Good afternoon, everyone! How are you all faring on this warm but cloudy day of Thursday, October 12, 2023? I'm well, if a bit tired from work the last few days, and now have a few days off so I can write this chapter. I took a couple days off from writing to revise my outline and just rest a bit. And I plan to take a break from Supernatural Encounters to read four other books, as I want to enjoy the book for as long as possible and get some other works out of the way. So, I hope you're all praying hard for Israel and everywhere else that is being attacked by evil, because I sure am and will be for a while. But I wish I could do more, I truly do. I suppose I'd best get this chapter started. I have four days to write it before I go back to work. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

Nelona 3rd, 59 ABY

Rakatan Arhipelago

Griwstrick System Outskirts

Within the Hapan Battle Dragon Amelia

"Your fellow Jedi and allies are faring well in today's battle." The Killik drone noted, standing beside Raynar as they observed the battle underway between the Last Alliance and Servants of Chaos. With the Thuruht hive of the insect race, one of the oldest and few surviving servant races of the Celestials, having joined the fight against Abeloth to uphold their oath to the Mortis Gods, many minds were understandably on edge from working alongside the ancient beings.

Remembering how the Killiks, under the influence of the then-insane Raynar and his two Sith puppeteers, nearly consumed the galaxy in their brutal expansion, the descendants of those marauders were freed from that tragic enslavement were eager to atone for their sins and honor many old commitments.

Hence, this desperate alliance between the Killiks and the rest of the galaxy, and the reaching out to the many nests that made up the ancient civilization to defeat an even older and far more insidious evil. Learning from Raynar and the Last Alliance of how Abeloth had returned to life after fifteen years of recovering, Thuruht pledged its support to them to honor the ancient commitment with the three Celestials they knew best: Elegast, Eipha, and Niphal. Otherwise known as the Father, Son, and Daughter of Mortis before their lives were cut short by infighting and Anakin Skywalker's ill-fated journey to their final sanctum.

And here, within the vessel of war made by humans and crewed by a diverse array of other races, the Killiks were learning all they could of this changed galaxy and how they could best serve the war effort. Learning how the Jedi and Sith recently launched their sixth raid on the hotly contested regional Rakatn-based facilities, this time attacking an orbital shipyard to seize and destroy all they could reach, it seemed clear this battle would result in a resounding victory for the coalition. That was especially true for the Sun Guard, Zeison Sha, and Aquilian Republic, who each proved equally vicious against the enemy Rakata and all the other thralls under Abeloth's control. Even with their decades to millennia in isolation, each faction was prepared to prove their worth and help unify the galaxy towards a common goal.

Soon, the Killiks would have enough numbers to truly join the war effort and make a positive difference once again. Still, that did not mean the Killiks particularly enjoyed the stale air of these ships, nor the metal floor and the many precautions the Last Alliance took to ensure none of their number fell prey to their pheromones. They especially hated the devices each of their own was forced to wear, a translator to ensure their language could be understood by all sapients. Even so, they would bear all these burdens with fidelity and honor, for theirs was a noble calling, one they waited for millennia to complete.

But that was not the most pressing issue for the old race of sentient insectoids. The messenger had dire warnings that must reach the Last Alliance's leadership before time ran out. Ignoring the endless battlefield laid before the observatory, the drone warned Raynar, "Through the Force, my queen has just discovered a terrible meeting underway, deep within what the Chiss consider to be within their borders."

"The Bringer of Chaos is reaching out for one of her kin, one Mnggal-Mnggal, a spawn of the Architects whose hunger and thirst for destruction is bottomless and has journeyed to its ancient prison to solicit its allegiance." The messenger warned, startling Raynar with the nature of the urgent message. "Your people must respond immediately, before an accord can be reached, and Abeloth gains an unstoppable ally. Travel to Mugg Fallow and deny the demon the escape and power it so craves."

