Good afternoon, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm day of Tuesday, June 11, 2024? I'm all right, a bit better than I felt a couple hours ago on account of what I've seen and learned about the long overdue Dragon Age game. While the recent trailer leaves much to be desired, the gameplay reveals and supplemental information more than helps to compensate for the fears and misgivings. But I'm still going to keep a close eye on things, if only to help me decide whether I still want to buy the game upon release. In other news, I've been reading a good book on President Calvin Coolidge, and it's an interesting and insightful piece into the late 19th and early 20th century and the late man's early accomplishments, with me about a fourth of the way done with the book. After that, I think I'll get back to Supernatural Encounters and Star Wars Legends for a bit. Well, with just five chapters left to write, I'd best get started if I want to finish this story before I move with my family to our new permanent home at the end of July. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
Helona 15th, 59 ABY
Nihil Retreat, Perann Nebula
Rhand, Within the Planet's Catacombs
Tor recognized how he would have to tread carefully in convincing Wyyrlok and Sorzus to join the True Sith Empire, at least at the beginning of their recruitment. Despite their immense hunger for power and sheer and utter disgust for the very idea of the Last Alliance, loyalty to their failing master had kept their darker emotions and thoughts in check. At least, that had been the case, until both Chagrians' fears of Darth Krayt's wavering from the One Sith were proven true. And while it would be amusing to have the last Vice Chair of the Old Republic and his daughter lead an insurrection against the Jedi's grand coalition, the old Grysk sage and his masters would play the long game over seeking short-term gains.
That was why, working in conjunction with the Lich Kings, Mnggal-Mnggal, and the Servants of Chaos, he would instead take a page from Vitiate's old playbook and subvert the Jedi's last stand from within. And it would start with the man who once called himself Mas Amedda, before Darth Sidious opened his eyes to the Dark Side's limitless power and set him on this great path. But, to his credit, Wyyrlok was proving to be as cunning and stubborn a Sith as Sidious was and would not be swayed by simple rhetoric and flattery. And he still clung to the One Sith's so-called Grand Design in gaining absolute authority, a desperate attempt to keep meaning for his decades of service to the Stygian-based Sith.
To convince him and his equally capable daughter to fully give in to the Way of the Dark, they would have to be shown the folly of the One Sith's hypocrisy and abandon their quest for galactic rule. And what better way to help them see that than by giving the duo a small taste of the True Sith's unlimited power and glimpse of their inevitable victory?
Sensing the Lich Kings' approval of his initiative, Tor telepathically summoned two of his chosen emissaries for these talks, approvingly smirking as Wyyrlok and Sorzus turned and scowled at the arrival of two of their traitors. Seeing Dray and Sidirri, formerly Jedi of the Old Republic and later known as Darths Nox and Haxar, materialize before them, the elder Sith was prepared to launch a spiritual attack on them before he found himself immobilized by a dozen dark vines suddenly popping up out of the ground, courtesy of Abeloth and her subversive influence over nature.
"Don't bother trying to destroy us here, in the heart of a power greater than any Korriban could ever offer the One Sith." Sidirri derisively warned her former superior. "We could break your precious daughter right before your eyes, and remake her into whatever vessel the Lich Kings wanted." Seeing the unadulterated fury cross Wyyrlok's eyes, she boldly continued, "But our masters came to you, to reach out to you in good faith and convince you both to abandon the trappings of politics and scheming for something purer and absolute."
"If you weren't beginning to see this fundamental truth, then we wouldn't have reached out to you to begin with." Dray patiently reminded Wyyrlok. "You know that Krayt- sorry, A'Sharad Hett- has deserted the cause you gave everything to help create and will soon lead the One Sith towards its complete destruction. As far as the galaxy will soon know, your order will soon fade away to the annals of history, unless you take action to stop this betrayal."
"And you think you and your patrons can succeed in remaking the galaxy into your own decayed image when countless others have failed?" Sorzus challenged, soliciting raucous laughter from everyone present and making her tremble from their foul power now she felt washing over her. The darkness, stronger and more virulent than any nexus she had ever been near, it was enough to make her fall to her knees and clutch her head from the overwhelming agony.
"That, Lady Sorzus, was only the smallest morsel of the power our Gods hold." Tor firmly warned. "I would advise you to avoid making any more such insulting remarks about your hosts." Turning to face Wyyrlok, he advised him, "You know how insidious the Jedi's influence is. They have already driven your people away from your bastions of power and turned the galaxy against you, all in the span of a few years because of one Jedi and his friends, when it took your entire order decades to maneuver the balance of power towards the Dark Side. Never mind the many members of your order that have abandoned you and your 'Grand Design' for weakness and forgiveness by those they still held attachments towards."
Nothing the Grysk Sage said could be denied, Wyyrlok knew it. Vestara Khai, Ferren Barr, Phasma, Verla Kaer, and now Invidious, Ochi, Vua, and Lord Krayt were all leaving the One Sith behind for the Jedi. And so many of them left, all because it started with Edaan Palpatine and his obsessive meddling in the One Sith's plans to save Ben Skywalker's wretched lover. Now, the order he gave his life to create would soon be destroyed, and he refused to let all the sacrifices he made and lives he took be for nothing.
