, surprising everyone at this latest batch of attackers. Recognizing the ten tanned-skinned near-Humans as Vahla, Dark Side practitioners that also worshiped Abeloth in one of her many false deity guises, Mirta intuitively and immediately grasped how this ambush was about to become a bloody and brutal fight for survival.
Turning to Din and Kreel, Mirta ordered them both, "Send out a distress signal to orbital command! Priority Omega!"
Chiss Space, Csilla System
Aboard the Chiss Star Destroyer Striker
Deep within the bowels of this highly secure heavy cruiser, the personal warship of Kivu'raw'nuru, the final clone of infamous Chiss warlord Mitth'raw'nuruodo, was finalizing his studies and tailoring the ultimate plan in defeating and disarming the Knights of Olpaka. His exceptionally visionary and strategic mind, coupled with the intelligence provided by the Last Alliance's Olpakan Hegmeony defectors and the initial probes into the fractured territory's self-destructive infighting, had worked overtime for the last three weeks to create the retaliatory strategy against the more immediate danger to the galaxy. Uncovering how the anti-Force society had deployed weapons of mass destruction on seven of their known territories or outpost worlds, murdering all but a city's worth of each world's inhabitants, it only hardened the coalition's resolve to end this mad war before it spilled over into the known galaxy.
Learning from the humbled Olpakans of the divisions in their society on how to address their perceived "Force problem", Vurawn recognized that the best way to confront this misconception was through a hard dose of brutal truths. But how to apply this tactic, that was a conundrum that left the Last Alliance's High Command baffled for a time, until they were reminded of how the Jedi of the Old Republic often worked alongside the government's Mercy Corps to aid in front-line humanitarian work. From that ancient tactic, there laid the best chance at showing the Hegemony the folly of their ancient and pointless prejudice.
For obvious reasons, the Sith and most of their vassals would be strictly confined to surgical military strikes, and exceptionally precise ones under the proper oversight to avoid excessive casualties or collateral damage. But the Jedi, along with the peaceful allied Force sects allied with them, would work as ambassadors and healers for the beleaguered peoples of the Olpakan Hegemony and the victims of their escalating civil war. But knowing the core functions of the strategy would be useless without knowing its full intricacies.
Against the Olpakan military and its legions, equipped with battle armor the likes of which could easily rival the Mandalorian Supercommandos and with warships inspired by dozens of cultures throughout the dozens of millennia in recorded history, a more realistic approach was needed. Which was why dividing the Olpalan Hegemony and keeping them off-balance with a wide array of tactics and strategies would be crucial in defeating this atheistic society. No one person or group, no matter how well-experienced or capable they might be, could hope to stand against this evil alone. The leaders of each Last Alliance faction would need to set the example for the rest of their forces in cooperation and trust if the chance of triumph still existed.
Even so, that still left the immeasurably greater danger of Abeloth and her Servants of Chaos. Securely hidden within the Red Honeycomb Zone and protected by all manner of dark magics and unspeakable abominations, the Bringer of Chaos's disciples and their growing strength would soon burst out upon the galaxy just like a roaring volcano on a vulnerable island nation.
And the Force, a power that Grand Admiral Thrawn had often underestimated and failed to grasp with his keenly analytical mind before his death, was another problem altogether for his clone. Though Vurawn acknowledged how he had a more flexible outlook than his genetic progenitor and was able to see the galaxy differently than him, he still realized how such a viewpoint paled in comparison to an actual connection to this supernatural power. Which was why he would need to involve all the Force Users' leaders and their best advisors in formulating the best strategy for Abeloth.
The Jedi, Sith, Aquilian Paladins, Zeison Sha, Disciples of Twilight, Blackguard, Jensaarai, Order of Shasa, and so many others, all would be pivotal in negating Abeloth and her esoteric followers' treacherous plans. Remembering from Arhul Hextrophon's final and most consequential work how the fallen Bedlam Spirit Tilotny's last offspring operated, pitting the galaxy's denizens against each other while growing stronger from the shadows, Vurawn wholeheartedly realized and acknowledged how unity would be the key in attaining victory on this front. Hopefully, though, this cooperation would last after the dual threats were eradicated, for the galaxy deserved a respite from war and a chance to rediscover truths that had long been buried by the passage of time and the forces of darkness.
