Good evening, everyone! How are you doing on this fine and warm night of Monday, October 30, 2023? I'm all right, if a bit worn out from work today, but I get to relax a few hours before I go to bed and repeat the cycle for the next three days. And I plan to read a bit the next few days before I attend a big concert in the big city later this week. I tell you, it's going to be a spectacular night with three major Christian pop artists in one place, I'm so ecstatic! In other news, I'm going to get more involved in the Catholic Church, especially the Knights of Columbus to deepen my faith and make a greater impact on the world. This means I won't be able to write a bit, but I'll continue doing so wherever and whenever I can. Well, with all this out of the way, I'd best get started on the chapter, as it won't write itself. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
Nelona 8th, 59 ABY
Unknown Regions, Deep Space
Aboard the Pius Dea Cathedral Warship Eradication
Sensing the enemy finally start approaching his position, Drear prepared to enact his last stand and make the Last Alliance regret interfering in his mistress's holy work. The High Sorcerer of Rhand, a Nagai warlord who was tasked with leading the attacks on the Last Alliance's humanitarian efforts to sow chaos and capture more followers and test subjects for Abeloth's experiments, he could hardly believe how rapidly his operations had deteriorated.
After striking with near impunity across Chiss-allied Space and securing many vital assets for the Servants of Chaos's war effort, Drear found himself ambushed by a joint Jedi-Chiss-Sith fleet, quickly encircling his fleet, and decisively laying waste to all that refused the terms of unconditional surrender. The Nagai war leader and his followers fought ferociously for more than twelve hours, but they found themselves systematically destroyed or captured by their more numerous enemies.
It seemed the Jedi and Sith had taken a great interest in Abeloth's recruitment drive and sent their leaders to direct some of their best to nip this growing menace in the bud. If the situation wasn't so dire, Drear would have laughed at the absurdity of these desperate straits, especially since Jedi Grand Master Kyle Katarn and Darth Krayt were lead the Last Alliance's boarding parties on the Rhandite's command ship. Learning of how they had led the small army to disable this ancient relic of a warship, with the Jedi and Sith strike teams working in near-perfect tandem to shut down key points and isolate or decimate their more numerous adversaries, he was prepared to personally enter the fray before his fleet began surrendering in large sections. He couldn't even punish the insolent cowards for their treason because he found his command over the Dark weakened from the constant interference of several Jedi and other weak-willed Force Users.
Seeing the two red lightsabers starting to cut through the three-layered doors, Drear recognized who might very well be his executioner instead of jailer and welcomed the chance to eliminate the Dread Lord of the One Sith. Pulling out his archaic blade, blessed with many eldritch rituals passed down over the generations, he knew this would be his last and greatest battle of all time. And he would relish every second of it before he met his infamous end.
The lightsabers completing their work, the cut-open door was blown apart by a blast of telekinetic energy, the shards bursting in all directions and lodging themselves several unprepared guards, killing three of them immediately at their unfortunate location. Drear was quick enough to block the worst of the preliminary attack, aside from a few cuts across his face and sides, but he was wholly unprepared for what came next.
"Surrender or die. Decide now." A man's strong and aged voice boomed through the command bridge. After a moment of confusion, the speaker stepped forward, revealing both Darth Krayt and the surprise appearance of Kyle Katarn, with the latter ordering, "Give up. You can't win here."
Sickened at the pathetic display just as seven more Jedi, three Sith, and twenty Chiss commandos appeared, Drear gripped his blade's hilt tight enough to almost draw blood, and commanded his followers, "Kill them all!"
Engaging the Jedi-Sith team, the Rhandite Sorcerers began to utilize a combination of short- and long-range attacks, bolstered by their gunmen using slugthrowers to keep the enemy off-balance and cut two Jedi and three Chiss down. But the Servants of Chaos suffered many more losses of their own from the well-placed sniper shots and Sith lightning blasts, forcing them to lost precious cover and have more of their followers get cut down.