Recognizing the doubt that plagued his guests' heart, but also knowing how they could not be rushed in joining the True Sith Empire, Tor acknowledged Wyyrlok, "Our masters understand the conflict and feelings of betrayal you are facing right now. And we can be patient with our wayward kin when it suits us." Now speaking to both him and Sorzus, the Grysk offered, "Take the time to consider all you have seen and learned and reach out to those who share your discontent with the One Sith's decline. Together, you can see the truth of all creation and help us usher in a new age of the Dark Side, one greater than any dreams you could accomplish on your own."
Prepared to dismiss both Chagrian Sith, Tor quickly added, "One last thing." Tapping Wyyrlok's chest, he allowed a sliver of his essence travel into him, forcing Wyyrlok to clutch where his heart would be before he was warned, "A little insurance policy, to make sure you don't decide to snitch on us if you lose heart later on." Turning to see Sidirri and her adjutant, Aurra Sing, employing the same tactic on Sorzus, he smiled at the malevolent act and softly bade them goodbye, "Welcome to the True Sith Empire."
Just after Wyyrlok and Sorzus vanished, their spirits returning to their bodies, Tor knew that when the Last Alliance tried to storm their way into the Infernal Council's central loci, they would truly be the galaxy's final stand against the armies of darkness. And helping achieve this ultimate end would be the Rhandites' two newest spies, once they fully gave themselves over to the Way of the Dark, which he expected would not be very long now, if the Sorcerers' predictions and gleanings on their enemies were accurate.
Helona 16th, 59 ABY
Nihil Retreat Outskirts
Zonama Sekot Orbit
Aboard the Dragon Queen II
Kyle had to give the betrothed lovers credit where it was due, they certainly didn't lack for boldness. Hearing alongside the rest of the Jedi Council how Ben and Vestara, after being convinced by the late Mara Jade Skywalker to have their wedding before the Last Alliance stormed the Nihil Retreat, every Jedi Master was dumbfounded by their incredible request. And, if he was correctly reading Tenel Ka Djo's tells, the Hapan leader was far more stunned by the suggestion to have the initial Jedi ceremony aboard her personal Battle Dragon.
After suffering severe losses to the Jedi Council's members throughout the year, from Master Saba Sebatyne dying to weaken the One Sith's hold over Falleen, to Streen's murder by decapitation at Krayt's hands and Kirana Ti's abdication after her injuries on Dathomir, followed by Kyp Durron's self-sacrificing death in the Croke Reach, a wedding was not at the forefront of anyone's minds. But even more astonishing to the diminished body was how all of Ben's family supported the couple's proposal, a sure turnaround from several members' resistance to Vestara barely a few weeks previously. Besides, Kyle had to agree with how a wedding would be an ideal way to take everyone's minds off their many losses and improve morale before everyone invaded the Nihil Retreat.
Allana was especially pulling her weight and advocating quite well for the merits of allowing such a celebration on Zonama Sekot. After all, it was her idea to have the Jedi part of the wedding aboard her mother's flagship, followed by a wider reception on the planet below. Octa Ramis was especially quite moved by her former pupil's clever, earnest, and passionate speech, insisting them to help heal the festering and lingering wounds of suspicion that dogged Vestara and aid the fostering cooperation between the Last Alliance's factions.
Tenel Ka, interrupting her daughter's impassioned plea with a raised hand, turned towards Vestara and steely challenged her, "While my daughter is proving her exceptional skills as an ambassador and Jedi Knight, I still have several questions for Lady Khai." Seeing the reformed Sith cringe a little at her choice wording, she continued, coldly reminding all, "However repentant she may be, she has committed many severe crimes against not just the Jedi Order and Galactic Alliance, two institutions I hold a great deal of respect for, but against my family and people when she threw a thermal detonator towards the Chume'da on Coruscant fifteen years previously."
"Mother-" Allana tried, only to be silenced by a withering glare and allowing her to continue, "Even if I were to agree to hold your wedding aboard my ship, there are many of my crewmembers and distant relatives who would be appalled by allowing a failed assassin aboard, regardless of how she botched the attempt. Political implications alone, it could give our enemies a way to infiltrate our coalition through possible dissenters in the Hapan ranks."
"Surely there is a way to assure them of Vestara's intentions and regret for her past actions." Corran knowingly suggested. "You wouldn't have brought all this up if you didn't have a possible way around that."
Her frosty expression softening a few degrees, Tenel Ka offered, "But there may be a way to allow this wedding to take place, if Vestara would agree to a few key terms regarding her place in our coalition."
"Mother, I don't know if you have the sole authority to determine her place in the Last Alliance. That power lies with all High Command and the Triumvirate." Allana firmly reminded her monarch. Feeling a gentle hand go over her shoulder, she saw her grandmother give her a patient look, and she remained silent, trusting her that the demands would not be detrimental to her friend.