Understanding the gravity of the situation, knowing from the Last Alliance's required reading material of how Mnggal-Mnggal was among the deadliest evils ever spawned, Raynar wholeheartedly acknowledged, "We'll send the message right away."

"'We?'" The Killik repeated, confused at the sudden inclusion, and clicked its mandibles and tilted its head in surprise and bewilderment.

"Yes, you." Raynar stated to the young being as if it was the most obvious thing to notice. "We need to ensure the Chiss listen, and you know exactly what your queen relayed to us." Pulling out his comlink, he ordered the ship's commanding officer, "Prepare us for an emergency jump out of the system, and ready the long-range transceiver for Csilla immediately, top priority. I'll explain everything once Klik-Klak and I reach the comm center."

"'Klik-Klak?'" The commander repeated, baffled at the name for what she likely considered a lesser being.

"Yes, that's the name I chose for our Killik envoy." Raynar explained, earning a few approving chitters from Klik-Klak. "It's fitting, and far better than people simply hurling insults at him all day."

Six Hours Later

Nelona 4th, 59 ABY

Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple

Medical Wards

Finally getting a break from his physical rehabilitation and administrative work, Luke focused his energies and worked to penetrate the darkness that was encircling the Unknown Regions. A sense of desperation exuded from him at a level he hadn't felt in many years, and he only hoped his doctors would soon discharge him soon to better help the war effort. No amount of patience or Jedi teachings could help him control his fear over what was upon all creation.

Hearing the latest reports from Kyle and the rest of the Alliance of Light, the former Jedi Grand Master innately grasped the imminent danger about to engulf the galaxy. Knowing that Abeloth was prepared to unleash an evil that the Chiss had worked millennia to keep contained on Mugg Fallow, it only underscored the rising stakes for everyone and how woefully unprepared everyone was. Coupled with the Olpakans razing entire worlds in their civil war and the Servants of Chaos and Rhandite Sith's numbers growing with every passing day, it would be easy to assume the end of eras had arrived for all.

But until he recovered enough to be of use to the front lines, Luke needed to find other ways to be productive for the Last Alliance. And what better way than to let the Force be his guide and allow him to be open to the boundless possibilities before the galaxy. All but abandoning his corporeal form, he traveled throughout the Unknown Regions, working to grasp any aspect of the enemies' plans and capabilities.

Throughout the Olpakan Hegemony, Luke sensed the utter animosity and mistrust permeated throughout the secular power, with their weapons of war being turned against each other over division for their next course of action. He then felt the pure hatred and wicked mind of Natasi Daala, plotting within plots to eradicate the Force and raze the galaxy in her obsession with vengeance and lust for power. Her mind a strong wall that he could barely penetrate, he still gleaned much from what memory fragments were visible. In her fanaticism, she was blind to the greater threats and wrapped up in her own self-importance, which would make her and the Hegemony vulnerable to the dangers growing from within and from the Last Alliance.

But Abeloth, she and her followers would be the greatest threat the galaxy had faced in millennia, and Luke wasn't sure if the Last Alliance could stand up to her this time. Now aware of her alliance with Mnggal-Mnggal, a being that could undermine and destroy anyone from within their own cellular structures, the Bringer of Chaos was about to become even more difficult to defeat and destroy. And with her followers flocking to hers' and the Nihil Retreat's banner, their mutual armies of conquest would soon be complete.

Against the armies of darkness, Luke would need to tread carefully in probing their domain, more so than ever before in his entire life. One misstep, and he would be discovered, and then she would unleash all her hatred and power on him and probably destroy him. Still, if he could discern even a fraction of her plans, then any risk he undertook could be worth it. But that didn't mean he would put any others of the Jedi Order in danger with this plan. No, to succeed here, he needed to avoid dragging anyone else into his gambit, which meant he needed to do this on his own.