Drear, meanwhile, was fending off a joint assault from both Kyle and Krayt, the two enemies-turned-allies perfectly coordinating their attacks and defenses. When one was down or monetarily vulnerable, the other maintained the duel to protect the other, allowing the two humans to steadily gain ground against their single adversary. Probing their minds to try and find any weaknesses or cracks in their alliance, he only found cold and strong resolve from them both and began to see just how outmatched he was against their combined experience and might. Barely able to get a few good blows in with his dual weapons, he knew he couldn't take them both, but he refused to surrender and betray his creed like Roland had.
But the doubts Drear had were only increasing in volume, every defensive measure he made became harder to perform, the weight of his sacred blade getting heavier with every passing second. What was happening to the great warrior?!
Suddenly, just as Drear found his footing cut out from beneath him, the searing pain of a blaster shot going right through his right ankle and the voices ceased as he dropped onto his good knee. How could he have been so inept as to let himself fall prey to the Jedi's weak art of Battle Meditation?! And what happened to the rest of his followers?
Working through the pain, feeding off it to power his final attack, Drear prepared to destroy everyone on the bridge before he found his connection to the Dark completely and suddenly severed. He couldn't feel anything but the agony of his wounds and was prepared to take his own life to avoid capture before he saw the familiar light of stun bolts fly right towards him, oblivion immediately following.
Kyle, deeply panting while seeing the handful of surrendering Rhandites and their unconscious leader being secured for incarceration and interrogation, realized just how old he was getting. And from the heavy breaths he heard from the nearby Dread Lord, it seemed Krayt was just about as exhausted as he was from facing this formidable foe. Contacting the Cal Omas, the Jedi Grand Master spoke into his comlink, "The bridge is secured, and we're prepared to extract fifteen high-value prisoners."
"Very good, Grand Master Katarn." Kral acknowledged. "We'll work on rescue and repair and get out of here with all our prizes before anyone's any the wiser."
"That's assuming Abeloth isn't aware of these losses." Krayt cautioned the Galactic Alliance vice admiral. "Still, we've accomplished a decent victory here today. It's something to be quite proud of."
"On that, we can all completely agree." Kyle concurred. "But on that note, we'd best save the briefing for after we're out of here." Closing the comlink, he politely commended Krayt, "Your people performed well today, given our recent arrangements."
"As did yours, minor casualties notwithstanding." Krayt returned the gesture with a minor slight before hoisting the bound Drear over his shoulder and began carrying him to the hangar for extraction. Before departing, he warned Kyle, "You'd best get the cuts Drear inflicted on you examined by your best healers, just to be on the safe side. I'll be doing the same once we exit the system."
Tulpaa
Skal'nas City
"Credit for your thoughts, High General?" Adj'ast inquisitively asked a distant Yiv as the leaders of their respective peoples oversaw the Rakatan warships take off to the skies to defend their civilization from the planet's central command.
Curiously eyeing the Predor-Governor, Yiv noted, "I was unaware you were familiar with that metaphor."
"We've overseen the galaxy's activities for millennia, my honored guest. And that includes learning of the endless cycles of trends and slang its denizens come up with every few years." Adj'ast amusingly reminded Yiv before sympathetically saying, "You worry for your people's future in the changing galaxy and if your allegiance to the One Sith was rightly placed."
Face not betraying any conflict or surprise, Yiv softly sighed before he bitterly muttered, "And here I thought your people lost your connection to the Force."
"We did. But I know that type of despondency and soul searching all too well." Adj'ast clarified, not at all phased by the insult. Instead, he generously offered Yiv, "Why don't I get you a drink, non-alcoholic, of course, and we can talk? I might be able to give you a few wise words of counsel on helping you through this dilemma."
Suspiciously glaring at Adj'ast, Yiv tried to figure out any possible duplicity or ulterior motives before he relented, figuring he could contribute more for the war effort after a brief break from his ambassador duties. And he was rather parched from two days of near-nonstop coordinating the One Sith's naval efforts along with Lady Irola and the Alliance of Light. "Very well, I'll accompany you for this discussion. Just make sure this beverage of yours doesn't take too long to make. We do have a war progressing right before us."