Vestara, willing to do what it took to have her wedding and earn everyone's trust, nodded, "What did you have in mind, Your Highness?"
"My daughter, brave, steadfast, and strong as she is, will be in grave danger when we penetrate the Rhandites' domain and take the fight to Abeloth and her patrons. And knowing her usual stubbornness and hereditary resistance to authority," Allowing a small smirk to cross her lips at the last remark, the Queen Mother allowed, "she'll need a fighter and strategist equal or better than her in many regards if she hopes to survive long enough to eventually rule the Hapes Consortium after I one day step down as ruler of the Hapes Consortium."
Shocked at the unsaid demand, Vestara glanced towards Allana, seeing the astonished and annoyed glean in the Chume'da's eyes, and recognized how this was as much a surprise to her as the ex-Sith, and she asked Tenel Ka, "Are there any other stipulations you have?"
"Just this: Keep my daughter alive and help her learn what she needs to know to brave the darkness we'll all soon face." Tenel Ka insisted.
"You… You trust Vestara Khai this much to watch over Allana when we storm the enemy's gates?" Han stammered out, unable to fully process what he just heard. Despite abandoning his old vendetta against Ben's fiancée and gaining a measure of trust towards her, he was still wary of her, especially given the hellish region they would soon invade and the unspeakable horrors everyone would be tested by. Knowing how poorly she fared when faced with such a similar nexus before she joined the One Sith, he did not hold much faith that she or any regretful Sith would fully reject their wicked roots this time around.
"I'm willing to honor Grand Master Skywalker and my daughter's wishes and give her the chance to prove herself." Tenel Ka answered, appraising Vestara with a scrutinizing gaze and asking her, "That is, if you still believe you can manage?"
Ben glanced at Vestara, and upon seeing the nervous micro-tremor his love was experiencing, offered her, "You don't have to do this, Vestara. We can find another ship to hold your wedding on. The Errant Venture-"
"Your mother's not talking about just the wedding, Ben." Vestara knowingly corrected. "It's to assure her and all her people, loyal, doubting, or dissenting, if I've fully shed the darkness of my heritage and can keep you alive enough to fulfill the prophecy of you becoming the Jedi Queen, never mind being ambassador for your people in the rest of the galaxy."
Allowing a small smirk at the Jedi heiress's exasperated groan, Octa patiently reminded her, "You will have a lot of terrifying burdens to carry on your own soon enough, Allana, regardless of if you're part of a great prophecy."
"Master Ramis is right, but… I need to do this, Allana." Vestara emphatically answered. "Not just for you, but for myself to pay for all the deaths and acts of betrayal and destruction I caused as a Sith. Keeping you alive and helping the Last Alliance in any possible way in this war will be a good way to continue my atonement." Eyeing Tenel Ka and the Jedi Council, she resolutely bowed and agreed, "I'll look after Allana for as long as you need me to do so." Glancing at Allana and seeing her small pout, she playfully added, "Maybe I can help her retain some lessons on court etiquette and intrigue as well by putting my old Kesh lessons to better use."
Earning several earnest laughs from everyone, she felt an unseen burden lift from her shoulders, and knew she had passed whatever test the Jedi and Tenel Ka had designed for her. But her good mood was dampened when she saw the solemn gaze one Jedi Council member gave her, and she asked the Mon Calamari healer, "What's the news on my former apprentice, Master Cilghal?"
Lowering her bulbous head a few degrees in an apologetic bow, the old aquatic Jedi took a long gulp of water from one of several canteens around her seat and answered, "I have received word from High Lady Kaladris. She reports that Lady Belot will be on Zonama Sekot within the next two days, and all the doctors and scientists will be ready to begin afterwards. Her condition isn't ideal, but they have several promising ideas on how to help her awaken."
A new weight pressing on her, Vestara courteously nodded to Cilghal and politely excused herself, with Ben going right after her just before Kyle could speak. Allowing himself a small smile at the man hopelessly in love and willing to support his future wife, he made a mental note to talk to the Skywalker heir and offer him a place on the Jedi Council when he next had the chance. And he still had to talk to Edaan to give him his own proposition, one that had best go over well when the proposal was made.
Helona 17th, 59 ABY
Zonama Sekot Orbit
Aboard the Retribution
Within the Ship's Amphitheater
"You wished to see me, Dread Lord?" Darth Vua reverently knelt before his leader. The Yuuzhan Vong Slayer-turned-Sith Lord, having been called to meet with Lord Krayt not three hours earlier while learning more about his people's rehabilitation on the planet the One Sith flagship was now orbiting, was perplexed by the sudden summons. Having been enjoying his time with his betrothed, getting reacquainted with many of his old comrades among the Warrior caste, and learning more of the Je'daii Order that Taleth was helping create, he was uncharacteristically anxious regarding whatever Krayt wanted with him now.
