Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! At least, those who live in the United States. How are you all doing on this cool morning? I'm well, if a bit exhausted from work yesterday, and look forward to a few days off from work before going back into the grind on Monday. I'm going to be spending time with the family over the next few days, along with reading and writing a lot. It'll be good to get back to the usual routine after a few days off. But I need to let you know that I'll be publishing this chapter a bit later than I would expect, as I must publish Chapters 9 and 10 before I release this one to the public. I hope you all can wait a week or two before I publish this one. So, I'd best get started on this chapter, as I have four days before work comes back around. May God be with us all in these dark days, help us be thankful for our blessings, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

Telona 12th, 58 ABY

Kesh, Southern Hemisphere

Continent of Eshkrene

Arduously climbing up a fifty-meter ridge, utilizing the breathing techniques Edaan had taught her, Adari at last pulled herself up above the ledge before falling face first into the abundant snow covering Kesh's southernmost continent. Panting deeply while drawing on the Force to maintain and replenish her body's natural heat, she slowly rose back onto her own two cold feet, glaring daggers at both Edaan and Ben Skywalker, the two Jedi overseeing her training to hone her limited training in the Force.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Adari accusingly asked Edaan who smirked behind his cold-weather gear before they hurried back to their makeshift camp. "Seeing me freeze to death in the icy tundra while you're both all bundled up and drinking hot chocolate."

"Actually, we're drinking a simple broth of your people's own recipe." Edaan glumly corrected. "Hot chocolate's too valuable a commodity to ship into a war zone, and not a luxury we can afford, especially so close to the Sith's regional command center."

Over the previous month, after the Neshtovar officially allied itself with the Jedi and worked to disprove the Lost Tribe's propaganda by utilizing their diminished contacts to spread the truth throughout all of Kesh's continents. Seeking to undermine the Sith's deceitful hold over their people and pave the way for the planet's eventual liberation, this unlikely coalition had spent two weeks probing the Sith's defenses and territories to hit them where they could do the most damage. Among the seven continents that percolated the planet, each were protected by a heavy presence of Vestara's Sith, Dark Side cults, and underworld allies, making any endeavor a costly enterprise.

Eventually, it was decided that the Jedi Coalition would strike not just one continent, but three at once to try and keep the Lost Tribe off-balance and show the natives that this power was not going to play by the Sith's rules. And as a show of solidarity with the Neshtovar, their leader and two battalions of the free galactic powers would work to investigate the enemy's presence on the remote continent of Eshkrene, closest to the South Pole.

But as a greater gesture of unity between the Neshtovar and Jedi Coalition, Edaan and Ben would train Adari in the Jedi Arts, not only to give her a better chance of surviving against the higher-ranking Sith, but to draw other Force-Sensitive Keshiri towards the Jedi and away from the Lost Tribe's iron grip. Allana would have been involved in this endeavor, but she had joint responsibilities with the Hapans, Jedi, and working as a liaison with the Neshtovar networks across each continent.

So far, Adari had been an excellent student with relatively few hiccups, aside from her occasional complaints and rarer outbursts. She had learnt many techniques from among dozens of martial arts forms from across the galaxy, had become moderately proficient with many weapons, including a training lightsaber, and was beginning to find a measure of peace in her heart, even as she helped lead her people out of indentured servitude. Given a few more months of experience, and she might be willing to join the Jedi as one of their own and serve as a herald of great change for her people in a noble fashion.

And it certainly helped how Adari and her primary instructor were developing a solid rapport and learning a great deal from each other. Edaan, by learning all he could of Kesh's people, language, and fighting styles, it gave him a new window into Vestara Khai's world and how to undermine her hold over her people while hopefully bring her back to the Light. In addition, while helping aid the beleaguered Keshiri colonists of Eshkrene and try to uncover the Lost Tribe's particular interest in this frozen tundra, both Jedi and Neshtovar leader were slowly developing a mutual attraction to one another. The signs were subtle, but they each stole silent glances to each other, playfully flirted with each other, and took occasional excuses to be near each other when they could.

