Good afternoon, everyone! How are you faring on this cloudy Sunday of October 15, 2023? I'm okay, if worried over Israel's survival, the United States' descent into madness, and the likelihood of the Biblical End Times fast approaching. But it's not all doom and gloom, as I've started a good book on Israel's current prime minister, and it's an intriguing and entertaining piece so far. Oh, and I've got another day off from work tomorrow, which means I can write a bit more than usual in this chapter before getting back to work on Tuesday. In other news, I've made a few changes to my story outline today, and I'm confident I'll make plenty more revisions before it's complete. So, with all that done, I'd best get started on the chapter, as I want to write it within a few days. May the Lord be with us all in these darkening times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
Nelona 6th, 59 ABY
Lehon System
Aboard the Chiss Star Destroyer Dogma
"Our scouts have made a major discovery, General, Colonel. Just not quite what we expected." A Chiss ensign dutifully informed both humans that were placed in charge of this Last Alliance task force. Having grown up amongst humans for many years in the Empire of the Hand, the officer felt no misgivings of working alongside such respected and veteran leaders like Soontir Fel and Sabine Wren, even if the latter was a high-ranking Mandalorian Protector and a highly voilatile artist, if one were to phrase it delicately.
"What have you got, Viara?" Sabine casually asked the younger woman while using her core name, but her indifferent posture betrayed the intent and analytical glean in her eyes.
"Evidence of a devastated Olpakan convoy, quite recent by the damage left behind." Viara answered, handing both officers one questis each with all related information from the returning scouts inside. "It's been picked clean of whatever supplies it was carrying, and virtually all data was expunged from their databases. Whoever the attackers were, they were professionals and knew what they were after."
Reading through the scant details, seeing the gutted wreckage of the twenty Olpakan warships and their escorts, Soontir inquisitively asked, "Did our people notice any abnormalities aboard the warships? Any unique energy, biological, or Force signatures?"
"Nothing concrete, just a vague sense of unease and a terrible darkness." Viara apologetically shook her head. "But we found several missed references to the Olpakans' manufacturing WMDs, and their ramping up production of many of their prized foundries."
"Then whoever's robbing from the Olpakans is trying to build up their own arsenal of superweapons." Sabine grimaced, knowing all too well how dangerous and indiscriminate weapons of mass destruction were, and how the Sith were fond of such brutal tactics, she wondered if they were preparing for renewing their wars after Daala and the True Sith Empire were eradicated. She quickly realized her suspicions were likely unfounded since the Jedi were watching them closely and their focus had to exclusively be on preventing their ranks from diminishing further from desertions or deaths. That only left Abeloth and her collaborators as the probable culprits, and the deduction terrified her beyond comprehension.
Seeing Soontir, with his scarred face tightening in worry over the same data Sabine was reading, she knew he was coming to the same conclusions as her. The next question she asked was pragmatic, "Since we know who the likely thieves are, what are we going to do about this?"
"We have orders to search the area for Olpakan supply routes." Soontir sternly reminded Sabine. "I doubt they had only the one in this region."
"And we're supposed to let Abeloth and her allies build up their arsenal of resonance torpedoes and whatever bio weapon schematics the Olpakans are working on?" Sabine calmly challenged. "Even if we can't stop this raid, if we learn how they're uncovering their routes could be key to better understanding both our enemies and their full capabilities. And we have a blockade over the Nihil Retreat that might be able to intercept the raiders in time. Master Durron can surely spare a few people to help our search, and we can send some of ours to help reinforce the interdiction."
Soontir allowed a small smirk to cross his creased face before he graciously agreed, "I think we can figure something reasonable out to all our peoples' benefit, Colonel Wren."
Zonama Sekot
Far Distance Islands
Within the Magister's Palace
"Sekot welcomes you all, representatives of the Last Alliance, to this momentous summit." Danni Quee called out to the large assembly of ambassadors from the Alliance of Light and One Sith.
Among the Jedi-backed faction and their dozens of leaders and diplomats, the larger party included Jayce and Jaina Solo Fel, Corran Horn, Keyan Farlander, Voort saBinring, Bardan Jusik, Venku Skirata, Ferren Barr, and the crew of the Rude Awakening. While the One Sith only had four of their Sith Lords present in the negotiations, with Darth Invidious and his supposed retainer leading their proceedings. Alongside him was Darth Snoke, fallen Jedi Padawan and Rebel Alliance commando Ezra Bridger; Vongrella, the first Yuuzhan Vong Sith Lady and Shadow Hand of Darth Krayt; and Darth Vua, a product of the Vong's experiments with Force-Sensitive tissue samples and betrothed to Master Shaper Taleth.