"Oh, that won't be necessary." Adj'ast pointed out, pressing a button on his gauntlet. "It's a great delicacy of our tribe and we keep a healthy supply in all our government buildings. One of my droids will fetch two for us in a few minutes."
"In the meantime, we are going to talk." Adj'ast reminded Yiv. "I understand what you and your fellow Nikardun are enduring right now, better than most of your people and allies realize."
Warily eyeing the Rakata leader, Yiv warned, "I hope this isn't a heartfelt plea to make me see how my people, no matter how deeply humiliated they are by our allies, are still lightyears better off than yours, or that my devotion to the One Sith and each of our warmongering ways is a path to self-destruction."
"It seems like you've already thought through much of what I want to say." Adj'ast noted. "It means you already have begun to see the fundamental nature of this galaxy."
Before Yiv could protest again, Adj'ast chuckled, "And it does sound completely sentimental and nonsensical, I agree. But it doesn't remove the fact that there is much truth in that simple outlook."
"Look at what's happened to the galaxy throughout all of history. On every world one might travel, there is corruption and injustice somewhere, and the dangers we fear so much often come about through giving into fear and succumbing to some manner of temptation. And the cycle keeps on repeating itself, and will continue to until the end of time."
"I know how the predecessor to your Nikardun Dynasty came about, being manipulated by the Grysk to wage war on the Chiss before they were stopped by Thrawn and his allies before they too were destroyed by him, and your people spent decades recovering. It was only after your grandfather was rescued from his exile and you rebuilt your empire, only to be stopped again by his clone and supporters."
"Is there a point to all this, Predor-Governor?" Yiv irritably grumbled. "I don't need to be reminded yet again of my people's failures or gullibility by greater powers."
"Well, clearly you do since you want to have this conversation and help your people reestablish themselves." Adj'ast patiently pointed out. "But maybe you can do that without making the same mistakes as your grandfather or choosing the wrong allies. Perhaps all you need is a new perspective on regaining one's honor and dignity in a hostile galaxy."
"And you think the Jedi and Chiss would give us that after our alliance with the Sith?" Yiv dejectedly rebuffed. "I'm one of Krayt's top generals, and when the threats of Abeloth and the Olpakans are destroyed, the war between us will resume and one side will inevitably fall."
"Now who is the one talking in mere hypotheticals?" Adj'ast conspiratorially reminded Yiv before softly cautioning him, "I would be careful of who you say that to, for your own safety."
Getting serious again, Adj'ast urged Yiv, "Don't lose hope in redemption for your people, High General. I am sure help will come to you if you only think to ask. It may not have to come from the Sith or Jedi."
Beginning to grasp the hidden meaning behind Adj'ast's plea, Yiv momentarily contemplated throttling the Rakata before he considered his words. Just like the original Yiv nearly eight decades ago, he had fallen for the silken words and great promises of terrifyingly powerful manipulators. But just like the Nikardun Destiny, the Nikardun Dynasty had fallen, with only a diminishing remnant free to continue their warmongering cause while the rest languished in the Chiss's unwelcome care. And the One Sith seemed unable to keep any promises with their Grand Design falling apart before everyone's eyes.
If Yiv wanted to redeem his people and make them a great society again, he would have to consider ulterior methods, ways he would have dismissed as mad ravings a mere five months ago. And perhaps the Rakata and some more unconventional allies, he might find a way to uplift the Nikardun without dooming them to either obscurity or extinction. But to do that, he would need to talk to people that understood his dilemma and could help his followers extract themselves from the terrible mess they found themselves entangled in. And how fortunate that there were a few possible emissaries he could reach out to, if only they could believe what he would soon utter.
Swallowing his pride, Yiv quietly asked Adj'ast, "Do what you can, but could you ask Jedi Palpatine and Khai if I can speak with them and your priests at their earliest convenience. Tell them I wish to discuss the possibility of a mutually beneficial arrangement for all our peoples."
He could hardly believe he was about to do this, and he somehow knew that his treason would get him killed. But if his efforts could save his people and help them reinvent and restore themselves as a truly great society, then whatever sacrifices he'd make would all be worth it.