"I did, Lord Vua." Krayt amiably addressed his disciple with a serenity Vua never saw from his leader before. Rising from the throne in the chapel's heart, the human Sith Lord bade his acolyte, "But first, rise, my friend. I would prefer to speak with you at this time as an equal rather than a simple sycophant."
His confusion quickly increasing, Vua nonetheless complied, standing before his master and carefully addressing him, "You said in your message that the matter was of the utmost importance, revealing the possibility of traitors in our ranks."
"It is more than a mere possibility, Lord Vua." Krayt emphatically clarified. "I've learnt of the certain existence of two different schism movements within the One Sith, each threatening to dismantle the Grand Design for their own divergent views for the future galactic order."
Anxiety spiking, Vua recalled all his discipline to keep from betraying any terror through his body's micro expressions or the Force. But Krayt was not done speaking, and as he went on, the onetime Slayer felt his heart about to explode.
"I learned that one of these rogue groups was planning to subvert or eliminate if they had proof that I was losing my way and to take control of the order, led by none other than Lord Wyyrlok and backed by many of my discontented disciples and commanders." Krayt, gazing into Vua's eyes as if he could glimpse his troubled and treasonous soul, warned him.
Knowing when one of Krayt's followers was being tested, Vua, quashing the tremor in his heart before he steadily responded, "What of the second group of traitors? What is their objective?"
Mirthlessly smiling, Krayt slowly answered, "This batch is just as dangerous, at the bare minimum. They do not simply seek to control the One Sith, but to destroy it and merge our remnants with the Jedi Order and their confederates to resurrect a Force Order greater than every other group still in existence today." Clasping a firm hand on Vua's shoulder, he knowingly added in a whisper, "I think you know what order I speak about, my errant Slayer."
Closing his eyes, Vua, resigning himself to death while praying to the Gods to protect his love from Krayt's wrath, softly and solemnly answering back, "The Je'daii Order."
Firmly patting his shoulder, Krayt affirmed, "Yes. The precursor of my Jedi Order and the sole power that defeated the Rakatan Infinite Empire at the apex of its power. And now it will be a secret society that is dedicated to guiding the galaxy to accepting the Celestials' teachings and preparing all worlds for the final war against the Forbidden Six whenever they are unleashed. And I gladly will help them in this noble and vital endeavor."
Stunned by the last admission, Vua was unable to utter even a sound in verifying Krayt's claim. Instead, he simply stood there, fixed as a tree while he tried to sense any lies in the atoning Sith's heart. When he felt no deception or duplicity, he slowly stuttered out, "How did you find out about all this?"
"Do not forget that I was not both a Jedi Master and Sith Lord based on my proficiency in combat alone, Lord Vua." Krayt smirked before sympathetically continuing, "I already confirmed all this with Lord Invidious and his confederates, and then I reached out to the Jedi to establish terms for the One Sith's surrender and capitulation. Provided Wyyrlok and his fellow dissenters don't ruin our plans, we'll achieve all we wanted from the Grand Design without facing the terrible spectrum of another war or serving Bogan any longer. And you'll be able to help in your own way while you make a new life with your beloved Shaper."
Before Vua could faint from excitement at the news, Krayt soberly added, "But before this can happen, we need to start reaching out to as many of our brethren loyal to us that we can reach before our divisions fracture the One Sith completely. And I'll need your help."
Eager and elated beyond all hopes, not only at the skyrocketing prospect and hopes of marrying Taleth soon and be with his people again, but greatly honored that he was handpicked by A'Sharad Hett to help dismantle the One Sith, Vua, for the first time in many years, without any reserve or deception, faithfully and firmly said, "I am yours to command for as long as needed for this task, my Lord."
"Very good." A'Sharad gratefully said, before he tensely whipped his head around, barely hearing a hateful whisper reverberate throughout the Retribution's corridors. The pure loathing and utter darkness of the echo terrified the repentant Sith Lord, and he began to see that the True Sith Empire might have already found its first agents in the One Sith's ranks.
"My Lord?" Vua cautiously asked, before A'Sharad held out a hand to silence him and order,
"Inform Lords Snoke, Irola, and Yur that I need to speak with them in eighteen hours. I'll meet with them on Zonama Sekot in the Far Distance Islands. That area will be well-protected from any prying eyes."
Twelve Hours Later
Helona 18th, 59 ABY
Olpakan Space
Aboard the Intrepid
Analytically eyeing everyone attending this crucial meeting, from the Last Alliance triumvirs to their subordinates and ambassadors from across the Chaos, Cylo-VI prepared himself for the barrage of questions he knew would begin once he completed his classified debriefing. Pulling up a holomap of the galaxy, he factually acknowledged, "It gives me great pleasure to announce that, as of six hours ago, our vaccine against Mnggal-Mnggal is complete and ready for immediate distribution across the galaxy. We've conducted dozens of experiments that test its strength and resilience against all manner of contamination and virulent alteration, and my scientists and I are highly confident that it will stand up against the entity's cancerous influence."