Sequestered in his medical ward, Luke prepared to enter the Nihil Retreat with as gentle a touch he could. But before he could do so, he felt a mental wall crash down upon his spirit, and a familiar and vindictive presence closed in around him with a maniacal laugh echoing all around him.

He was too late; Abeloth had found him, and now she was about to exact her unholy revenge. Feeling her many tendrils slink around him, restricting his movements, and draining his power, Luke knew his end had finally come.

But then, just when Luke was almost drained of all his energies, the process stopped, and he was released onto his knees, panting and barely able to move.

'Do not mistake my act for mercy, Master Luke Skywalker.' Abeloth's voice called out to him, dripping with pure hate. 'I simply wanted to show you how outclassed you are against me this time and give you a mere taste of what your final destiny will be when we meet again.'

'Try to fight my inevitable ascension all you wish. All you and your loved ones' efforts, even those of my erstwhile allies, will do is further empower me and my chosen and doom yourselves that much faster.' Abeloth gloated before she let Luke return to his body, and he awoke with a horrified gasp.

Heaving as deeply and quickly as he could, Luke felt his bedsheets drenched with sweat, and his stomach felt like it had been pumped for toxins. He had to warn the Last Alliance of what just transpired and what he learnt; personal danger to his very soul and being could be kriffed! They all needed to know how exponentially stronger Abeloth had become after her death, and how much deadlier she was from the last encounter with her.

Tulpaa, Northern Hemisphere

Near the Equator, Lehon Jungles

Phasma, in her rage-induced state from the never-ending Servants of Chaos and Rhandites' assault, mercilessly beheaded another three enemies before she felt the disciplined mind of Grace Tirall scream at her to get back in formation. Suddenly remembering how far she and the Sith's commandos were from the rest of the Last Alliance's main defensive line, she realized just how lucky she had been in surviving this long while acting as a diversion for the besieged Jedi-Sith coalition. After being ambushed by enemy soldiers and blocked from proceeding to the Rakatan rendezvous point two days earlier, the battalions had holed up and repelled successive waves of attackers, each assault leaving more casualties for both sides than they could afford to suffer, even if the defenders were killing three times the enemy for every soldier, Jedi, and Sith they lost.

Even more disturbing was how easily Phasma had fallen back to the vicious methods the One Sith instructed her in after she defected their ranks for the Jedi. It troubled her more than she cared to admit and made her wonder how the rest of the Sith defectors would fare in the coming months. Somehow, she knew this war would remake everyone into something new, and that terrified her in ways she didn't fully understand. Whether it was this world or the evil the Last Alliance was fighting, the galaxy would never be the same. She only prayed it would be for the better of all.

Turning to Kreel and the rest of his squad, Phasma saw his team also right in their element by destroying anyone foolish enough to ambush them with a wide variety of methods while starting an inferno to flush out any hidden enemies. She knew she needed to rein them in right away before the repurposed Imperial clones decided to break ranks and go off on their own.

Before she could issue any orders, Tesar Sebatyne, a Jedi Master and brilliant Barabel hunter, came up to inform her, "This one brings excellent news for us all, Phasma! The Mandalorians and Paladin-Captain Tirall report that we will be receiving two waves of reinforcements within the next five minutes!"

"'Two waves?'" Phasma repeated. Reaching out through the Force to indeed sense two armies approaching the ongoing battlefield, she was astonished to recognize the inbound rescuers. Knowing who would soon save the ten battalions under attack across this region, it was enough to make her let out a harsh laugh at the complete insanity of what was inbound.

After another three minutes of pulling back and holding the enemy at bay, the Last Alliance heard the familiar sound of gunships flying over the forests, and Phasma knew who was coming. She could sense the Esh-Kha – no more than five hundred of them to her senses - debarking and preparing for battle alongside the other cavalries approaching this position. And from deeper within the jungles, she felt the familiar touch of the Rakata arrive from the south, attacking the invaders from behind while the offworlders assaulted from the west and north.

