Good evening, everyone! How are you all doing on this cold Thursday, December 7, 2023? I'm okay, if a bit tired since it's almost time for bed. But I figured I'd get started on this piece, as I haven't written very much over the last few days, and I want to get a couple more chapters done before the year is over. And I'm almost done with the autobiography on Israel's current Prime Minister, only about 40 pages left in it before I can start on other books. But the world really needs a healthy dose of sanity right about now, let me tell you. God willing, people will come to their senses and promote fellowship and healing rather than such hatred and division. But I doubt it with this mad climate we now have. In other news, I'm still waiting to receive a bit of feedback for my previous three chapters, but I hope to get word in a few days. Well, with all my ranting done for the time being, I'd best get started on the substance of this work. May the Lord be with us all in these increasingly Dark Times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
Nelona 13th, 59 ABY
Tulpaa Surface, Lehon Jungles
Five Kilometers North of Skal'nas City
Hearing the distant explosion off in the distance, Tor recognized the general area of the blast and realized that escaping this enemy fortress world would have to wait that much longer now that the Tython's Ashes was now destroyed. Of course, that was if the Servants of Chaos could continue withstanding the blaze that was swiftly spreading and devouring Tulpaa's ancient and deep foliage.
After the Last Alliance launched a twelve-hour orbital bombardment to try and flush out their enemies, all of Tor's and his followers' efforts had been focused on staying alive until reinforcements arrived. Facing off against hundreds of predators, guardian droids, and the regular bombing runs by Rakaan and Last Alliance starfighters since landing on this ancient bastion world, the ever-shrinking crew was quickly running out of room to maneuver, which meant the ancient Grysk would need to take drastic measure to fight another day.
And even though Abeloth's new allies had arrived in the Rakata of the Makatak Tribe and their mighty fleet, their still-more numerous enemies just wouldn't give up the planet until they had completed their evacuation. When put up against their superior rivals and their more experienced and well-equipped benefactors, the Servants of Chaos's armada was still outmatched.
With Jedi and Sith reinforcements pouring in to buy time for the planet to evacuate its entire population, from fighter wings to capital ships, Tor knew that they lacked the experience and power to stand up to their enemies. No matter how much power Abeloth's new allies, and whoever else was now serving her, possessed such an immense hunger for combat, power, and strength in the Force that were on their way here, it surely would not be enough to break their foes' defensive lines.
Under normal circumstances, the Grysk sage would've been amused by their tenacity and sought a way to undermine such determination and draw more souls towards his ultimate cause. But right now, Tor knew that everyone in the Rakatan Archipelago was on a quickly vanishing timetable with the Knights of Olpaka and Natasi Daala's genocidal plans for the region.
Thanks to Commander Hask and his intimate knowledge of the Olpakans' capabilities and comm frequencies, all the Servants knew that the secular force under Daala's command was carrying an unrefined form of the notorious FG36 nanovirus. Used by the Galactic Empire to exterminate the populations of many rebellious worlds, originally made as a contingency against the Grand Army of the Republic if its soldiers refused to carry out Darth Sidious's plans, eventually perfected and used to terrible effect in the Second Galactic Civil War, the pathogen would destroy all life on any world. Only now, the Olpakans were trying to wipe out all their opponents in one fell swoop and were unconcerned about collateral damage.
Obviously, Daala was getting exponentially desperate if she was willing to wipe out all life on seven inhabited worlds as a quick solution. The only problem was that such a gambit actually might work this time. The only line of defense that stood in her way were a wing of Sith and Jedi fighters and a dozen capital ships that were keeping her people in disarray. But when the Hegemony learnt that their original plan was falling awry, they would send an overwhelming force to finish the job with much deadlier weapons, and the Servants of Chaos either had to be long gone from the galactic region before they arrived, or so secure in their power that any direct assault would be impossible.
'Do not fear, my servant. Help is on the way, and it is closer, cleverer, and stronger than you might believe.' Abeloth's soothing voice echoed through Tor's skull before vanishing as quickly as it appeared, filling her oldest ally with eager anticipation and relief over the impending carnage about to befall the Olpakans and Last Alliance. Realizing what she inferred, sensing the onslaught of enhanced marauders and their new benefactor about to launch their onslaught against their enemies, he knew the time to move had arrived.
Recalling his ten remaining followers out of the original twenty-five, including Keldo, Gideon, and Aurra, Tor telepathically ordered them, "It's time for us to take our leave of this blasted inferno. We'll make for the planet's capital city and then steal a shuttle to achieve our original objective." To his relief, no one protested the seemingly insubordinate orders, everyone obviously sensing their inbound allies and ready to escape the blazing fires nearing them all.
If Tor could manage to kill both Tau or Krayt, or just even one of them, along with the spirits they were playing host for, then the Father of Shadows would have nothing to fear from his paltry opposition and could dominate the galaxy at his own pace once the final few seals on his prison were broken. And then, the final war for all creation could at last begin. Otherwise, that day of ultimate triumph would have to wait a little longer, and he would have to find a different prize to placate his client's wrath.
But then again, going up against a city of Force strong defenders and an army's worth of droids and soldiers was a tall order, especially for an old and frail sorcerer as Tor was. And as the war between the Last Alliance and Servants of Chaos continued raging, the buildup of arms would be just as crucial as eliminating the galaxy's key defenders, with few prizes rivaling that of the Star Forge that lay virtually undefended midway across the Tulpaa System. The carnage the facility could create would be crucial for when it fell under the True Sith Empire's control and their masters were freed.