Olpakan Hegemony
Deep Space
Aboard the Errant Venture
Feverishly at work intercepting, decoding, and compiling dozens of transmissions from hundreds of Olpakan signals over the last twenty hours, Armand and Valin were finally ready to hand their reports over to Mirax and crash into both their cabins for a long and fitful sleep. After the last seven days of hard work and failing to locate Armand's demented mother, they would both be glad to get a slight reprieve from this mad mission before returning to their duties and carrying on these two apocalyptic wars.
Knowing how the Errant Venture and its fleet escort was forced to destroy six Olpakan patrols that strayed too close to three of their strategic hideaways for listening in on enemy communications throughout the week, it was time for everyone to withdraw and assess this situation before making its next move. From the carnage wrought by the Olpakan's ongoing civil war and the rising threat of Abeloth, it was decided that the Last Alliance would withdraw all but five of their fleets and utilize quieter means of undermining the Knights of Olpaka with their insertion teams. Armand only hoped that this decision would not jeopardize the Last Alliance and lead to greater negative repercussions by giving the anti-Force organization plenty of breathing room. And Valin desperately prayed that Daala wouldn't escape or enable any countermeasures she might have to wreak her terrible vengeance on the wounded galaxy.
Honestly, Armand would enjoy getting a few days of rest after escaping this den of self-destruction and blind bigotry while catching up with his wife and daughter and learning how the Empire was rebuilding. Force willing, he'd soon get the chance to see them in person, if only to remind himself of what and who he was fighting for in this fallen galaxy and what he hoped to build with them after these two mighty evils were defeated. Valin, on the other hand, would likely throw himself back into the fray of war and help the Last Alliance wage war on Abeloth and her dark armies. After how she took away a year of his life through her Force-induced psychosis and turned him and his late sister against all their loved ones, he would relish the chance for a bit of payback on both their behalf.
Near the final turbolift towards the crimson-painted Star Destroyer's bridge after passing various repurposed leisure dens and military outposts on the entrepreneur's flagship, both men heard the ship's proximity alarms blare to life. The activity quickly accelerated with everyone preparing the warship for battle, Armand picked up the pace on reaching the command center. After entering the turbolift, he let out a weary sigh and nearly fell to the ground from overwhelming fatigue, Valin struggling to get him back up and utterly failing from his similar tiredness.
Before Armand could force himself to stand, Mirax's voice came through the Errant Venture's intercoms, ordering everyone, "All hands, enact all preparations for hyperspace. We jump in thirty minutes." Mere moments after the command were given, she contacted two agents just as the turbolift opened, "Be at the bridge in five minutes. There's more going on that I have to tell you in person."
Taking the comlink from Armand, Valin answered, "We just arrived." Helping his friend make it to the command center, he handed Mirax their shared reports, "It's everything we've deciphered and analyzed of the Olpakans' codes and transmissions. Now, what's going on?"
"Take a look outside." Mirax simply began, turning to the viewport before both Armand and Valin could see the Olpakan fleet hovering before them, ten of their warships aiming at least half their emplacements at the Last Alliance. But to both their confusion, the remaining ten were engaged in patrolling actions meant to protect their sides from a flanking maneuver.
Before either could voice their disbelief, Mirax beat them to it, "These are the Olpakan rebels we've heard so much about, and we've been ordered to follow this fleet to their supposed rendezvous point. They're offering us a chance to meet with their leadership and forge a full-fledged alliance between them and the Last Alliance if we agree to meet with them."
"What's the catch?" Valin guessed, knowing there had to be a hidden meaning behind this miraculous turn of events.
"Not like you think, but they're definitely a lot of trouble." Mirax clarified. "They bear a message from General Antilles, and they're all in a dire situation right now." Elaborating, she explained, "Rogue Squadron found the rebels' command center under siege two days ago by Daala's followers, and they've been doing what they can to mitigate their losses and buy them time. Since then, Wedge and as many non-Force User allies he can gather have been fighting their way towards their position, and we've been ordered to assist them, any way we can."
"How many people did General Antilles recruit for this lead?" Armand exhaustively asked.