Bolstered by ancient war droids and wielding weapons unlike most the known galaxy had never utilized before, the Tulpaa-native Rakata gave the Last Alliance strike teams time to regroup and launch a new wave of attacks. Even more surprising was how the Last Alliance and Tulpaa Rakata did not break formations to attack the other but kept up a unified front until the rebels were pushed back. There would be no surrender from Abeloth's thralls, with only death or exile left for them after they chose their side in this terrible war.

But the relief was short-lived when the Rakata aimed their weapons towards the Esh-Kha and Last Alliance, obviously assuming this force was hostile and that their tribe was betrayed. Fortunately, to everyone's relief, the new arrivals did not retaliate aside from assuming a defensive formation. Then, the lead Esh-Kha humbly introduced himself in near-flawless Basic, "I greet you, Rakata of Tulpaa. My name is Silken Wind, commander of this contingent and emissary of the Last Alliance."

That unexpected introduction made several Rakata stare at each other in confusion, but one breathed a sigh of relief and ordered his soldiers, "Stand down. They're the allies we were told to expect." Slowly, everyone complied with the commands, afterwards, the one who last spoke greeted, "It's good to meet you all. I'm Gulldaa, and my battalion was who you were supposed to meet with at the rendezvous point before you entered this ambush."

"Then give us the sitrep, and we'll work from there." Mirta rose after finishing tended to some of the wounded. "What's happening to your prisons?"

Now crestfallen, Gulldaa solemnly answered, "I wish we had better news to report there. They breached the defenses of sixteen prisons and made off with forty-eight of their targets not two hours ago while we diverted course to rescue you."

"Then maybe we can still stop them." Din suggested. "You know this planet better than the enemy, and they still need to get offworld and deliver their prize to-"

"It won't matter." Soldier gravely interrupted, holding the side of his head as if nursing a splitting migraine. "They've already released the prisoners."

"Which is why we need to hurry to our forward position before Abeloth's followers and her new recruits can regroup and launch another assault on us." Gullpaa advised everyone. "Come on. We have a lot of ground to cover before we reach the nearest of our outposts."

Zonama Sekot

Village of La'okio

"I hope you've enjoyed your brief hiatus from the war, Master Jeedai." Taleth kindly greeted Edaan, who had spent the last four hours meditating and enjoying the lush and vibrant life pouring out from the living world and the gardens she tended to. "I've been tasked with taking you and your team to meet with my love's allies and the rest of my home's leadership."

Unlike many of the Yuuzhan Vong that were old enough to remember their war with this galaxy, Taleth was not averse towards conversing with Edaan or many of his compatriots. Having learnt much from them on their scientific achievements and using them in conjunction with her own bioscience, she considered each new encounter a learning experience and opportunity to enhance her people's own conceptions of life and their growth as a society. And learning from the Last Alliance and One Sith of one of the New Republic's greatest historians of the extragalactic people's origins, how they fell so far, but could still find love and redemption in the Supreme Maker's loving arms, it broke and remade her all at once.

And by speaking with the Rude Awakening's crew members and the members of the unorthodox and exceptionally skilled team of commandos known as Wraith Squadron, here was another chance to learn more and put her knowledge to good use. Seeing the cybernetic scars that the One Sith inflicted on Edaan in their failed attempt to convert him to their cause, it repulsed her at the depths they would sink to in winning their war but impressed her with how strong his spirit was to eventually break free from the conditioning.

After speaking with her fellow Yuuzhan Vong, a member of each team, and learning of the daunting task they asked of her to create a new body for Edaan's spirit to inhabit, to be free from the trauma he suffered and live a full life with his wife, Taleth started reaching out to many of her fellow Shapers to help with the endeavor. Upon learning of the invaluable role that he played over the past fourteen years in rallying the galaxy and redeeming the Jedi Order's name after its tragic failings, virtually all were eager to assist. They certainly enjoyed the challenge of creating a strong vessel for the future Sword of the Jedi while retaining his immense connection to the Force and physical capabilities.