For now, this plan was in the embryonic stages. At present, the more immediate danger lay in the Olpakans, and to gain the advantage against them, it was time for the Last Alliance to employ several of their underused assets. Or to be more specific, perhaps it was time for the Esh-Kha that were rescued from their imprisonment on Batuu to start earning their keep and proving their worth against the lesser of the galaxy's dual threats.
Sending the Esh-Kha against the Olpakans was a dangerous gamble, Vurawn had to acknowledge, but desperate measures were absolutely needed here to save all that mattered. And if the writings uncovered about this remnant of the marauder race were genuine, then this army was of a more reasonable disposition than their mainstream society, instead rather like Hallow Voice who allied his faction with the Old Republic against the Sith Empire of Darth Vitiate. But there was only one way to accurately uncover the truth. And, quite frankly, the Last Alliance needed every strong fighter it could acquire to fight the Knights of Olpaka and Servants of Chaos, which meant now wasn't the time to be picky with its choices.
Hopefully enough of the Last Alliance's leadership would see enough sense in this strategy to enact it, but also ready to do what was right and rectify the situation if the plan backfired. Though Vurawn hoped the idea wouldn't need such drastic measures, it also never hurt to be prepared for all conceivable contingencies.
Suddenly receiving a message from one of his analyst droids, Vurwan reviewed the transmission and found himself troubled by the implications of what he read. It seemed that Abeloth had already utilized several of her religious worshippers in the Trandoshans and Vahla, having them and the Ssi-Ruuk work with her loyal Rakata in ambushing five legions of the Last Alliance's soldiers working in Tulpaa's massive jungles.
In that case, remembering all the Last Alliance read on the Esh-Kha and their versatility on virtually every kind of battlefield, perhaps it was prudent for a small trial run for this secret army before unleashing the entire horde on the enemy. Reviewing all reports from the allied Rakata and the scattered reports coming from Tulpaa, Vurawn figured that three thousand Esh-Kha, along with the typical reinforcements, would be sufficient to help turn the tide of this fight and give the coalition a chance to get back on their feet.
But before this plan was implemented, Vurawn figured it would be best to give Grand Master Katarn, Dread Lord Krayt, and the Rakatan Resistance a heads up on this impromptu strategy. He was not the same kind of leader Thrawn was, and the Chiss clone did not command the Last Alliance all on his own like his predecessor. Besides, if the Rakata misinterpreted the strategy as naked aggression, then all the coalition's work in uniting the galaxy would come undone.
Tulpaa, Southern Hemisphere
Skal'nas City
"Can you believe we're standing here, in such a rare and living part of history?" Korin Aphra rapturously breathed as the Last Alliance team was escorted throughout the planet's capital city, much to the bemusement and amusement of his teammates and daughter. "I never thought I'd be able to witness all these wonders in my many years of research, and I never guessed I'd see such redemption at work."
All around the delegation, each of its citizens were hard and diligent at work carrying out a specific task for the defense of their way of life. Whether it was by maintaining ancient defensive systems, delivering supplies to their clients, or by patrolling the streets for any signs of trouble, the city would be ready to meet the enemy when it returned. And making up this city's population were members of races that were once enslaved by the Rakata, ranging from humans, Selkath, Wookiees, and even a small number of Sith Purebloods among dozens of other species that now served as full-fledged citizens of this enlightened tribe alongside their original cruel overlords.
Chelli, although glad to see her father returning to his old self after years of being mentally enslaved to the One Sith, gently reminded Korin, "Dad, this isn't the time to go all archeological on us. We are in the middle of a war and here to attend a crucial meeting."
Silently chastising himself, Korin ruefully sighed, "Yes, you're right, Boop. There'll be time to unearth old treasures and make countless other discoveries later."