"Generals Orellios, A'bhat, the Mandalorians, Chiss, and every Rogues Gallery ship under his command." Mirax answered, before ordering them, "Report back here in twelve hours. I'll need both your minds sharp and rested for helping us navigate through this treacherous landscape we're about to enter."
"Yes, Ma'am." Armand saluted Mirax, while Valin respectfully nodded, before they prepared to fall head-first into their beds and rest their fatigued minds, all while she struggled to figure out how to best direct their anger at Daala. She knew both men would both be eager for blood soon after they were rejuvenated, and they would stop at nothing to make the rogue warlord pay for all her atrocities, official and personal. It was a sentiment she herself agreed with, but experience and duty won out over personal vengeance, and she steeled herself to do what was necessary and right to end the fanatic's terrible anti-Force crusade without losing her soul in the process. She only hoped that her son and her right-hand man would both recognize that cold truth when the moment came, and they didn't become the very evil that they had been fighting so hard to destroy.
Rakatan Archipelago Outskirts
Aboard the Executor-class Star Dreadnought Megador
"I hope we have enough ships and people to give us the edge all the way out here. We're staking a lot everywhere on this gambit of yours, especially since we're also expending much on dealing with the Olpakans in their domain." Turr Phennir grimly noted to the architects of this daring strategy.
"It's not the number of ships we should be worried about against Abeloth, Phennir, but who's fighting on her behalf." Julius reminded the Confederation Supreme Commander. Turning to Nek Bwua'tu and Vurawn, the other military minds who devised the plan to liberate the Rakatan Archipelago, its people, and its vast war capabilities. "All is in readiness to begin the assault on your orders, at both your word."
"Don't wait for me, I'm not the one who's commanding this operation." Vurawn joked before getting serious and advising Nek, "Proceed at your discretion."
"Very good." Nek complied, before a transmission broke through the talks, and Kara was visual to all.
"Sorry, I know I'm not assigned to this detachment, but my people received a breakthrough that you need to know before you begin the attack." The Aporthad rear admiral quickly began. "Seems Abeloth's people have been busy laying a sector's worth of traps and ambushes for you all, and Lady Irola's soldiers have been identifying or disarming all of them they can. They've laid out an extensive map of every known ambush site they've identified."
Swapping the hologram to a map of the Rakatan Archipelago, Kara allowed her superiors to examine the deep space terrain and the dangers that were about to befall them all. Across nearly all hyperspace routes around the seven inhabited planets, Abeloth's acolytes had established a near-complete interdiction, with well over eight thousand mines laid, ready to pounce upon any unsuspecting victims. Their payload was unknown, but the weapons' design was recognized as proximity mines, which meant that if they were triggered, they would detonate and scatter their weapons in all directions and inflict damage indiscriminately. And according to Irola's agents, her people had located and deactivated at least fifteen hundred of those bombs, eliminated seventeen minelayers, and identified three fleets worth of her followers' lying in wait to reestablish the cordon.
Dumbfounded beyond comprehension, Vurawn, in a rare display of anger, addressed Kara, "How, by the Force, did we miss the creation of this cordon? When did Irola uncover this?"
"She didn't." Kara shook her head. "The Rakata from Tulpaa forwarded us all this information, and they've been guiding Irola's people. They are also offering to work with us in ambushing a trap for the Bothans and Rhandites."
"As for how the Servants of Chaos accomplished this, try to remember that they possess Force capabilities and technology that are often beyond our current limits, especially now that their mistress is back to leading them."
Remembering how most of the Confederation's Bothan fighters and ships had defected to Abeloth's flock in retribution over the Last Alliance's pact with the Yuuzhan Vong, their genocidal vow still in effect in many of their people's circles, Vurwan asked Nek, "Can you truly wage a war against your own race, Bwua'tu?" Before he could protest, the Chiss clone reminded him, "I know of your vow of krevi to the Galactic Alliance, and how it makes you put loyalty to the institution over your own people. You certainly proved that devotion when your people joined the Confederation and waged war on the government you swore your allegiance to."
"But this war, it won't be anything like any we've ever experienced before. The Bothans that killed Admiral Kre'fey, they will need to be stopped before the madness they've embraced will condemn the whole galaxy. And it will have repercussions on countless cultures none of us will fully understand for decades to come, likely even centuries."