Not even Taleth's beloved disagreed, with Darth Vua promising to find what resources he could to help and ask Invidious to help. Whether it was out of charity or part of a wicked plan, she didn't care, for she held a burning hope that he would choose love and peace over hate and war before these conflicts ended. Even if Edaan refused the offer, deciding to make the most of his current body's strengths and limitations, that did not mean the project was curtailed, or it couldn't be used for other, equally practical aims.

But all this was still in the initial planning stages, for everyone's primary focus had to be on readying themselves for battle on the triad of evil now before everyone.

Before Edaan could respond or even rise from his meditative position, a familiar presence washed over both beings, with a familiar Fosh Jedi-turned-Sith materializing before both, much to the cyborg Jedi Knight's consternation. Seeing a visual representation of Vergere, the vile avian woman who was responsible for creating both Darth Krayt and Darth Caedus out of both once-great Jedi from both their Jedi Orders, it infuriated him to the point where he nearly lost control of his anger. Instead, remembering his training to channel his anger into productive causes and releasing what he couldn't control, he dispassionately warned Sekot, "You're not going to change my mind about your old friend, no matter how many times you try that. I hate Vergere too much to think anything else of her."

Cracking a smile with the birdlike mouth, the Sekot-apparition shrugged, "You can't blame me for trying. But at least you aren't acting out of unbridled hate any longer. You will need that control, and so much more, if you hope to help stop Abeloth and the Olpakans."

"Why do you want me to meet with the One Sith delegation?" Edaan suspiciously asked. "What are you planning, Sekot?"

Sympathetically gazing at Edaan, Sekot gently placed a four-fingered hand on his before imploring, "I know what the Sith have done to you, Edaan. You have every right not to trust them and oppose their darkness. Under any other circumstances, I would not ask this of you or anyone else. But remember how the Jedi before your time looked past their hate of the Yuuzhan Vong to prevent their extinction and bring their war to a peaceful end. Right now, there are those within the One Sith that seek to end the fighting over the galaxy and build a better future for all, and those are the people I'm asking you to hear out."

"They've told you about their plans?" Edaan guessed, ignoring the disgust of Vergere's hand on his.

"Yes, and the few that have spoken with me understand that we must forgo old wounds to save all that Abeloth and the Knights Olpaka want to destroy or enslave." Raising the free hand, Sekot continued, "But they also understand that the Dark Side is a certain path to ruin for all, and that a new order must rise if the galaxy is to learn from the past and build a better future for all, one built on peace and vigilance."

"It is time for the return of the Je'daii Order, and we will need every brave, kind, and intelligent soul we can to survive and flourish in the coming new age." Sekot declared, stunning Edaa into total silence as he followed the planetary consciousness and Master Shaper to the flier that would take him and his team to the Far Distance Islands.

Hyperspace, On Route to the Olpakan Hegemony

Aboard the Imperial II-class Star Destroyer Lucky Striker

"Data transfer complete. Thank you, Sir." Wedge Antilles, long serving freedom fighter, starfighter pilot legend, and commander of many elite squadrons and armies, addressed Vurawn after confirming the intelligence transfer between both leaders. With the old human's longtime friends and rivals having founded their own loose federation in the Rogues' Gallery to help the Jedi and the free galactic powers defend their way of life, he knew this fight would be the last he worked in, and that it was the most important he'd ever fight.

"Of course, General. I made sure to provide you with the most current information we have on the Hegemony, and enough arms and provisions to help you last a year in the field if need be." Vurawn courteously acknowledged.