Noting the relief plastered across the many leaders' faces, he was prepared to address the skeptics before Vlad sardonically beat him to it, "How fortunate then, that you've already tested it against the smallest molecule of Mnggal-Mnggal's matter you were able to capture before you obliterated the entire sample not two hours ago." Amusingly smirking at the scientist's discomfort, the Supreme Knight rubbed salt in the wound by gloating, "I told you that I have my ways to uncover the truth from any dark corner or recess."
"Then it would be safe to assume that the Infernal Council knows of your experiments and will accelerate their plans against us." Vuffi Raa, the droid race of the Silentium and their ambassador for the Last Alliance, fiercely challenged. "Which means that we must administer the vaccine as swiftly and discreetly as possible before they can unleash their most dangerous member against all organic life."
"I'm way ahead of you on that point, honored member of the Silentium." Cylo-VI admitted. "I've already transmitted the specifications of the nano-vaccine to the galactic leadership, and the means to easily mass-produce it in any form for their countless citizens, plants, and animals. Whether as an injection, breathed in its airborne form, and swallowed as a liquid, everyone will soon be free from Mnggal-Mnggal's sickness." Anticipating the next series of questions, he quickly added, "And we've minimized the risk of adverse reactions from getting the antibody to just a hundred millionth of a percent, if anyone was looking for the exact numbers."
"That's excellent." Ad'jast breathed in relief before glancing at the Triumvirs and advising, "Then, if no one has any objections, we ought to begin inoculating the galactic populace immediately." Seeing everyone give their vigorous assent, the exiled Rakatan leader allowed a grateful smile to cross his face before Cylo-VI regretfully added,
"Unfortunately, there is something I should let you know, Predor-Governor. While the inoculation will save countless worlds and lives and create a protective cordon against the Cancer God, the worlds it devoured will remain devoid of life for many years, if not centuries. I'm afraid your homeworld of Tulpaa will not be habitable for a long time, if ever again."
Sorrow sweeping over his soul, Ad'jast silently bowed his head in acknowledgement and regretfully admitted, "My people feared as much when we committed our exodus, and we remember the monstrosity's virulent influence from our histories."
Hearing Klik-Klak, the Killik drone ambassador Raynar Thul nicknamed and befriended when recruiting, Thuruht, the first Killik hive the Last Alliance solicited the help of to fight Abeloth and her masters, offer the Rakata refuge across his people's worlds, Ad'jast respectfully answered, "I appreciate the offer, honored Killik, but my people would be reluctant to take your precious resources and worlds for our own, for we would need more than you could afford to give." Before Silken Wind, the Esh-Kha commander could make a similar proposal, he reminded him, "And many of my people still fear yours from our war that nearly destroyed the galaxy during the Infinite Empire's expansion, and we cannot run the risk of reigniting ancient hostilities ever again."
"Then the rest of us will have to pick up the slack and help settle your citizens across the galaxy." Tau generously and vigorously offered. Seeing virtually every pair of scrutinizing eyes fall upon him, he soldiered on, "I'm confident the Jedi Order and our allied Force groups can call in their share of favors from our highly placed friends to grant them refuge. And there are plenty of worlds still under Reconstruction that could greatly benefit from the Rakata's unique techniques and old but serviceable technologies."
Seeing a chance to advance his cause, Cylo-VI added onto that proposal, "And the Olpakan Republic, in its reorganization, would be honored to learn from your people's rehabilitation and offer many of your people refuge. It shouldn't take very much to convince the Supreme Knight to agree to this mutually beneficial proposal."
"I cannot speak for the Chiss Ascendancy, Predor-Governor," Vurawn cautioned, "But the Empire of the Hand can also help shelter and resettle about ten million of your people across our worlds, provided they contribute fairly to our defense and other requirements." Eyeing Silken Wind and Klik-Klak, he added, "And, in the spirit of the Last Alliance's example of cooperation and unity, the same applies to both your peoples also."
Exceptionally touched by all the generous offers, Ad'jast wisely suggested, "I can't offer how grateful I am at your humanitarian gesture, but this is not a decision I can make alone, nor at this time. I'll meet with my Elders and lieutenants to discuss the possibilities, and we'll get back to you after a few days. But for now, I think we should focus on winning this war before we discuss aiding your Reconstruction efforts."
Seeing the Esh-Kha and Killik ambassadors echo the Rakata's prudent sentiments, both Cylo-VI and the Last Alliance triumvirs worked to wrap up the meeting quickly, covering all remaining aspects of their war strategy. The most contentious point of the discussion was how to best utilize the Killiks against the Infernal Council, with their pheromone and Joining abilities a detriment at this point. But quickly enough, the leadership agreed to have them aiding the cause through more indirect means. Protecting convoys, aiding through humanitarian means and educating the coalition on the galaxy's long-suppressed history and the Old Ones' ancient tactics, that was how they would best help protect the Maker's creations.