"A difficult question to answer, Vurwan." Nek distantly acknowledged, "I know many good souls who could very well succumb to Abeloth's poisonous words, and many of them are in fact Bothans. And many more races and cultures are vulnerable to her vile influence." Clenching his fists in a rare display of emotion, he angrily said, "There are few things I would like more than to wipe her terrible stain off this plane of existence."
"But like you said, this war won't be unlike anything we've fought before, with aftereffects that will reverberate through all for many years to come." Nek solemnly reminded himself. "And to beat Abeloth, we're going to need to think and fight like none have in eons. And the oath I made, it will matter even more to those that will be born, to remind them of honor and loyalty in a galaxy that came so close to losing all we cherish."
Breathing out his anxiety and anger, Nek resolutely promised, "I'll do what needs to be done, and live with the consequences afterwards, just like every other warrior that's existed throughout all of time."
Nodding in satisfaction, Vurawn ordered Kara, "Reach out to the Tulpaa tribe and inform them of our eagerness to working with them." Seeing the rear admiral nod, the Last Alliance triumvir asked Turr, "I need you to reach out to Grand Master Katarn and Darth Krayt. Have them bring as many of their best as they can for what we're about to do."
"If we're going to turn this trap to our advantage, we'll need every able-bodied mind we can muster." Vurwan admitted, a hint of a vicious smile crossing his face, unsettling everyone present with the clone's uncharacteristic display of eagerness.
Nelona 9th, 59 ABY
Deep Space, Unknown Regions
Within the Twilight Void
Aboard the Alchemy
"Your agents have fully verified this intelligence?" Daala, barely able to contain her rising fury, tested Cylo-V.
"Of course, Natasi." Cylo-V calmly assured her. "I personally triple-checked all the data before I relayed it to you. The Last Alliance has arrived and is working with the traitors to dismantle our intended destruction of the latter."
"And they willingly accepted the aid of the Jedi and Sith?" Daala incredulously asked, unable to comprehend what she was suggesting.
"No, they're much smarter than that. This force is being led by General Antilles and many of his fellow veterans. If there are any Force Users among their fleets, they're likely among the auxiliary guards or healers." Cylo-V clarified before turning to glance at the enemy force.
Composed of well over one hundred warships of Rogues' Gallery, Dornean, Lira San, Mandalorian, Chiss, and several independent powers, the Last Alliance armada, arriving at the battlefield not even three hours ago, reached out to the Olpakan traitors to offer their aid in this crucial juncture. After reluctantly accepting the gesture, the deserters quickly counterattacked and were working to eliminate the fleets Daala sent to eradicate them. Already, her forces had lost nearly a quarter of their fighting strength and were preparing to withdraw from the battlefield before they lost anyone else.
"There is more." Cylo-V anxiously continued. "The Rakata of the Tulpaa tribe, they are fully cooperating with the Last Alliance in fighting Abeloth and redeeming their fallen society. It won't be long before the Makatak Tribe makes its move and takes its five feral sister worlds with it to oblivion."
"Leave the Rakatan Archipelago to me." Daala seethed. "I will soon deal with the traitors, the Last Alliance, and Servants of Chaos and uproot this madness before it can destroy our plans."
"And just how do you plan to eliminate all these dangers?" Cylo-V neutrally asked, keeping the derision and sarcasm clear of his voice at hearing the sheer hatred and borderline madness in Daala's promise. But seeing the manic gleam in her eyes, coupled with the knowing gaze, he realized what she meant, and tried to talk her down. "You can't mean-"
"I do." Daala interrupted. "It's time to stop holding back on our foes and eliminate this problem by the roots. Destroying a few worlds and systems is inconsequential to restoring order on millions more."
"The Council will never agree with using those bioweapons and Resonance Torpedoes. Our orders-" Cylo-V attempted, only for Daala to interject again.
"Then kriff our orders and the Council." Daala maniacally cursed. "It's time we take matters into our own hands again instead of letting the weak hold us back. First I'll deal with the traitors and then we'll take on the rest of our enemies."