"Let's pray the war doesn't last that long." Wedge grimly hoped. With the maverick army in the Rogues' Gallery prepared to enter the Olpakan Hegemony and insert the first of many reconnaissance teams and insurgent squads, the elder Corellian knew that he and his fellow old veterans would need an abundance of luck, strength, and cunning to survive the inbound gauntlet. Reading through the briefing material with the same intensity as he did in every war he partook in, he was impressed with the Olpakans' technological advancements, which were well beyond most of the known galaxy's capabilities. And their vigilance and endurance as warriors so far out in the Unknown Regions for millennia was a shining testament to their strength of unending resolve.

Sadly, though, Wedge was far more disgusted at the festering hatred most Olpakans held towards the Force and its countless acolytes, along with their fanatical isolationist stance and barbarity towards any who opposed their twisted goals, a lethal combination. Seeing the reports of the experiments they undertook on Force Sensitives, even among their own people, to try and wipe out the omniscient power, how they used the remains of their victims to create abominable weapons of mass destruction, it made him recognize how similar they were to the Yuuzhan Vong and other races and cultures long since extinct, exiled, or outlawed. It also helped him understand this enemy would not simply be defeated by strength of arms, but by undermining their convictions and undoing their hatred.

And by reaching out to these few Olapkans that saw their beliefs as they were and not through any romantic or sick justifications, Wedge hoped this secondary war could end that much quicker, and the heinous among their people could answer for their crimes. Among those he wished to see brought to task, he wished for Natasi Daala the most of all. How that vile woman had evaded punishment for her many crimes and tyrannical acts, no one could figure out. But if the Force had any sense of justice, she would soon own up for all she did and meet an unceremonious end.

"General, we're receiving a transmission from Commander Steele." The ensign informed Wedge, interrupting his planning and vengeful ruminations, handing him a sealed envelope with the signatures of both Grand Master Katarn and Darth Krayt. "He's been given new orders and provided an eyes-only message for you, Sir."

Taking the letter and reading through the message, troubled by its horrific implications and how Abeloth was gathering all manner of evil to her banner, Wedge knew this war was about to become infinitely more dangerous if she could liberate this 'Mnggal-Mnggal' from his ancient prison world. Hoping the Last Alliance could intercept this extraction before it was too late, he pushed the worries from his mind. He knew where his duties lie, and it wouldn't serve anyone to let his fears take over. However, with this information, the general knew he was granted a new weapon in bringing the Olpakans to heel.

If the Olpakan Hegemony was truly a remnant of humanity from eons ago, then they might know of Mnggal-Mnggal's insatiable hunger and boundless evil, and some of their number might yet see sense. He would have to work with the rebels in carefully spreading the word and offering the rest of their society reasonable terms for surrender.

Deep Within Chiss Space

Mugg Fallow Surface

Surrounded by the cancerous entity that lay a few millimeters away from devouring him, Abeloth felt the mind of Mnggal-Mnggal grow ever more excited at the offer earlier laid before it. She knew the time for the amorphous being to make its decision in this war was upon it, and she knew what would transpire by the day's end.

Over the last two days, the female Bedlam Spirit offspring had communed with the elder spawn of the Bedlam Spirit Tilotny, detailing the proposal Abeloth gave to it, and now patiently awaited its response. Promising Mnggal-Mnggal hundreds of worlds to feed upon, with countless beings to inhabit to satiate its hunger, Abeloth showed no fear or doubt that anyone could sense at this offer. Knowing from time immemorial how it wanted to eventually devour the galaxy whole, it took all his control to keep her mental restraints in place until everything was in place.

Finally, after hours that seemed to drag on for eons, Mnggal-Mnggal's bloated voice echoed through Abeloth's mind, and it hatefully uttered, "I will fight for your putrid cause, and I will enjoy the bounties you will offer me in return, as you promised. However, if you even consider reneging on her agreement, then I will have my revenge in an appropriate manner. And I will start with you and your precious crew."

Utter jubilation coursing through Abeloth's mind, the hope she felt that she knew what her kin was doing, it was fiercely interrupted by an astral projection blazing down upon both leader and new ally. Tor Valum's form, with his ancient armor aiding his movements, his sunken face and frail body, both unnatural from centuries of immersion in the Dark Side, they all surprised Mnggal-Mnggal before the Grysk Sage projected images into their minds.