After two hours of negotiating the finer points of Operation: Endgame, the meeting was adjourned, and Cylo-VI was ready to excuse himself before he noticed Tau, Krayt, and Vurawn quietly conversing amongst themselves, with the Dragon of the One Sith speaking first, "We need to talk, Doctor Cylo."
Wearily smiling, the cloned Olpakan scientist amusingly warned the Sith, "If you're looking to inquire on my post-war plans, I'm afraid Supreme Knight Karamazov got the drop on me first, and he was quite persuasive in making his case."
"Then, you'll turn over the most-wanted criminals among your conspirators and drop your anti-Force vendetta." Tau firmly said, impressing the Olpakan head scientist with how the young Jedi stated the demand, rather than as a meek assumption. "We won't stand by as the next karking Star Cabal, or Natasi Daala," he disgustingly spat,"arise and threaten our plans to protect and redeem the galaxy."
"And none of you will have to worry about that, Jedi Palpatine." Cylo-VI wholeheartedly assured. "I've already made my choice on the matter and will gladly turn in Raze and the last members of Leceresn's Imperial-Alliance conspiracy upon the war's conclusion against the Infernal Council."
"While I still hold misgivings on whether your Je'daii Order can fulfill its promises, I admire your honesty and honorable approach to conducting your business." Seeing the suspicion etched into all the triumvirs' faces, he pledged, "I give you my word, for whatever it's worth, that upon we destroy the Infernal Council, I will submit myself to whatever investigations and restrictions you may undergo on my activities, provided I can still do my part in preparing the galaxy to face and resist the coming darkness."
"All your claims will need to be verified before we can even consider making any such offers to you and your… vast network of supporters and unique retinue." Vurawn diplomatically reminded Cylo-VI. "But we appreciate your candor on this matter, Doctor Cylo."
Gratefully smiling, an unsettling sight for all three leaders, Cylo-VI amicably stated, "It's always my pleasure to be of service to others." Disconnecting the transmission, he only hoped that the Triumvirate wouldn't interfere and try to ruin all he now sought to build and accomplish.
Zonama Sekot Surface
La'okio Village
"Ben, I can't thank you and everyone else enough for what you're about to help me accomplish." Vestara earnestly said before the love of her life patiently reminded her,
"Let's hold off on gratitude for after we successfully help Belot awaken and start her physical therapy afterwards, Ves." Softening his gaze afterwards, he patiently and compassionately acknowledged Vestara's thanks, "But it's the least we can do for a wayward soul and slave to the Dark Side like her."
Before any snide or backhanded comments could be made, Tekli, exiting the large tent where Belot's recovery would soon take place, softly informed the betrothed couple, "We're ready for you to enter, but we're still waiting for the last member to arrive before we can begin."
Breathing out her fears and making a silent prayer to the Maker for Belot's salvation, Vestara followed both Jedi Masters into the makeshift medical facility and take stock of the twenty-five healers and doctors among the Last Alliance's affiliated groups. Among the diverse group involved in this medical endeavor, there couldn't be a more well-rounded and fully prepared team to facilitate the experimental procedure: Members of the Kashi Mer Guardians of the Breath, Manaan's Order of Shasa, Yuuzhan Vong Shapers, Yanibar's Zeison Sha, and two Jedi healers, all coordinated by the diminutive Tekli and veteran doctor in Jarael Chantique, the group was prepared to explore all possibilities in ethically aiding the Sith Saber's full recovery.
Knowing that time was critically short, Vestara skipped the pleasantries and quickly took stock of the equipment, finding Belot's medical facilities well suited for the comatose Sith. Seeing two medical droids, an IV unit to keep flowing nutrients into her, and a respirator to aid the flow of oxygen, her former master tried to help her awaken through a gentle touch on her mind, only to feel no response in return.
Keeping a tight hold over her emotions, she brushed away the few unshed tears that threatened to slip out, and asked Tekli and Jarael, "Do you have any theories on the duration of Belot's coma?"
Having the wisdom to be honest, Jarael regretfully answered, "We were hoping you might have some, because according to all our scans and the One Sith's records, she should've recovered long ago from her injuries."
"Then you're basically as useless as the Sith." Vestara scathingly snapped, surprised by the self-loathing and bitterness in her voice before she instantly apologized, "I'm sorry, none of you deserve that. I just…"
"Vestara, it's all right." Taleth compassionately assured her. "We know what it's like to want to help a friend and get her life on a better path." Hearing the tent doors rustle, the Yuuzhan Vong Master Shaper warmly greeted the new guest, "Ah, I see you arrived fashionably late, Jedi Palpatine."
"Sorry for my tardiness, High Command needed another debriefing from me on the Nihil Retreat invasion plan before I could slip away." Tau explained, bowing his head in apology before addressing a stunned Vestara, "I get that I'm the second-to-last person that Belot would welcome help from now, but I have a plan to get her out of her coma by taking a page from when my brother was trapped in my own mind a few months ago."
Remembering how Edaan was pulled out of his injured mind by Adari after his first battle with Phasma on Falleen, Vestara feistily warned Tau, "You're not going inside Belot's mind."