Just then, his chosen target decided, Tor could sense an overwhelming influx of energy burst onto the scene, with such a vibrant life force emerging into the system and announcing itself to all that could touch the Force. The echoes of such a power arriving so suddenly nearly gave the Grysk and his fellow Force users severe vertigo before he regained his footing and shielded his followers from the worst of the new arrival's effects.
Never feeling such an omnipotent presence like this before, Tor struggled to comprehend who had intruded into this battle before recognizing the presences of many Jedi and Sith that had been absent from the fighting in their negotiations with Zonama Sekot. And he could sense their combined energies reaching out across the stars, working to undercut the Servants of Chaos's efforts and empower their allies, even weakening the sage's own command over the Force through the overpowering wall of power that surrounded Tulpaa.
Still, even with his connection to the Force diminished, Tor could sense Abeloth's reinforcements almost ready to make their grand entrance. And knowing many of the experiments that the Bringer of Chaos had been working on for this grand return, he knew it was time to accelerate his own efforts.
Tulpaa System
Aboard the Victory III-class Star Destroyer Guardian
"Shadow Bombs are away!" Jaina called out from her StealthX. Less than a minute later, the already-gutted Star Fortress Adas blew apart from the well-placed explosives and consumed at least two squadrons of enemy fighters that tried to save the doomed war asset.
"Confirmed hit!" Desmond Yage, Imperial admiral and commanding officer of the Imperial detachment in the Last Alliance, replied as his destroyer worked to complete the destruction of a Ssi-Ruuk flotilla. Employing ion weaponry to quickly bypass the bulk of their defenses before utilizing a mix of bombers and turbolasers to finish eradicating the fifth batch of saurian marauders his division had eradicated.
In the two hours since entering the thick of battle, the Last Alliance had quickly worked to secure a perimeter and escape route for the ongoing evacuation of its groundside forces and Tulpaa's population. Despite Abeloth's forces initially inflicting heavy casualties against the new arrivals, they had quickly fallen back to avoid Zonama Sekot's terrible wrath and that of its many friends. Not even the Makatak Rakata were foolish enough to try their might against a world that could eradicate them with the might of a thousand fleets.
Already, the first wave of transports and civilian vessels were ready to take off into the planet's atmosphere, with nearly one hundred ships now ferrying hundreds of thousands of its millions of inhabitants and a large portion of the repentant Rakata's newfound allies. They would soon be escaping their doomed world and be able to start anew somewhere else, followed by the rest of the planet's population over the next few days
But it was this very situation that had Desmond so on edge. Were he in command of the opposing force, he would have struck hard and viciously against the refugees to make the Last Alliance break formation and be left vulnerable to a surprise attack. That was why he had deployed virtually all his long-range scouts and probes throughout the system's outskirts to watch for any hints of new and unwanted arrivals. If Abeloth and her forces planned to strike, then at least the coalition ought to have some warning.
Breaking his concentration, the hologram of Vurawn suddenly appeared on the Guardian's command center's holotable, and the Chiss clone appeared frantic, an uncharacteristic and disturbing sight for Desmond.
Forgoing protocol, Vurawn grimly warned Desmond, "Our long-range scans and the Silentium have detected dozens of massive signatures, no more than fifty total, bearing down on your position, followed by twenty warships of a design we've never seen before. They're a mix of Space Grazers and Abominor, and our Force-using allies can feel that Abeloth augmented all her organic servants to increase their lethality and make them complete thralls to her will."
Jaw clenching and body tightening in dread at the warnings, Desmond urged Vurawn, "How long until you can get us reinforcements?" The shame obvious to the Imperial fleet commander from the Chiss's drooping lips, it was all the answer the human needed. "Where else is Abeloth striking?"
"All across the Ascendancy and its allied territories." Vurwan answered. "There's no discernable pattern to these attacks, no rhyme or reason aside from the probability of her terror tactics, training her fleets for war, and keeping us stretched thin across the Chaos. And her followers have been enhanced far beyond their natural capabilities with some type of altered crystals."
"The Silentium are sending who they can spare to reinforce your position, but they expect them to arrive in no earlier than three days." Vurawn said, almost apologetically added, just before the proximity alarms blared across the destroyer, with Desmond recognizing the implications.
"May the Force be with you, Admiral." Vurawn concluded before ending the communication. The hologram of the system-wide battle returning, Desmond grew appalled at seeing the holograms of the fifteen Abominor appear first. Those mechanical warmongering behemoths, the oldest and most dangerous enemy of the Silentium, each designed with a completely different configuration and with unique capabilities for every sentient vessel, they would be the more dangerous of Abeloth's followers. At least the Space Grazers could be destroyed the same as any other predator in existence.
But the Space Grazers, appearing a mere thirty seconds after the Abominor, surpassed all Desmond's dark expectations. Each of the thirty predators, born of the Bedlam Spirit-offspring Ooradryl and each possessing an insatiable and malignant appetite, appearing to be simply bulbous and sacs of flesh with many tentacles, bore pure red crystals all over their corpulent forms. Even more unsettling was how the crystals seemed to glow with obvious malevolence and seeming to be a guiding force for the gigantic entities, who were forming up alongside their machine allies to prepare for battle.