Ben, overseeing the training, he felt a pang of envy and remorse at how well Edaan and Adari got along, and hoped that this future relationship turned out better than the one he once had with Vestara. But he knew he couldn't talk about this with his female charge, knowing how she didn't share the same hopes that he and Edaan held for her. In fact, since last week, when the three Force Users had stumbled upon the final few remains of a pre-Lost Tribe city that seemed to be the focus of the Sith's attention around the region.

An area strong in the Force, the ancient ruins seemed to be serving as a training facility for many of the Sith's apprentices and secular allies, and once Ben had infiltrated the area to uncover the truth, it was clear why. The City of the Doomed, a stronghold of descendants of Jedi and Sith that came together after the Second Great Jedi Schism to keep watch over Kesh and protect its inhabitants from the Sith, the true Destroyers of Keshiri legend. And equally important to them was guarding the Oubliette, a Sith stasis casket that contained Remulus Dreypa one of the original founding Dark Lords of the Sith from the Old Sith Empire, where it was hoped that he would remain imprisoned for all eternity.

Unfortunately, whether it was the Will of the Force or a mischance, Dreypa was set loose just over three thousand years ago, when a rogue Sith anarchist released him and set in motion a chain of events that nearly destroyed the Lost Tribe but also eradicated the Doomed and left their incredible sanctum icy rubble in a matter of weeks.

But even out of such tragedy, hope was still kindled, and opportunities arose for those willing to seize them. Recognizing the value of this land from the visions Ben and Edaan were gifted, seeing the Followers of the Doomed and their balanced approach to the Force while keeping vigil over Kesh, they realized that this area, perhaps even the entire Sith-held continent, could make an excellent pilgrimage for all Force Sensitives who wished to train or meditate and reflect on their lives. Just as significant, which Adari agreed to, was that the long-destroyed sanctum could serve as a Jedi Temple or Praxeum for the planet's Force-Sensitive citizens and ex-Sith after their current form of government was dismantled.

Of course, this was all depending on if the Lost Tribe and their concealed backers could be defeated, and the populace still lived to reinvent themselves. And to do that, they needed to finish rooting out the remaining citadels and outposts that dotted the landscape of this frigid continent.

Finally returning to the Jedi's outpost after thirty minutes of intense hiking, Adari asked both her teachers, "How do you think our chances are of capturing Vestara and her Circle of Lords to put them on trial?"

Having prepared for such a question during his stay here, Edaan reminded Adari, "It'd be a miracle if we could even get a handful of them alive. But it's not going to stop me from trying." Seeing the suspicious gaze, he elaborated, "We need to find out what they know of the One Sith and their own designs, and to best accomplish that is to take as many we can alive and help the people realize that they don't need to be ruled by them any longer."

"What about Vestara Khai?" Adari continued, venomously adding, "Personally, I'd love to put an end to her myself if given the chance. Put a blaster bolt between her eyes, beheading her, I don't care as long as she's done for good."

"If you're trying to get a rise out of me, Adari, it won't work." Ben ardently stated. "I've been hunting Vestara for fourteen years, and I'm prepared to do what's needed to stop her. And so's Edaan."

'If only I could believe that.' Adari reluctantly mused. She could tell that the topic was deeply troubling Edaan, and the unusual elusiveness he held towards killing Vestara made her wonder just what he wanted with the Grand Lady of the Lost Tribe. Given his ease with which he fought and killed dozens of Sith across Kesh, it should be easy for him to want to destroy their leader.

So why, then, was Edaan so hesitant to discuss killing Vestara after all the grief she gave the Jedi and the galaxy? Adari had to figure it out soon before she found herself too deep into a trap to fight her way out. She just hoped it could be done while saving her homeworld from all corrupting influences.