"Your daughter is correct, Doctor Aphra." The Rakata warrior who had escorted them here, who momentarily flashed an amused smirk upon hearing Korin's nickname for Chelli. "Our elders, they anxiously await your arrival, and so does our tribe's founder."
"Your tribe's 'founder?'" Tau cautiously repeated. "Are you implying what I think you are, and that one of your own is trapped in a Rakatan Mind Prison?"
"In a manner of speaking, but nothing so nefarious as you insinuate." The lead Rakata alluded. "But all your questions will be answered once we arrive at the Temple of Ruthic, where the elders wait for you."
"And what happens when we meet your elders?" Tyria inquired. "What exactly do you want from us?"
"Nothing evil or even deceitful, Master Sarkin-Tainer, but you will soon understand the power this tribe holds, and how none of it mustn't fall into any wicked hands ever again." One of the Sith Pureblood escorts simply elaborated. "Now come. We are almost at our destination, and time is short."
"Once we conclude this meeting, you will help unleash the full power of our people, and we will do what our tribe has prepared eons for."
'Yeah, nothing nefarious going on here.' Allana bitterly thought, wishing she was anywhere else right now before everyone sensed a dark presence loom over the city. Though both were far more familiar in its taint, the signature all the same worried all at how Darth Krayt sent two of his most trusted and powerful subordinates down here while so many battles continued to rage across the Unknown Regions.
Vestara, more familiar with both of whom were approaching, warned the guide, "I guess Krayt's figured out our ruse and is sending one of his best, Takaris Yur, here to investigate, along with Sorzus."
Takaris Yur, now that was a name everyone present was quite familiar with. The last surviving High Lord of the Lost Tribe of the Sith, a particularly unambitious man who only wished the best for his students, he was a rare case for the Jedi to encounter. He had long served the Dark Side capably and honorably, a fleeting combination for anyone who followed the Sith's twisted code, but his pragmatism and strong instructional abilities ensured his survival by pledging his life to the One Sith, just as Vestara once had. If he was sent here now, then matters were about to get incredibly complicated for the Last Alliance. And combined with Sorzus, the Chagrian Sith Lady who oversaw Edaan Palpatine's cybernetic conversion and brainwashing, outright refusing the duo would only create many new problems for the war effort.
"Then this may be a good opportunity to convince two more members of the One Sith into seeking a more enlightened path to serving the Force." Seeing the annoyed stares everyone gave him, the aged Rakata guide quickly amended his previous statement, "But only after I complete my task and the city's denizens do what we can to delay these Sith Lords' inquiries while we prepare to render the necessary aid to your beleaguered forces."
"Be especially circumspect with them." Tau earnestly warned. "Outright refusal would be detrimental to us all, but giving away too much information could be equally damaging to your people and the galaxy."
"I don't think anyone here needs to remind the Rakata of the follies of carelessness and treachery, Tau." Chelli gently chastised her friend as the group neared the city's center, where a temple reminiscent of architecture found on Lehon after the Jedi Civil War subsided. And within this sanctum, all the Jedi could sense an ancient entity residing somewhere inside, a power that rivaled each of them in power and surpassed them all in wisdom.
Whoever awaited the Last Alliance's unofficial delegation, everyone prayed that they were a friendly bunch, but was prepared to fight their way to freedom if necessary.
Well, I'd say this chapter is complete! I hope you all enjoyed it, as it took me about four days to write, and it was a good labor of love. So, how are you all doing on this warm afternoon of Friday, October 6, 2023? I'm well, but I need to let you know a few things before I write any further. Starting today, I won't be able to write as much as I'd like, as I'll have to prepare for a possible internship I'm waiting to hear back from, and that means relearning some old computer skills, which will take up a good chunk of my time every day. And I'm going to help my parents out with some personal projects over the next few weeks to a couple or few months, so I'll be quite busy. I'll try and write when I can, but I need to put these matters ahead of everything else, so I hope you understand. I hope you all enjoy this chapter, as the next one will be Part 2 of my Kesh Interlude. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!