Somehow, Desmond knew that the Space Grazers had to be eliminated before anyone else, before whatever sorcery Abeloth did to them spread to any other living beings. Briskly walking back to the bridge, he ordered his comm officer, "Give me a fleetwide transmission, Omega-level priority."
Nelona 14th, 59 ABY
Olpakan Space
Aboard the Sir Trilag
"We have several escalating problems, High Admiral." Cylo-V warned Daala, intruding on her final preparations for invading the Olpakan Rebels' headquarters alongside the hologram of Jet. "Actually, we have a multitude of apocalyptic disasters emerging across the Chaos that demand our immediate attention and take top priority over our growing nuisance of traitors."
"What are you going on about now?" Daala gruffly asked, impatient to finish this impromptu meeting and vent her building rage against the closest enemies she could reach. From the bridge of her Resurgent-class Destroyer, her officers were diligent in carrying out her commands, finishing the last systems-checks and refueling and rearming their warships before returning into the fray of battle against the Olpakan traitors. And she herself was eager to return to the fight and deal out well-earned punishment on all her foes, if her constant reviewing of the footage from the first attempt to uproot the defectors was any clear indication.
"For starters, Zonama Sekot has just emerged in the heart of the Rakatan Archipelago, in the Tulpaa System, along with a fleet of Abeloth's thralls that are heavily engaging on her enemies' flanks." Cylo-V firmly spoke up. "The situation there is rapidly becoming untenable for the Last Alliance, especially with their enemies' forces flooding into there in droves to seize the final world that's still resisting her rule. But that's not the worst of it."
"Cylo's people have also intercepted several transmissions across the region, and it appears that the armies allied with Abeloth have been gifted an immense connection to the Force by her and Mnggal-Mnggal. They're preparing to take control of the Tulpaa Forge and seize countless other remnants of the planet's falling government. And to make matters worse, all your strike teams meant to unleash your bioweapon payloads are being delayed, captured, or destroyed by our Force-based enemies." Jet added.
Unable to effectively process everything she had just been told, Daala felt like she was on the verge of a complete mental collapse. All her plans and dreams were coming undone, and the galaxy was converging against her, it was just too much for her to properly comprehend.
Unable to coherently speak, or hardly even move, Daala was adrift, not knowing what to do next before Cylo-V imploringly suggested, "Natasi? We need to decide on our next course of action. Perhaps we should consider putting our plans on hold until the threat of Abeloth and her followers are dealt with."
Jet, not sure if the Nosourian heard the cloned human correctly, scathingly reminded Cylo-V, "Do you have any idea what you're asking? How do you expect our people to accept such a mad proposal, let alone with the Last Alliance, after all the time we spent preparing for war on them?"
"I'm well aware of the impossibility of this task, but it may be the only option we have left." Cylo-V emphatically pointed out, even as he silently bristled at his proposal's implications. "If Abeloth and her armies win their war against the Last Alliance, it won't be very long before they come for us next. Our only chance to survive is if we swallow old wounds and work to forge a fresh start for all our worlds and peoples. Should we emerge from this war intact, then we can come up with another long-term plan to enact our goals."
Initially gazing at Cylo-V with a blank stare, Daala quickly comprehended what he was saying and felt an uncontrollable type of rage start to course through her. What the former Imperial researcher was suggesting, allying with the Jedi, Sith and all their confederates after all the efforts she spent in opposing them, was a betrayal of the highest level that could not stand. And judging from the surprised and anxious stares her peers were giving her, it seemed her face was becoming more animated now.
Knowing what Daala was thinking, Jet tried to placate his friend, but she shot him a mad glare and shut him up. Turning her attention back to Cylo-V, she warned, "For your sake, my old friend, that had better have been a terrible joke you just spoke. There will be no negotiations with the Last Alliance, no truce, and no surrender. We will do whatever it takes to achieve victory for the Olpakan Hegemony, even if we will have to go up against the entire galaxy on our own. And we can start by destroying the Rakatan Archipelago and every enemy fighting for control out there. Afterwards, we'll deal with the traitors and their new partners."
"You already tried that approach, Natasi." Jet attempted to reason with Daala. "But this level of destruction and genocide you're advocating, it isn't how we conduct our wars, nor will it be how we save the galaxy from itself."
"Then perhaps it's time to change our war doctrine." Daala seethed before commanding, "My fleet and I are going to wipe out the Rakatan Archipelago down to its last molecule, and you can either join up now, or stay out of my way. We will establish a lasting order upon the galaxy, and no sacrifice we make will be too great to enact our sacred goals."
Seeing the conflicted and regretful looks on both councilor's faces, Daala gritted her teeth in fury and was prepared to cut the transmission before Cylo-V solemnly spoke, "I'll come along. Someone has to make sure you come out of this alive and we can still effectively defend our people and borders from all threats."
Grasping that there was more to Cylo-V's conceding than simple loyalty or faith in her, Daala coldly warned him, "Just don't slow me down or try to damage my plans with any form of weakness."
"I'll be sure we all can keep up with you, and surprise you in quite pleasant ways." Cylo-V steely promised, his one human eye showing no weakness or reservations, only a cold resolve that Daala found satisfactory for her plans.