Telona 16th, 58 ABY

Continent of Alanciar

New Tahv, Sith Citadel

"Jesko, am I right?" Kitai tensely asked, hiding her apprehension behind a mask of stony frustration. After receiving only ten all-clear signals from Eshkrene's fortresses, less than half the number that reported back at the start of the month, it was clear what was happening to her facilities and people. But she wanted to believe that it was merely a result of the inclement weather that typically buffeted the region.

Jesko, trying to refrain from showcasing any weakness, failed to hide all his anxiousness as he admitted, "It would appear so. We've lost contact with thirteen outposts on Eshkrene, and another seventeen across the Northern Hemisphere. The Jedi are advancing against us on every possible front and are tying us down."

"Even with our agents reporting on their every move?" Kitai reminded her advisor, knowing how the One Sith's spies were well-entrenched within the Jedi and their confederates and enabling the Lost Tribe to enact heavy casualties through many of their battles.

"I'm afraid it's simply not enough, not with the numbers our enemies brought against us. And our spies report that the Imperials and Hapans are each preparing a fleet to invade Eshkrene and seize the territory." Janus anxiously acknowledged. "What are your orders?"

Refraining from showcasing any anger or petulance in front of her followers, Kitai knew she had to retaliate before the Jedi gained any more ground. But the only way to do that was to personally enter the war, a precarious move when the Sith were under attack from three fronts. On the other hand, if her people saw her fighting alongside them as an equal, it could rally them and give her more time to maneuver everything into position for her endgame. And nothing said she had to fight this war on her own.

Knowing what her next move was, Kitai curtly ordered Jesko, "Summon the Council of Lords and our auxiliaries by the end of the day. I have new instructions for us all, and we must convene right away. It's long past time that we all personally enter this war to defend our home and way of life before time runs out."

"That will take time, my Lady." Jesko emphasized to Kitai. "Mobilizing enough ships to repel each of the three invasions will-"

"I'm well aware of the logistics needed for this endeavor, old friend." Kitai impatiently stressed. "I will help however I can, but this must be done while we still have the strength, numbers, and capabilities."

'And it will be a good opportunity for Belot to make up for her past failures.' Kitai mused, knowing her apprentice burned for revenge against Edaan Palpatine and the Neshtovar for their previous humiliation of her. She just hoped her Shadow Hand could keep her composure and stay focused on the big picture over her personal desires.

Telona 19th, 58 ABY

Continent of Eshkrene

13 Kilometers North of Command Center Hilts

"You're sure of this?" Kyle pressed Ben amidst this impromptu meeting of the Jedi Coalition's leadership.

"It's the only conclusion that makes sense, Kyle." Ben simply answered after informing the Jedi's Grand Master of the intelligence reports the Neshtovar informants had provided Adari before she delivered them to him and Edaan. "The rest of the Sith's outposts and strongholds on this icy island are fortifying themselves with all their remaining defenses, and we intercepted several transmissions from Vestara and her Circle of Lords and off-world subordinates. They're preparing for several major counteroffensives of their own, and it's easy to guess where one of their conquests will be."

"Then what do you propose we do to stop them?" Kara cautioned Ben. "If the Sith are readying to reclaim the territory we've worked so hard to capture, we need to be willing to meet them in battle. And our current numbers will not be sufficient to fight the enemy on so many fronts."

"We already have a plan in place to weaken Eshkrene's fortresses and ease its liberation." Edaan enigmatically began. "Thanks to the Neshtovar and the intelligence coup we acquired last month, we now know just how to shift the odds plenty more in our favor. All we need from you all is to move a bit faster than we originally planned."

"Forgive me, Jedi Palpatine, but that can't be all you and your allies need from us." Jagged challenged. "If we hope to capture and secure all three targeted continents before the Sith can resupply their positions, you'll need more than reliable information and a network of contacts to uproot the Lost Tribe's control."

"We've got this under control, Commander Fel." Ben rose to Edaan's defense while addressing Jagged by his military rank Head of State Reige gave him. "Right now, stealth and reliable information will suffice for us much better than simple force or military might. You should understand that better than most."