Lastly, the Sith had their prized assassin, Ochi of Bestoon, a Vahla and descendant of many infamous Jedi hunters, transcribing the proceedings amongst the gathering. Now that man, the man who Taleth and Sekot claimed would be a herald of change to his people, he would be the one that Edaan and his fellow Jedi would need to observe most carefully. If all the living world said to the Palpatine heir and his loved ones and allies was true, then the repentant assassin was preparing to help undo the Sith's conquests while working to redeem his people from eons of worshiping Tilotny and Abeloth in both their many guises and serving the Dark Side. A noble goal, one that must be supported by all followers of the Light, no matter their doubts of the reformed agent of darkness.
That is, if the Jedi and Sith could truly work together in defeating Abeloth, the Olpakans, and their legions of supporters and soldiers. This simple fact was why Sekot had convened this meeting, to help both sides learn how the Yuuzhan Vong had made such great strides in reforming its oppressive culture and help them see how they could learn from each other if they laid down their old wounds and hatreds. And with the extragalactic race's leaders and their honor guard overseeing the talks, hopefully violence between anyone wouldn't erupt, especially with Nas Choka, the final Warmaster of his people's military and overseer of the Last Alliance's presence on the planet, keeping a tight vigilance on all.
Harrar, a high priest of his people and late-term ally of the Galactic Alliance and Jedi, solemnly began the proceedings. "You all know why we have convened here today. This entire galaxy, the realm where all of us call home, is under attack by two great evils that seek to destroy all that we cherish and remake everything in their own twisted image. The Knights of Olpaka, the True Sith Empire, and the Bringer of Chaos, they must be stopped before time runs out for us to undo their plans."
"But the question now is not if we should come together, for that is obvious to all by now.' Danni Quee solemnly took over. "Rather, when we will unite and start to undo the poisonous hatred that is consuming the galaxy."
Glancing at the Sith, she honestly admitted, "I will freely acknowledge that working with the One Sith, who have done much to sow mayhem and destruction in their mad quest to rule the galaxy, hardly sits well with any of us. Especially since many of their members have deserted their Dread Lord and his Grand Design for Abeloth and her near-boundless power and evil."
"However," Danni solemnly cautioned before anyone could utter a rebuttal, "That does not excuse the Jedi Order for their many failings of late. After their gross errors in judgment and double standards in allowing Darth Caedus to rise, and then letting the Lost Tribe infiltrate Coruscant without so much of a fight, any ought to be hesitant to place their complete trust in their leadership."
"But through it all, there have been many brave souls that sought to create a genuinely better future for all and persisted in the face of overwhelming odds to give hope to countless souls. It is in honor of those individuals, along with the many that gave their lives for freedom and safety of the galaxy and the numberless innocent that are in danger, that I stand before you today, prepared to do what is necessary to protect the galaxy."
Sensing the shame and glimmers of hope coming from many among the Last Alliance, especially among her remaining friends in the Jedi and new allies from the One Sith, Danni knew she made her points. Stepping back to allow Ochi to address everyone, per Sekot and Invidious's prearranged plans, she allowed her longtime friend and mentor to utilize her body and connection to the Force to quell the emerging murmurings of discontent.
Sekot, speaking through Danni, sagely and patiently warned everyone, "I understand all your doubts and fears regarding both the danger we face, and the stark reality of the enmity between all our peoples, for I too share many of them." Seeing that the planet's consciousness had caught everyone's attention, he continued, "Knowing the evils the One Sith have committed, it reminds me too much of why I withdrew from the galaxy nearly a century ago to avoid the violence that has become so commonplace to virtually all living beings.
"And my wayward kin, long since banished from their ancestral home to wage war and murder hundreds of worlds and countless more populations, it filled me with a fear I had not felt at the capacity for evil I too held. It was only through the counsel of wise Jedi and their friends that I overcame my trepidations and stood firm against the barbarity devouring the galaxy." Sekot-Danni referred to the Yuuzhan Vong before the entity glanced towards the Jedi-led delegation.