Nelona 15th, 59 ABY
Olpaka System
Aboard the Imperious-class Corvette Pax
"Quite a marvelous sight, isn't it?" Cain Arla, Olpakan rebel captain and commanding officer of this corvette, quietly mused upon seeing the Olpakan Hegemony's capital world and its seven celestial bodies that encircled of it before disgustingly adding, "Almost makes one forget the tyranny, fear, and bigotry that rule over the planet and its entire populace."
"Don't forget the dozens of defense grids, planetary shields, and orbital platforms that surround the capital world." Winter professionally added, even as she quietly admired the planet's perfect balance of land and water permeating its surface, with seven large island continents spread out between the oceans. "This planet is guarded tougher than Byss was at the height of the Dark Empire's rule. It's a miracle your people have a good pipeline and enough sympathizers to put this operation together so quickly."
"Do you know all that from experience, Madame Celchu?" Valin joked over the comlinks from his position manning one of the gunnery pods, hoping that Armand would join in on the light banter before their infiltration truly began. But to his grave concern, the Imperial Army captain refused to even crack a joke or acknowledge the joshing, intent at staring at the enemy world or learning all he could from the short-range scans as the five-ship flotilla prepared to approach a nearby defense grid.
Over the last four days, learning all they could of the Olpakan Hegemony's founding world, its key leadership, and targets of opportunity throughout its major cities and facilities, the Last Alliance had worked overtime to create a plan to undermine its already shaky foundations.
Learning of how all the territory's remaining worlds had been placed under complete lockdown after the truth of their leadership's atrocities against thousands of Force Users and their genocidal plans for their opposition, the original strategy of inciting a planetwide insurrection was briefly considered. But as long as most of its military remained loyal to its creed, any rebellion would only result in a heinous bloodbath, so that option was discarded.
That meant, to undercut the Olpakan Hegemony, it would require a more intricate and elegant plan. Fortunately, thanks to the Last Alliance's Olpakan contacts and their intricate knowledge of their shared adversary, they already had the makings of one in the works. All they needed now was a few days of time and good espionage to verify and refine a few key points of their operation, provided nothing went awry while infiltrating this dictatorship's nerve center.
Mortis Monolith
'They are ready.' Wuztek sagely told Elegast in referring to his final two students as they neared the conclusion of their final duel, with both the former's children ready to intervene if the bout became lethal in nature.
Demonstrating the full extent of their newfound abilities and knowledge before Niphal and Eipha, Tau and Krayt went at each other with such intensity, control, and power that few living beings could rival or surpass. Conjuring spirit blades to properly duel each other, the Jedi had enacted a powerful and unbreakable defense while parrying each of the Sith Lord's blows, no matter how much power he put into each attack. But each attack carried more than physical strength, the energy exuded from each exertion created shockwaves through the Force that blew great gusts of wind across the atrium where they two guests first arrived in this supernatural realm.
After thirty minutes of this impasse of a battle, Elegast bellowed out, "ENOUGH!" The strength of his command, still strong enough to force both Tau and Krayt to stop their bout and allow their weapons to dissipate.
The last three days of training with the Ones and Wuztek had been among the most enlightening and challenging in Tau's short life. Aside from learning of the fundamental nature of creation and receiving a glimpse of the paradise to come at the end of ages, he had to relearn how to utilize his command of the Force in honing his newfound abilities bestowed onto him by Niphal.
Being blessed by the avatar of the Light Side had rewarded Tau with a wisdom and a spiritual rebirth that empowered him beyond most mortals and allowed him to create a different style of fighting that balanced the perfect defense while turning an opponent's own strength against them before he struck the finishing blow. This new form would not defeat every foe he faced, but it would be a worthy way to win a battle without killing everyone that crossed his path. And he had also gained a proficiency with healing the sick and weak, allowing him to see the shatterpoints in others and save them from the corruption Abeloth might embed in them.
Darth Krayt, on the other hand, decided to primarily focus on offensive techniques with his connection to the Celestial that personified the Dark Side of the Force, allowing him to develop an unstoppable offensive form of combat with both his physical might and the Force. Akin to the ancient Sith Juggernauts of old, the founder of the One Sith relied on his will and strength to endure any obstacle, even the Yuuzhan Vong coral seeds that were slowly encroaching upon his being. While he would have been grateful to have them removed, Eipha informed him that they would serve a purpose for the time being, and that they would be removed when he figured out how to remove them himself.
'It has been a privilege to get to know and instruct you both, Tau Palpatine and A'Sharad Hett.' Elegast bowed in thanks to his two learners. "In your brief time with us, you have advanced farther in your training and abilities than anyone else we have ever instructed. Knowing that you both are the vanguards of your orders gives me hope that my fallen wife and Tor Valum's forces can be stopped in time from bringing about the galaxy's doom."
"But what comes afterwards, it cannot be a return to the status quo." Wuztek implored both Jedi and Sith, his spectral form flying across and between both humans. "Even if you manage to defeat these evils, there will be others that will inevitably rise up to follow in the Old Ones' footsteps. You and your orders must make peace now, before the Way of the Dark can embed itself all across the galaxy."
"We…" Krayt hesitated, before continuing, "We will try."
"That is all we can ask of anyone." Elegast agreed, satisfied with the Dread Lord's sincere pledge before the monolith began crumbling around everyone, white lights breaking through the gaps in the landscape. "You're being transported back to your bodies in the physical realm. The situation on Tulpaa is much worse than we previously realized, and it will not be long before the world falls to Abeloth's followers."