Chastened by Ben's subtle reprimand, Jagged acknowledged that point with a nod while Tenel Ka tactfully suggested, "Then, it would be wise for us to focus our efforts on accelerating the liberation of our targets and repelling the Sith's retaliation force. And that means we need to finish readying our armies and fleets before tomorrow concludes."

"Agreed." Kyle concurred. "I suggest we return to our preparations right away before we dither away too much time getting caught up in nitpicking every detail of this campaign."

Quietly voicing their agreement, everyone quickly signed off this holoconference, aside from Kyle and Jan, while Edaan departed to give Ben and the two holograms the privacy to discuss the confidential details of this operation. Although he knew the outline of their plan and suspected who would soon be arriving to reinforce the Jedi, it would be a terrible breach of trust if he eavesdropped, never mind the disaster that would erupt if the wrong people found out too soon.

Besides, Adari would soon be done with her latest scouting run, and she would need plenty of warm beverages to recover while briefing someone on the citadel's defenses. It would be best not to leave anything to chance when the next phase of Kesh's liberation began.

Telona 26th, 58 ABY

Above the Continent of Eshkrene

Aboard the Turbulent-class Star Destroyer Bloodfin

Jagged knew his fleet couldn't afford to drag this fight out for much longer, not if the Allied fleets hoped to break the Lost Tribe's chokehold in time to minimize casualties and ensure a speedy surrender. Having begun the invasion of Eshkrene five days ago alongside the Hapans, striking with such fierceness and speed to force the few remaining outlying defenders to surrender, both they and the Imperials had worked quickly in establishing a foothold within striking distance of the continent's central command.

Aided by fifty Jedi and half a battalion of the Galactic Alliance's best marines, the joint force rapidly reached the final layer of defenses that protected the Sith's regional headquarters. But they were held back by both a large enemy fleet and a firm line of gun emplacements layered around the area, concealed by the wintery elements below. And having suffered significant delays from the stubborn resilience of the Lost Tribe and Neo Death Watch's defenders and their desperate stalling maneuvers, including the Jedi Coalition's resources being stretched thin by its two other continental campaigns and the few rumors they'd intercepted of Kitai and her council preparing to retaliate on a grand scale, time was running out.

Unfortunately, no word had come through on the Neshtovar or any of the Jedi on their purported stratagem to undermine the enemy's defenses, nor had the Sith made any mistakes in their strategy. No matter how effectively the Jedi or their allied strike teams fought, regardless of how much damage they inflicted on their fleets, the enemy would not take the bait and engage them in a full-fledged battle.

Jaina's predictions on the Sith having learnt from their previous mistakes and improved from their many dark allies were spot-on, and now the Jedi were paying the price.

Interrupting Jagged's musings, the hologram of Tenel Ka Djo blazed to life from aboard the Bloodfin's command center, and the Imperial ambassador and interim fleet commander greeted his former peer, "Any notable progress on your front?"

"Not by my people." Tenel Ka began before she changed the holotransmission to an image of Eshkrene's surface, with the multiple emplacements subtly changing positions across the landscape. "Master Skywalker transmitted his all-clear signal to me and requested that I immediately relay all relevant information to you and Master Solo Fel. He also advised us to attack once I deliver the message but insisted on us leaving their commandeered defenses behind for our own use."

Before Jagged could respond, he heard the familiar sound of turbolasers firing, and the holoscreen began showing the images of seven Sith-crewed warships suddenly vanishing. And Jaina intruded on this brief meeting, her voice as clear as it was in person, "Looks like the Neshtovar and Ben came through for us. Half the Sith's groundside defenses are starting to fire on their own."

Seeing the opportunity before them, Jagged opened a fleetwide transmission, ordering all his ships, "We have our opening. The Sith's groundside defenses have been compromised. Move in and focus your attacks on the enemy fleet and their remaining functional emplacements."