"And the Jedi have oftentimes been complicit in the suffering of thousands of worlds, whether through their fallen members or service to governments over the Will of the Force and need to remember where their true duties lie." Sekot-Danni solemnly pointed out. "It is through this alliance, with all of us standing firm against the Knights of Olpaka and Abeloth and the darkness they both represent, that I hope that we can forge a new beginning for all."
"Wise words, Sekot." A wizened and gruff voice politely interrupted, causing Sekot-Danni to turn to observe the man who cut in. Seeing a man who had to be nearly at least eighty years old, wearing Mandalorian armor and wielding a lightsaber on his belt, the living world knew who this had to be.
Recognizing Bardan Jusik, a Jedi Knight and renowned healer of the Old Republic before he left both to help the Mandalorians and Clone Trooper deserters as the Empire came to power, Sekot-Danni realized the elder had more to say and gestured for him to continue.
Nodding in gratitude, Bardan acknowledged, "This alliance, in all my decades of experience and witnessing countless phenomena and atrocities transpire, is something I never considered possible until now. Jedi and Sith have rarely joined forces against one common foe, and the galaxy has suffered immeasurably from the losses and trauma of their wars. And their lack of comprehension of the harm they caused everyday people has left me and those I hold close hesitant to work with either faction."
"But only the most fanatical or desperate cannot see how the threats of the Dark Side's most powerful followers and the Olpakans endangers all we hold dear at a level we hadn't seen in millennia, and we must forego old wounds to have a chance of survival." Choosing his next words carefully, Bardan slowly continued, "It is why, for the war's duration, I am asking the Jedi here to let me reclaim my old ranks as Jedi Knight and general."
Expecting the uproar from all parties at his sudden declaration, Bardan instead heard nothing but complete silence and felt utter disbelief through his rusty connection to the Force. Continuing, he elaborated, "This is not a decision I make lightly. The bonds and family I have formed living among the Mandalorians is more important to me than the Jedi Order and their dictates. But against the three armies of darkness we face, these wars must be fought by all who are still able, and with their full capabilities."
"A noble sentiment, Knight Jusik." Ochi graciously conceded. "If only more people and orders had your sense of duty and honor, then the galaxy would be a finer place for all. But we face dangers far more insidious, barbaric, and esoteric than any we have faced in generations. Against the monstrosity that has misled countless beings to worship and follow into perdition, we will need more than the Jedi and Sith to defeat. Not even the Mortis Dagger your peers possess is enough to guarantee victory."
"And let us not forget the Olpakan Hegemony and its ongoing civil war. If the loyalists win, or their atrocities spill out into the rest of the galaxy, it will only fill the galaxy with greater fear and further empower Abeloth and the Rhandites." Invidious diplomatically added. "With the divisions growing within the anti-Force society and their plots virtually unknown to us, we will need to be on guard at all times. That will especially be true against Cylo and his conspirators, who may be far more dangerous than Daala and her mainstream support."
From there, the talks carefully proceeded as planned, with the natural suspicion slowly receding as the Last Alliance deliberated and strategized on how to best counter both the Servants of Chaos, the True Sith Empire, and Olpakans. With the stakes so high, all information and tactics had to be shared, without reservation.
By the time the summit concluded for the night, virtually everyone was feeling cautiously optimistic over the galaxy's prospects for eventual victory over both their enemies. But many were still wary over the possibility of betrayal by their opponents and vowed to be vigilant for any signs of treachery.
Chiss Space, Mugg Fallow Orbit
Aboard the Oblivion
"We need to go." Gideon heard a familiar and grating voice urge him once again. Turning to glance at Aurra Sing, onetime Jedi Youngling of the Old Republic's last decades and infamous bounty hunter and assassin, the Imperial-Olpakan defector repressed the urge to test his newly gifted powers against her.
Instead, Gideon, with a patience he felt all but exhausted, reminded Aurra, "Our forces can delay the Last Alliance's fleet until the Beloved Queen and Mnggal-Mnggal are aboard. We are not abandoning either to our enemies."
"Besides, I would think a renowned Jedi hunter and self-proclaimed 'Bane of the Jedi' would relish the chance to add a few more kills to her extensive record." Gideon added with a hint of a sneer, enjoying the rage and hate quickly spreading across Aurra's face at the mockery.