"Actually, that's going to be the last resort." Tau started to clarify. "No, we're going to send you into Belot's mind to try and wake her up."
Stunned silent and her eyes wide open, Vestara simply and elegantly responded, "Oh… That would make a lot more sense." Glancing around, she skeptically pointed out, "But if that was the plan, then why did we gather this many doctors and healers for a straightforward recovery?"
"Nothing about this operation is 'straightforward', Ves." Tau grimly answered. "This coma that Belot's in now, it isn't of natural causes. I can sense an old power etched into her, a darkness that's almost as old and powerful as Abeloth, and it's slowly consuming her. It'll take everything we've got to free your apprentice from its grip, if it's not too late already."
Helping Vestara with a firm squeeze of her hand, Ben urged everyone, "Then we'd best get started immediately. Tell us what to do."
Six Hours Later
Zonama Sekot Surface
Far Distance Islands
Within the Magister's Palace
Darth Irola, the Fist of the One Sith, commander of all its military forces, and a veteran of every galactic war since the Rebel Alliance's inception, was unable to properly process all that the Dread Lord had told her alongside Snoke and Takaris Yur. Their master, a man whose wisdom and battlefield cunning and skill easily surpassed her own, was informing the three of them of his decision to fold the One Sith into the nascent Je'daii Order after the Last Alliance's war ended. And he was already supported by four others in this heretical cause, which she recognized as the mere start of this terrible rot within the order.
It was bad enough that Wyyrlok and his fellows were now planning to usurp Krayt of his position and risk their shared cause, but now learning that her master and inspiration was about to capitulate, it nearly drove her off the edge of insanity entirely. She had to try and convince everyone to stand firm against this false offer while there was still time, for she wasn't going to let all her sacrifices and losses be for naught.
Snoke, knowing the turmoil raging in Irola's soul and relating it to his own, kindly placed a hand over her shoulder and patiently suggested, "I think we should at least hear Lord Krayt out, my friend. We know that he never decides without considering all other possibilities, and this can't be a choice he came to make lightly."
"There is little he can say that we cannot determine on our own, Snoke." Takaris wearily intruded. "Everything we have learned from the Celestials and facing the Infernal Council has shaken our lord's resolve and forced him to reevaluate all he knew. Or rather, what he assumed to know about the galaxy and the Sith."
Recognizing the doubt and regret Takaris barely concealed, for Irola dealt with similar sentiments in her fellow insurgents when she identified as Elscol Loro, her horror and fury increased as she accused him, "Are you talking about Lord Krayt, or yourself as well?"
His eyes betraying a disillusionment that sent shivers down her core, Takaris sadly admitted, "Yes. After learning so much about the Sith's origins, the dangers we now face from Abeloth and her kin, and countless other terrors, I'm beginning to see just how our cause has only condemned the galaxy to perpetual war and strife, everything we strove to end." Letting out a weary sigh, he continued, "All my life, I've trained Sith for both the Lost Tribe and Lord Krayt's order, with no personal ambitions aside from wanting them all to excel in all life aspects. And for decades, I was content with that role."
"But ever since Abeloth melted Tahv, I've begun to see things differently, and realized just how I wasted my life in pursuit of power that can never truly belong to me or my students." Takaris closed his eyes, whether in genuine sorrow for the dead or a clever calculation, Irola could not determine. "The lives we've destroyed to gain power, the families we ripped apart to build up our numbers, our vendetta against the Jedi costing our people what's left of our souls, it helped me realize how our cause is a hollow lie."
Gazing up into space, he pointed towards the stars, "There, in the heart of the Nihil Retreat, are powers and evils that we cannot begin to imagine, and they have followed the Dark Side's tenets faithfully while we've remained blind to. And they won't be content until they enslave or destroy us all for their demented cause, unless we let go of old vendettas and prejudices to see what's right before us in the here and now."
Turning to Snoke, Takaris implored him, "You once fought as a Jedi to help restore freedom to an enslaved galaxy under Darth Sidious, before Vader stranded you on Korriban and left you for dead. Ask yourself, do you not miss your friends and old comrades that you once fought besides? Well, two of them are still alive and fighting for what they believe in, and you can do so once again! You can return to your Lothal and see how your people have changed and reinvented themselves after defeating the Empire's occupation and its exploitation."
"An admirable sentiment, Takaris." Snoke admitted before realistically asking, "But do you believe that the Jedi and their friends will accept us so easily into their ranks after all the atrocities we committed?"
"They will." A mature woman's voice pledged, before Sekot appeared, this time materializing as a Yuuzhan Vong Master Shaper – Nem Yim, Irola recognized. And the planetary consciousness promised, "I have been speaking to all the Jedi that Krayt previously reached out to, and most of them have just agreed to offer a full pardon for any who surrender and agree to help rehabilitate the rest of your followers after this war concludes."