Telona 28th, 58 ABY

Inside Command Center Hilts

Finishing a meal of the off-worlders' delicacies alongside their steak from a creature she never saw before, Adari excused herself to return to her duties. Although the enjoyed the wide variety of foodstuffs and drinks the Sith held, they didn't hold a candle to the homegrown herbs and meats that defined her and her people.

And even with the recent and crucial victory for the Neshtovar and Jedi Coalition, the time for celebrations was not yet here for Kesh. After the last Sith defenders within this stronghold surrendered twelve hours ago, having been hammered from three different angles, it was a wonder they had not yielded sooner. With the Sith's regional command center sabotaged by enemy infiltrators, half their turbolasers turned against their creators and the remaining defensive positions destroyed by the Jedi's precision with their bombing runs, and their fleet either having been destroyed or fled to avoid surrender, the rest of the continent would soon be free of the Lost Tribe's control.

That is, if the reinforcements the Jedi promised would soon arrive, and make it in time to help blunt the Sith's inbound fleet that was prepared to try and retake their central regional base, along with the two other fleets sent to each of the besieged continents. And if the rumors the Neshtovar heard were any indication, this Lost Tribe armada would be led by none other than its Grand Lady herself. Which was why Adari had to find Edaan and Ben and confront them on whether they could be trusted to deal with Vestara Khai when the opportunity came. If they held any reservations about killing or capturing her, after the harm she wrought on her people and the galaxy, then the Neshtovar and Jedi were going to have quite a problem in their alliance.

Utilizing her growing connection to the Force to find them, she was able to pinpoint Edaan and Ben's location to a private conference room in the lower levels before she made her next move. Recognizing how if the Jedi sensed her coming, they'd end their conversation and she couldn't prove her suspicions, she earlier decided to take a cleverer approach. Entering the security wing, secluding herself by a central console able to access every camera in the facility, she quickly found the room where the Jedi were having their secret meeting, and tuned into the listening devices that they had yet to remove or disable with their white noise machines.

Seeing Allana and Kyle Katarn attend this meeting with Ben and Edaan via hologram, Adari recognized that what she was doing might very well undo their alliance, but she needed to assuage her doubts and make sure the Jedi understood what was best for her people. After millennia of servitude to the Sith, the Keshiri and Human serfs needed to be free of their vile influence, and if that conflicted with the Jedi and their admirable virtue, then she would do what was needed to save her people from all threats, no matter the risk. Listening in, she prayed that her fears were misplaced, but knew in her heart that this meeting would irrevocably change her relationship with the galaxy and its denizens forever.

"-really believe that you can capture Vestara here and now?" Kyle challenged Ben and Edaan. "This won't be as simple a hunt as when you were a teenager, Master Skywalker, nor will it be as you imagine from your hopes, Apprentice."

"We're well aware of the incredible burdens we've placed on ourselves, Kyle." Edaan acknowledged. "But right now, it's not important that we capture her as make her doubt herself. If Ben and I want to save her, then we need to undercut the darkness that grips her and help her see that redemption is still possible."

"That's if we can win this war and help free Kesh from the Sith while uncovering Vestara's remaining backers." Ben prudently reminded everyone. "Your fourteen-year obsession with saving my old girlfriend will have to wait a bit longer."

"As if you're any better, Ben, with your former obsession with trying to kill her." Allana retorted, Adari completely mortified and enraged by what she was overhearing. The Jedi, after trying to hunt down Vestara Khai and her followers across the galaxy, after enduring fourteen years of scorn and borderline persecution from an ungrateful and petty galaxy, they had decided to turn around and offer her another chance at becoming one of them.

This madness that Adari was hearing, it was an affront to everything the Neshtovar had endeavored and sacrificed to accomplish. Redemption for a Sith and war criminal that had terrorized the galaxy and murdered countless souls, it was a mockery of justice and a betrayal to every principle the Jedi claimed to espouse. How could they endanger so many for a woman who had repeatedly scorned their compassion, and risk letting Vestara poison more people with her lies and treachery?