"When you finish recovering from our training, summon a meeting with the leaders of your Last Alliance. They must learn all the knowledge and wisdom we've imparted onto you if you hope to save your people in time." Wuztek instructed his two living pupils, and just before the area fully dissipated, bade them a final farewell, "Be on your guard in the coming months, and may the Force be with you both."
Six Hours Later
Tulpaa Atmosphere
Aboard the Ark Angel
The ship's small crew could hardly believe the tragedy that was unfolding before everyone. The final Rakatan world that had valiantly resisted Abeloth's evil was now systematically falling to her many allies, old and new, and its population was forced to flee with what little possessions they could carry before time ran out.
Even as experienced as Jaing was with the horrors of battle, he had never seen sheer brutality before from any army and recognized how this war would be more than any in millennia. As Skal'nas City and the other major settlements fell to the Bringer of Chaos's acolytes, seeing the carnage unfold from the few remaining defenders and their droids shielding the last wave of evacuating ships, it tore at both the Mandalorian Supercommando and his unlikely protégé in ways he thought he was long past caring.
When the Abominor and Space Grazers launched their attack on the Last Alliance's flanks, coupled with the Makatak Tribe and the remnants of the Rhandite and Bothan warships, it was enough to create several cracks in the blockade over the next twelve hours, allowing the Servants of Chaos to start seizing the handful of One Sith facilities still functional. From there, the enemy had managed to destroy or seize several dozen civilian and treasury ships, forcing the coalition to accelerate its evacuation efforts.
While Zonama Sekot and its allied fleets managed to offer sanctuary to the refugees and inflict their own share of damage on Abeloth's forces, destroying three Abominor and ten crystal-augmented Space Grazers, the cost had been four times greater for the Last Alliance in terms of warship casualties. The enhancements given to both the ancient dangers had not only enhanced their intelligence but had given them a rudimentary connection to the Force that improved their weaponry and fighting abilities. It was only through a series of Force-based attacks and unconventional tactics that the enemy hadn't completely shattered their lines and completed their objectives.
But at the rate the Servants of Chaos were landing forces on Tulpaa and reactivating the Rakata's Tulpaa Forge, it was only a matter of hours before the planet fully fell to Abeloth's grip. Before that happened, the Last Alliance had to finish evacuating and deny the few artifacts and weapons they could not remove in time.
While the Ark Angel led one of the final convoys of Last Alliance soldiers and penitent Rakata away from the falling world, this ship's unlikely team carried a precious cargo of their own in the form of Tau, still recovering from whatever ritual Ruthic and her priests performed on him and Krayt just over the last three days. Knowing how the instruction both men were receiving would be instrumental in saving the galaxy, Chelli trusted that they would awaken when the time was right. But that did not mean she couldn't worry over everyone's dire straits, nor dread over the man she quickly grew to harbor strong feelings towards, even as 0-0-0 ensured he received the best medical care possible at this moment and BT-1 helped the ship maintain peak efficiency.
Equally worrying for Chelli was how her father, the stubborn and dedicated historian that he was, refused to leave until ensuring the Abeloth's armies were denied the remaining ancient weapons and treasures hidden away in the falling capital city. If Korin Aphra and his handful of bodyguards failed to withdraw before their shrinking opportunity closed, then they would be at their enemies' nonexistent mercy and likely be a quick meal for the ravenous Rakata.
Seeing the tension and fear in Chelli's eyes, Jaing sternly told his student from the pilot's seat, "Don't worry about your father. The elders told us that he'd have a foolproof escape route out of the city. You'll see him again before the day is over."
"Do you really believe that?" Chelli challenged. "Or are you just saying it to help me keep my cool?"
"A bit of both, to be honest." Jaing simply acknowledged before the proximity alarms went off, and several enemy Rakatan and Exegol-created warships quickly came into focus through the viewport. Softly cursing, the cloned warrior seethed, "How did they get past our blockade so easily?!"
"Don't underestimate any opponent who has the Force, especially when they have so many tricks and strategies as Abeloth's people." Chelli anxiously warned, remembering all her lessons on the ancient race from her parents and Sith instructors. "We're going to have to-"
Interrupting Chelli's counsels was a blinding flash of light, one rising from Skal'nas city, which was now all but obliterated by the pillar of energy blazing up towards space. But before she could cry out for her father, the commlink crackled to life, with a man's distressed voice coming through, "Ark Angel, come in! Chelli, kriff it, answer me!"
Immediately answering the call, Chelli gratefully acknowledged, "Dad, thank the Maker you're safe!"
"I wouldn't exactly say that just yet…" Korin anxiously began. "But a few dozen aides, elders, and I are onboard a couple decrepit old transports that's on course for your position. We escaped just before Ruthic activated her final failsafe to buy us enough time to escape. But if you or Jaing could inform the Last Alliance that we're heading your way to avoid friendly fire, it would be most appreciated."
Just then, another transmission came through, bypassing Korin's as the image of a cyborg, one whose body was etched with so many cybernetics that his upper body was all but encased in them. Jaing and Chelli, both recognizing the man as Tau's genetic progenitor, listened intently as Edaan Palpatine thankfully greeted them, "I'm glad to hear you and your people are still alive and fighting."