And what both Abeloth and Mnggal-Mnggal saw shocked the former and terrified the latter beyond all possible description. A leftover nanotechnology, a remnant of the Celestials' servants to prevent the worlds of the Utegetu Nebula to fall to the Killiks or other hungry races, it was now being utilized by both Jedi and Sith to prevent succumbing to the insectoid's accursed pheromones and their terrifying practice of creating Joiners. With the ancient race, one of the few that remained fully faithful and knowledgeable of the Supreme Maker and His lesser servants, the knowledge they held would be used to devastating effect on the Bringer of Chaos and her servants.

But the final and ultimate danger of the technology, a purpose it had yet to be uncovered by the neophytes and their paltry scientists. Still, if they uncovered what it was truly designed for, not merely to serve as a bulwark against the expansion of calamity and evil, but a tool to prepare for this very eventuality, then it would undo all that Abeloth and her allies were on the cusp of attaining.

'There is more, I am afraid.' Tor's spiritual avatar warned both. 'A more immediate danger that threatens you all and our dreams The Last Alliance, they have learnt of our plans, and are sending a fleet to destroy you, your followers, and keep Mnggal-Mnggal contained on this prison of yours.'

'I will dispatch the necessary transports to carry enough of your essence to survive and flourish on countless worlds. But I must have your eternal loyalty in exchange.' Tor warned Mnggal-Mnggal.

"And you will have it entirely." Mnggal-Mnggal pledged, wholeheartedly promising its allegiance to the one entity left that can truly understand it, how all others were meant to serve the offspring of the Architects, and how everything else was meaningless.

Abeloth, meanwhile, sent out a telepathic call to the Oblivion, ordering Gideon and the rest of her staff to prepare his prized corvette for an emergency pickup. Though she knew her followers didn't understand how she hoped to keep Mnggal-Mnggal under control after the galaxy was hers', he understood that her plots could often confound and fool just about everyone, and that she was more than a match for the sludge-like entity's boundless appetite.

Recalling how Exegol, Abeloth's former base of operations, was once the headquarters for far more insidious, older, and powerful evils, and how it was used for experiments and creations so vile that only a chosen few could control the results, she had a plan to bind the creature to her will, and only hers alone. And she would relish seeing the vile being brought down low and properly humbled soon enough before being forced upon her many enemies and would-be manipulators.

Well, I'd say this is a satisfactory place to end this chapter! I've upped the stakes for the Last Alliance and helped move the story along on multiple fronts. But I might need to take a couple days off from writing after publishing this chapter, since I need to revise the remainder of this story's outline since I've changed a bit in the overall flow so far. So, I hope you're all faring well and praying hard for Israel's survival, because I sure am. But I just can't understand the sheer magnitude of hatred that's directed at the small Middle East nation. I mean, what did it ever do to anyone except defend its right to exist and follow its ancient religious roots of Judaism? I tell you, people these days are just plain crazy that it's terrifying. I just pray that God will protect them and the innocent from the evil that's pervading the world on every level.

So, in better news, how are you all doing on this warm night of Saturday, October 14, 2023? I'm otherwise well, as I'm about to start a good book on Tolkien and his impact into the 21st Century, and then will either read a book on Israel's current Prime Minister or US President Calvin Coolidge. And I'll be reading plenty of good fanfics in between and working a lot these next few weeks. Oh, and speaking of fanfiction, I've learnt that is experiencing many technical difficulties, which I hope they solve soon, as the stats have been down for over a month, and now notifications have gone kaput as well. I guess we might have to fully migrate to other websites like Archive of Our Own soon if matters keep deteriorating. Well, I'd best go and get this chapter published in a little bit. I hope you all have a blessed night, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!