"A valid question, Adari Thayn." An ethereal voice called to the Neshtovar leader. "One that Edaan would be grateful to answer, if given the chance."

Almost instantaneously, a human man appeared before Adari, one with long greying hair, wearing formal robes identical to the Jedi Order's, and kind but weary blue eyes, just like those Edaan held. Not recognizing the ghost before her, he introduced himself, "Ah, please forgive me, where are my manners? My name is Qui-Gon Jinn. Jedi Master of the previous Jedi Order, teacher to Obi-Wan Kenobi, and currently one of many instructors to Edaan Palpatine."

Realizing what this meeting signified, Adari anxiously took several steps back, ready to bolt if this spirit attempted anything malicious. But Qui-Gon did not make any suspicious moves, only patiently gazed at her before sympathetically answering, "I understand the rage you feel. The helplessness at seeing the world and people you love be threatened by so many dangers, and the betrayal you feel from those you trust and believe in. But there is much you have yet to understand about the galaxy, and the inbound evils that endanger everything you cherish."

"If you walk away from this fight now, then all that you have striven to achieve, all you hope to accomplish for your people, it will disappear as quickly as the sun sets, and you will never get this opportunity again." Qui-Gon warned Adari. "And you will lose so much more than you can imagine and feel nothing but regret and shame for what you failed to do in the hour of need."

"Why does it matter to you?!" Adari heatedly challenged. "You're dead, and this isn't your fight! It is the blood of my people that is being spilt, and my world that is being ripped asunder. Why should I accept the help of those who show mercy to one that has brought misery and destruction to countless innocents?!"

"And how do you hope to combat the Sith and their legions on your own? Can you hope to defeat their darkness with what strength and guile you currently possess?" Another man's voice intruded, this one far firmer and darker than Qui-Gon's as an armored man appeared, one Adari recognized as Darth Revan, redeemed Dark Lord of the Sith and the Prodigal Knight. "If you wish to prepare your people for the coming wars and ensure their survival, then you must swallow your old wounds and do what is right, not simply what is easy." Shoulders sagging in deep regret, Revan wholeheartedly acknowledged, "It was a lesson I had to experience repeatedly as my recklessness, anger, and pride endangered the galaxy many times over. But there are evils out there that surpass the Sith of your time in power and wickedness, and they must be met with light if the galaxy hopes to survive."

"Don't lose hope for this fight, nor lose sight of the light within your soul, Adari." Qui-Gon implored her. "There is more to you and your future than you can yet see, and it will be filled with more joys than you can't yet imagine. All you need to do is open yourself up to the boundless possibilities out there."

Vanishing as quickly as they appeared, the two deceased Jedi spirits left the chambers, leaving Adari alone with her thoughts. But before she had a chance to gather them, she heard a gentle knock on the door, seeing an ashamed Edaan outside before he ushered himself in and anxiously suggested, "I think we need to talk."

Sensing the fear and penitence coursing through the Jedi Apprentice, Adari recognized that something had changed between the two, irrevocably in ways that she could not yet determine, silently nodded in agreement. But whether this inevitable change was for the good or ill of all of Kesh, that was something she hoped to find out before the next battle came upon them all.

Well, I suppose this is a good place to end the interlude chapter. Thankfully, it didn't take as long as I feared, but I do wonder if I could improve it a bit more. But I didn't want to get bogged down in every little detail, so I had to make a few tough choices here and there. And I might go back and improve this piece before I publish it, as I still have two chapters to release before I publish this one. So, how are you all doing on this cold afternoon of Saturday, November 25, 2023? I'm okay, as I had a good time volunteering at a local thrift store and had a delicious lunch with my mother afterwards before retuning home to finish this chapter. And I have church tonight, so I can't stay on too long. I also want to get some reading done later on, so that'll take up a bit of my time. I hope you all have a blessed Christmas season as December approaches, and I hope you all stay safe and sane in these mad times. May the Lord be with us all in these Dark Times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!