"That won't be the case for much longer at the rate Tulpaa's falling to the enemy, Edaan." Jaing took the lead in this call. "The capital city's gone, and virtually every city and town are now in the enemy's grip. It won't be long before they set their sights on us next."
"Sekot understands all this and the severity of the threat we face." Edaan acknowledged. "That's why we've journeyed here to help cover your exodus and deny Abeloth all her targets of conquest in this region before she can consolidate her hold."
Analyzing the tactical readings coming through the Ark Angel's long-range scans, Chelli saw a massive influx of ships engaging the Rakata from their rearguard, and a planet-sized body fly towards the rest of the Servants of Chaos from the opposite angle. Recognizing the opportunity presented for the Last Allince, she quickly advocated, "Then let's use the most of this chance and hit her people hard before they can regroup."
"We'll be engaging them on our end for a good while longer, Chelli." Edaan corrected. "But you need to get Tau out of here before Abeloth or Daala's people can track you down. We need him, Krayt, and as many other fighters we can keep alive and free if we even hope to win this war."
Seeing the conflicted look in Chelli's eyes at the mention of the One Sith's founder, Edaan emphatically promised her, "Krayt and his followers will get what's coming to them for what they've done to us. But right now, we're going to need all the help we can against the far darker powers rising to challenge us."
"I know." Chelli bitterly acknowledged. "But that doesn't mean I have to like one bit of it." Remembering one of the scattered reports the Ark Angel had intercepted from Skal'nas City of Tor Valum and his remaining disciples making their way into the city before vanishing without a trace, she hoped they met their disgraceful end when it was consumed by Ruthic's last act. But knowing their tenacity and skill, that would be too much to ask for.
Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple
Aboard the SoroSuub Horizon-class Star Yacht Jade Shadow
"Are you sure about this course of action, Luke?" Tionne Solusar, Jedi Council member and the first historian of the reborn Order, tried to counsel Luke while he finished preparing his vessel for the long journey into the Unknown Regions. "Your injuries-"
"Will finish healing in the days it will take us to reach Zonama Sekot." Luke firmly, but kindly, pointed out. "And I won't be alone in this trek, in case you've forgotten." After hearing how poorly the war against Abeloth was going, with all the forces she was marshaling to her ranks and how the Knights of Olpaka were interfering with the Last Alliance's efforts, he knew he couldn't afford to sit out this fight any longer.
It may have taken a few hours longer than Luke would've preferred to get discharged, with a bit of arguing and dealing, but he was eventually able to leave, provided he ensured he was given all the necessary medical supplies to aid his recovery. Even more important would be the large task force that would be accompanying him on this arduous journey.
Along with the fifty Jedi Knights that were set to aid the war effort, there were many more friends of the Jedi that were either just joining the cause or fully grasping the severity of the threat. The Matukai, Luka Sene, Baran Do, three of the most well-known Force Orders that were friendly with the Jedi, had all agreed to send many of their best and brightest to aid the cause. But many other groups, upon learning that the legendary and brutal Rakata had regained their connection to the Force, had abandoned their desperate attempts to wait out the battle and agreed to formally support the Last Alliance. The Zeison Sha, Fallanassi, the Kashi Mer Guardians of the Breath, and the Jal Shey were among those that agreed to a full-fledged pact with the Jedi. And dozens of other groups were agreeing to establish formal ties with them, especially the Kilian Rangers of the Unknown Regions and the Followers of Palawa. All these groups would send several of their own to work alongside the remaining Jedi and the ruling governments to help maintain stability throughout the known galaxy for this war's duration.
If all went well, the wide array of Force users would be entering the Unknown Regions no later than by the end of next week. Following that, they would rendezvous wherever Zonama Sekot and the Last Alliance had regrouped after evacuating the Rakatan Archipelago.
Unfortunately, word was trickling in of several darker Force orders doing just the opposite, rushing to the Chaos to join Abeloth in all her many guises, bolstering her forces with numbers and their unique command of the Force. The remnants of the Mecrosa Order and the Shapers of Kro Var were among the most high-profile of those answering her wicked call, not counting the Sith that had defected from Darth Krayt's order for the Bringer of Chaos's mad designs.
It was for all these reasons, and Luke's own sense of responsibility and loyalty for the galaxy and all its denizens, that he would lead this convoy and rejoin the fight before all hope was lost. Although he knew this war would be his final one to participate in, whether it was through full retirement afterwards or meeting his end through countless possible means, he knew the Jedi Order would do more than survive, but flourish beyond his long-storied leadership and guidance.
After the final systems-checks were complete, and he received word that the Jade Shadow was at last clear for takeoff, Luke sternly warned his ship's small Jedi crew, "Everyone, you'd better strap in. We're ready for take off, and I don't want any of you injured before we're even out of the system."
Red Honeycomb Zone
Remnicore System, Exegol
Within the Dark Citadel
'So, Luke Skywalker and his remaining Jedi guard have at last taken the bait.' Abeloth triumphantly observed, her unnatural smirk betraying her many razor-sharp teeth and the vindictive glee she'd soon get once she properly humbled her greatest enemy in generations. Well, learning that almost all the Rakata had realigned themselves with the Dark Side of the Force, thanks to the combined reservoirs of forbidden knowledge and power she and Mnggal-Mnggal wielded and the promise to restore their Force Sensitivity, and that Natasi Daala was preparing to wreak untold devastation across the galaxy in her mad anti-Force crusade were certainly powerful incentives.