Snoke, feeling an old and long-buried hope rekindle within him, compassionately asked Irola, "Elscol, aren't you tired of all this? All the plotting, betrayals, and destruction we've woven for a cause that was doomed to fail from the start, don't you want it to end?" Before she could verbally counter, he reminded her, "Neither of us were always hardened warriors like we are now. Before the Sith and their twisted empire stormed into our lives, we had everything we could ever want and people that loved and supported us. But when we lost our loved ones, we lost a piece of ourselves that allowed the Dark Side to tempt us, albeit in different ways until we were twisted into what we've become today."
"I had fervently hoped that the bloodshed and treachery would end once we fulfilled the Grand Design, but now I see things clearly." Closing his eyes over so many decades worth of regrets, he couldn't help but yearn for the days when he fought for the Light and the Galactic Empire's countless victims.
"Because of a mad crackpot's conspiracy theories on-" Irola desperately denied before Takaris cut in,
"Professor Hextrophon knew secrets about my homeworld that were once restricted to all but the highest levels of the Lost Tribe's power strata, Irola, never mind the origins of Abeltoh when even the Killiks couldn't perfectly provide it all to the Jedi fifteen years ago." His face presenting a lifetime of regrets, he concluded, "Let's face the facts, what we believed about the galaxy doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of what's the truth."
"There is more to consider that is within more familiar territory for you, Lady Irola." Sekot patiently interjected. "What of all the soldiers you and your disciples are training from amongst the millions of Sunrise refugees? Do you want them to wage an eternal war against all your enemies to attain retribution when it will only benefit the Rhandites and their gods? Do you truly wish for the children you all have kidnapped to be enslaved to the Dark Side, to suffer worse than you and Snoke ever had in your youth?"
A myriad of conflicting emotions warring within her soul, Irola, with unshed tears welling up in her eyes, reluctantly admitted, "I wish I knew what I wanted for myself as well."
Krayt, recognizing that he had now gained Snoke and Takaris to his side, decided that would be enough for today. Prepared to dismiss the three Sith, he was stunned when Irola cut in, "But you are correct in saying that I don't want any world to have any more people like me in it. There are already enough battle-scarred warriors and hardened killers in it, and I don't want to make anyone else like me to torment the galaxy." Feeling old scars on her soul writhe at admitting this, she no longer fed off them or allowed the trauma to control her, deciding to do what was right over what she felt was necessary.
Eyeing Krayt, she agreed, "I'll talk to commanders and soldiers I trust and help you convince them to surrender to the Jedi. And I'll work on returning the children to their families within the week. But you need to get the Alliance of Light to uphold their end of the bargain, or you'll all have an insurrection on your hands to deal with, only it'll be me leading the charge instead of Wyyrlok."
"I'll see to it personally." Sekot earnestly offered. "After I inform the Jedi Tau Palpatine and his fellows of your cooperation in our shared goals. But there is one favor I need to ask of you all, a minor detail in helping your order show your growing solidarity with the Last Alliance."
The mood growing dark again, Snoke warily asked, "What favor did you want from us?"
"To help guard the wedding reception for Ben and Vestara when they are married in just eight days." Sekot humbly answered. "They will need ample security during this joyous occasion, and I believe conversing with your old friends and comrades while demonstrating unity between the Last Alliance's many factions would be good for everyone's morale."
Silence, awkward and ominous silence dotting the small arena, Snoke was the first to openly laugh before everyone else quickly joined in, if only to release years of tension and trauma that would drive most insane with grief and guilt. Suddenly, everyone felt a greater hope for the galaxy than they had in ages.
Well, I think this is an excellent place to end the chapter! And to think that I wrote it all in just four days, over 7.5k words of magnificent plot building and setting the stage for the finale of my Jedi Odyssey rewrite saga. I can't wait to write the last four chapters of this work through the next few weeks, that'll be a great endeavor to accomplish. But I hope I can measure up to all your expectations and keep you all guessing on the countless twists and turns Star Wars: Jedi Odyssey VI: Shadows Hunt III: Omega will be full of. And, just for the record, the idea to make Darth Wyyrlok I Mas Amedda was not my original thought, but belongs to Joseph Bongiorno and his original idea, Supernatural Encounters. I'm giving credit where it's rightfully due.
So, how are you all doing on this hot night of Friday, June 14, 2024? I'm all right on my front, as things have been calm, but on my personal front, things aren't looking too good. My grandmother, who's been in bad shape the last few months from recent injuries and being moved to assisted living, is progressively getting worse and… I fear she doesn't have much time left. I'm going to be praying hard for her and visiting her next week if all goes well, and I hope that I can make a good impact on her before it's too late. And, in depressing gaming news, I've been hearing many troubling details on Dragon Age: The Veilguard on aspects of how gamers can play with Rook, ranging from combat abilities and the romance options for companions, never mind the lack of open-world function of the game, and it leaves me disheartened for the future of the franchise and Role-Playing Games in general. Man, where and when did all the great gaming companies disappear over the last few years? Well, with all the gloomy stuff out of the way, I'd best get this chapter published in about half an hour or so. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!