Seeing the madness grip Daala, Cylo-V wondered if Abeloth had influenced her just as she had with several Sith before realizing that she didn't have to do anything to push the would-be warlord over the edge. Realizing he would have to accelerate and modify his own plans accordingly, he calmly answered, "Then whatever you need from me is yours. I'll keep the Council in the dark as long as I can until your work is done."
'And all the while, I'll be doing what I can to stop your madness from devouring the galaxy and preparing to lead the galaxy into a true golden age.' Cylo-V answered, knowing just who to contact as a start to undo Daala's depravities. And who better to defeat the madwoman than her own sane son and those he considered friends? The irony was as tragic as it was fitting for the rogue scientist.
Tulpaa Stratosphere
Aboard Ship
"Tell me what you see." Sorzus irritably told the sentient vessel that was temporarily serving as her command ship on loan by Vestara, a gracious gesture that made the Chagrian Sith boil in contempt.
"Many old murmurs in the Force, those that are far darker and stronger than any the Sith of this era could generate." Ship warned Sorzus with an undertone of anxiousness unfamiliar with her. Clearly, the traitorous Jedi harlot's influence was seeping into the ancient construct of darkness.
After being pushed to the sidelines by that Kesh-born Sith weakling Takaris, High General Yiv, and the Jedi into helping patrol Tulpaa's defenses while they handled the more delicate negotiations between the One Sith and free Rakata, she longed to return to the front lines. Or, at the very least, do more to contribute to the cause. While her father and virtually every other Sith was performing a vital task for Lord Krayt and the Grand Design, she was the intensely burning up with the desire to do anything of genuine use. Her disposition certainly wasn't helped by the reluctant and limited help given to her by the treasonous Sith Meditation Sphere that helped her while being her mode of transportation across this majestic world.
"It seems Abeloth is rallying more servants to her cause." Ship broke into Sorzus's thoughts, with the manmade being elaborating, "The criminals the Rakata held, they are calling to her as they are being released from their ancient prisons. And she is sending many of her followers to answer the summons. Though how many or who may be among them, I cannot yet determine."
'Great, more dire warnings.' Sorzus bitterly lamented before she felt a spine tingling call emanate through the Force. It was not the same as those her father had instructed her in, nor was it like those of the insipid Jedi. This was far more ancient and terrifying in terms of power and darkness, and it helped her remember why she was asked to undertake this task. If Ship feared whoever Abeloth was sending to retake this sector, then she ought to take this task more seriously, even if it was a traitor to the Sith, just like his only friend in Vestara Khai.
"There is another matter, one more immediate danger that is fast approaching." Ship alerted Sorzus. "I sense another familiar evil soul, one that is scarred by her defeats and driven mad by her lust for power and vengeance. She is sending forces here to raze all who stand in her people's path."
A woman marred by failure and hatred; It could only be Daala and her confederates in the Olpakans. Why did that fanatic have to keep coming back from obscurity and endanger so many with her endless vendettas? How was it so hard to put her down for good like the rabid akk dog she was? Well, the Last Alliance would just have to personally dispose of her before she could do any more damage to this battered galaxy. It wouldn't do any good to save it from an actual demoness only to lose to another deranged competitor for galactic domination.
Well, I'd say this is a satisfying place to end the chapter! What did you all think of this one? I hope I made everything believable enough and kept the plot moving and engaging, as I worry about that among other elements of my storytelling. So, how are you all doing on this cold night of Saturday, November 4, 2023? I'm all right if a bit tired from volunteering and yard work today. But at least we get an extra hour of sleep tonight, which is a blessing in these troubled times. I went to the three-band concert two days ago, on the 12th anniversary of my grandfather's passing, and it was spectacular. I was a little sad over my grandfather, of course, but I had a wonderful time with my mother at the concert. And I had a decent four days working at my part-time job, which is a good feeling to have. Oh, and I'm going to read more of Supernatural Encounters after I publish this chapter, which will be a great read. Well, I suppose I've said all I need to tonight. I'll look over this chapter quickly and get to reading. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!