In addition, thanks to the many tools still left in her mother's ancient sanctum, left over from Tilotny and her siblings' attempts to achieve godhood over the ignorant masses, Abeloth had a solid foundation upon which to grow her ever-expanding power base and stay one step ahead of all her enemies. With observation facilities to peer into virtually any corner of the galaxy, she could learn what her foes were planning and strategize a counterattack accordingly. And with her crystal hybrids proving their worth against the Last Alliance and Olpakans, she would feast off the fear pouring off countless fighters across the Rakatan Archipelago.
Sensing the Jedi deploy many of their remaining reserves from Shedu Maad to journey to the Unknown Regions, Abeloth knew it would soon be time to begin her endgame. Aside from Sekot and its Last Alliance friends arriving to delay her conquest of her old weapons she once bestowed onto the Rakata, every one of her plans were proceeding just as she desired. Across all the Chaos and the galaxy, Abeloth followers were gathering their strength and preparing for the true war that would soon begin.
From every race and culture that unwittingly worshiped Abeloth and her late mother and countless religions that permeated history, they were answering her call and arriving to her banner in greater numbers with every passing day. And even more warriors came to get a taste of her growing power, especially those among the One Sith's fracturing coalition, among them many proxies and several high-ranking Lords and Ladies of Darth Krayt's order.
But those that Tor Valum was summoning, those of the True Sith Empire in the Nihil Retreat that eluded the Last Alliance and Olpakan Hegemony's assault, they would be the most devastating followers and commanders at Abeloth's disposal, greater than even the revitalized Rakata among six of its seven remaining worlds. Their long-forgotten and ancient lore, coupled with their devotion to the Dark Side of the Force and the unnatural horrors that long resided in the twelve nebulae and awaited a chance to fulfill their mad designs, they held many secrets she coveted in her zeal to secure her impending eternal rule.
Still, of equal – or even greater - significance to Abeloth's arsenal were the ancient stations and weapons she was retaking to bolster her more modern arsenal. Thanks to Tor Valum's quick thinking and teleportation of his subordinates onto the Tulpaa Forge to escape the Last Alliance's trap in Skal'nas City, the ancient station and all its great capabilities would soon be operational again. And when its genetic modification and alteration facilities were working at full capacity, her efforts to augment her followers would reach levels all but inconceivable for the neophyte scientists of this day and age. Coupled with the facilities roaring to life on Exegol, with its ancient shipyards creating warships and weapons that could surpass all the known galaxy could create, her followers would soon be stronger than in any preceding age.
Finally, among the tools she would take from the True Sith would include their Star Forge above the Gunninga Gap of the Nihil Retreat, allowing them to move stars and nebulae and turn the Unknown Regions into their own cosmic playground. With the two surviving Star Forges soon to be under her command, the cosmos itself would soon bend to her will and be manipulated in any way she saw fit to maintain her rule over every world.
While the loss of most of the One Sith's more modern shipyards and naval bases was a strong blow to Abeloth's immediate plans in the Last Alliance's fighting retreat, it would only delay her conquest by a few weeks, at the very most since her true targets were untouched. Thanks to her forces driving her great enemies out of the Rakata region, she could focus her efforts on eliminating the Olpakan force under Daala that would try to destroy it in a vain attempt to stop the reborn Rakatan Empire. If nothing else, it would be an entertaining massacre that would help train her forces for the imminent war.
All that remained to truly oppose Abeloth's rightful rule were the Last Alliance and the paltry remnants of her traitorous family that backed them. Tau Palpatine and A'Sharad Hett, each carrying the spirit of one of her shortsighted children, were the ones that haunted her dreams and most threatened her vision for the galaxy. If they managed to tap into the wisdom and power of Nihpal and Eipha, combined with the one weapon capable of eradicating her for good, then they could undo all she's already set in motion. Although Wuztek may have vowed to her mother that neither he nor any Celestial would lay a hand on her or her offspring to harm them, the ever so treacherous and weak-willed makers of this broken galaxy would find a way of circumventing their promise, and these two humans were not bound by his word.
But there was another matter that troubled Abeloth, one more sinister in nature and that terrified her to the depths of her core. Deep within the most forbidden and treacherous corners of this galaxy, where countless evils that surpassed her in raw power and ambition, the entities imprisoned long ago within were stirring. Recognizing these evils from both her mother's battles against and her own brief encounters with, it frightened the Bedlam Spirit's offspring and nearly made her abandon all her plans.
If the Old Ones were feeding off Abeloth's rising power, using her plans to accelerate their own return and break their final seals, then all she had done would all have been in vain. It was even nearly enough to make her plead for Wuztek to return and fulfill the promise he made to her so long ago, to deliver her from this accursed life and give her the peace and belonging she craved. Yet, even as she contemplated this course of action, she knew she had gone too far into madness and darkness to truly be forgiven of her sins. And her grandfather had never answered her prayers before this day, so why should they be answered now?
No, the only way for Abeloth to survive and find the love and adoration she craved was by taking it, and by ensuring that neither the Father of Shadows nor his chosen could emerge from their eons of imprisonment. If any among the Last Alliance, or even more incredibly, anyone within the Servants of Chaos, were aiding this forbidden cause, then they would be punished in the only manner appropriate with the severity of their grievous transgressions. She would have to remain vigilant for any hints of sedition and dole out punishment accordingly.
Still, all Abeloth's reflections were just that right now: simple ruminations that distracted her from her grand plan. Right now, she needed to focus her energies on securing the Rakatan Archipelago and its many treasures while wearing down the Last Alliance and Olpakan Hegemony, all while preparing for her inevitable triumph over Luke Skywalker and making his power and wisdom her own. And she already had a few ideas on just how to do that, with Dray's knowledge of both iterations of the Jedi Order and the unconventional skills he learnt both key components of the strategy she was formulating. And Mnggal-Mnggal would also be crucial to laying the groundwork for that decisive plan.
Hearing the quick footsteps of one of her newest acolytes, Abeloth glanced to see Dray, a fallen Jedi Padawan and defecting Sith Lord of Darth Krayt's order approach before humbly and quietly kneeling behind her. Returning her attention to the battle at hand, she impatiently asked, "What is it?"
"Forgive me, my lady." Dray reverently apologized. "But I wish to inform you of several troubling developments emerging within your ranks."
Hearing the anxiety lacing Dray's voice, Abeloth could guess what he was about to suggest. "You fear over Mnggal-Mnggal and its own designs for the galaxy. Or rather, its plans to devour all life to satiate its endless hunger."
"Yes." Dray dared rising to his feet, glancing at Abeloth's mirrors that allowed her to peer across the galaxy before continuing, "Your cousin is entrenching itself across the planet, augmenting all your soldiers with the Force as per your agreement with it, and will be ready to spread to other worlds at your command. But it is growing impatient over your pledges you have yet to deliver upon. It hungers for more than mere prisoners and slaves you offer to it, but entire worlds."
"And it will get them, my acolyte." Abeloth assured Dray. "In fact, I already have a few planets in mind for Mnggal-Mnggal to start its momentous feast. The worlds of the blasphemous Olpakan Hegemony, and the rebellious planet of Tulpaa, will be a good appetizer for now."
"Are you sure this is wise, empowering Mnggal-Mnggal so greatly?" Dray desperately pressed, trying to get Abeloth's attention. "If it consumes enough to fully energize itself, then it may decide to turn on us and seek to drain the galaxy dry of all life as it originally desired."
"I'm well aware of all its plans." Abeloth agreed, turning to face Dray with her elongated smile and deranged bright eyes. "But I know how to deal with Mnggal-Mnggal once it serves its purpose for us."
Not comprehending what Abeloth was trying to detail, Dray remained silent as she elaborated, "The Last Alliance already has all it needs to fully contain or eradicate my pawn, and they will soon utilize the tools to destroy my would-be rival. But in Mnggal-Mnggal's final death, it will buy us the time to enact the final phase of my plans."
"And if your cousin learns of your strategy?" Dray emphatically pointed out before he found himself struck by a barrage of electricity from his mistress. Screaming from the agonizing punishment, he fell onto his knees after thirty seconds of enduring the horrendous disciplining measure. Barely able to croak out a whimper, he understood what Abeloth was inferring and pleaded for forgiveness through the Force.
"Mnggal-Mnggal will never know of my goals, because I have told no one else of this, not even Tor Valum." Abeloth viciously answered, slowly walking over to Dray. "And while I am grateful for your wise counsel, I will not have my plans questioned or compromised by anyone." Gripping Dray's scorched body by her tentacles, she admonished her loyal subordinate, "Do not dare to presume my plans, or doubt my wisdom, ever again."
"I… I…" Dray tried to apologize, only to collapse out cold, leaving Abeloth to contemplate what to do with her skeptical disciple. The safest course would be to absorb him into herself, thereby gaining all his abilities and experience for herself and ensuring that her plans were uncompromised while securing another vessel to house her potent spirit. But if she did that, she would lose his advice and risk exposing her plans before she was ready.
Her tendrils warping into hands, Abeloth decided to take a page from her enemies and try a more reasonable and creative approach to protecting herself. Besides, Dray didn't speak out of any disloyalty, but a twisted sense of responsibility and dedication towards his better. Wiping his mind clear of this encounter and altering his memories would be easy enough, and a far better precaution.
Once her secret was contained and Dray's wounds were properly tended to, Abeloth would journey to meet with Mnggal-Mnggal and gain its help in spreading itself to the first of dozens of worlds it would briefly devour, after it was persuaded to give back to the Rakata their long-lost connection to the Force. If she hoped to succeed against the Last Alliance, then all her subjects would need to be at their best for her inevitable triumph and upcoming domination over all worlds.
Well, I'd have to say this is a satisfying place to end the chapter! And to think it took me eight days to write it. Of course, I had to take my time with this, as it's my biggest piece yet in this story, and I added a lot more than I thought I would. But it'll probably be the last one I write, or at least publish, for the year. The reason is because I need to brush up on my combat and exposition scenes, so I can make this story more believable and more like a novel, all while revising my outline to improve the flow of the story and manage all I've got going on in it. And that means I'll need to do a lot of research and reading of Star Wars books and fanfics, so it's not a total loss. So, how are you all doing on this cold night of Thursday, December 14, 2023? I'm all right, if worn out from work today, as my body is exhausted from all the work I did over the last couple days of lifting heavy books a lot. Thankfully, I have one day left before I can rest the weekend. Well, I'd best get this chapter published in a little bit. I hope you all stay safe and sane in these mad times. May the Lord be with us all, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!