But any further derisive banter was halted by the arrival of the Last Alliance fleet, nearly one hundred warships, at least fifty of them belonging to the Chiss Ascendancy alone. Seeing the superior numbers that the enemy held against the twenty Abeloth-loyal capital ships and thirty cargo transports, it nearly made Gideon retract his insults. And sensing the influx of Force Users aboard this enemy armada, he and Aurra both knew they were not leaving anything to chance here and intent on obliterating anyone who tried to stand in their way.
In a conventional battle, the Last Alliance would utterly obliterate the Servants of Chaos in a matter of hours, even if the latter held the first blessings of working for the galaxy's rightful goddess. It was doubtful that even Abeloth's millennia of knowledge and growing powers would from the remembering her mother's powers would be enough to stop this coming massacre.
But what Gideon alone amongst the fleet realized was how inconceivably powerful the Beloved Queen of the Stars would be when working in conjunction with Mnggal-Mnggal. And when they both revealed a fraction of the power they could utilize, then the galaxy would begin to see how outmatched they were in this war. If Abeloth was correct in her assessment of the enemy, then they would be so terrified by her allies that they wouldn't be diligent enough to determine the nanotechnology's full potential.
'We are ready.' Abeloth's voice echoed throughout the corvette, far stronger and booming than any aboard his ship had ever felt before. Mnggal-Mnggal was truly serious in offering its full capabilities to Abeloth, and it sent unstoppable shivers of terror through Gideon's spine.
Instead of showing his anxiety, Gideon vindictively smirked at Aurra and ordered the comms officer, "Move the fleet into position. We don't want anyone getting caught in our leader's trap."
Quickly relaying the commands, the fleet pulled back, just as the Last Alliance started deploying its fighters and launching a blistering turbolaser barrage. After have three transports and two warships disabled, the Servants of Chaos sprung their trap.
Down on the planet Mugg Fallow, where the core of Mnggal-Mnggal was preparing to travel to seven of the True Sith Empire's secure worlds across the Nihil Retreat, the ancient monstrosity and Abeloth had been channeling the Dark Side of the Force to unleash a wave of energy against the Jedi and Sith force. Afflicting all but a handful of ships and individuals who were too far away, the attack spread throughout the fleet, driving everyone who was affected either into a coma or to the edge of insanity.
While Mnggal-Mnggal wanted to abundantly feed for the first time in millennia, Abeloth had wisely counseled the entity against showing its full capabilities before they were ready to make outright war. The Last Alliance, in its nascent state and desperation, that would be when the uniting factions were at their most dangerous. If they learnt of just how strong the cancerous being was and how it fully functioned, then they would be that much closer to uncovering the only way to truly destroy it.
But this plan would not only generate boundless fear throughout the galaxy, but also leave the enemy confused on how their attack failed so utterly while they expended vital resources and time to try and heal the damaged minds of their own. Mnggal-Mnggal would have plenty of other opportunities to feed, and it was fortunate that the first seven targets would be available to the entity in a handful of weeks.
Gideon, feeling his comlink vibrate with the predetermined signal that meant they were clear to complete the evacuation, ordered the Oblivion's crew, "Take us down. We need to be out of here before the Last Alliance sends another force here."
"Too bad we can't just kill or infect them all." Aurra bitterly muttered, which Gideon ignored to avoid a fight. But he desperately wished to put the liberated One Sith proxy down and show her how outdated her infamy was in this changing galaxy. No matter, he would get his chance soon enough, provided he continued to serve the cause with greater devotion than he gave the Olpakans and Daala.
The time of old relics like Aurra Sing, who too often failed in their vendettas and contracts and were captured by weak fools was coming to an end. Soon, only the strong would rule the galaxy, and all others would serve the Beloved Queen of the Stars in their proper capacity. All others would be washed away by the engines of history and inevitable progress, just as it was meant to be.
Olpakan Hegemony
Carthea System
Aboard the Resurgent-class Star Destroyer Sir Trilag
"How did the meeting go?" Cylo-V asked Natasi Daala. The High Admiral and Councilor of the Olpakan Hegemony, also a galactic menace and persistent bane of the free worlds and institutions, had just received new orders from the Olpakan High Council regarding its ongoing civil strife.
"Worse than I ever could've feared." Daala bitterly responded. "I've been tasked with restoring order to our borders by negotiating with the traitors all while preserving, bolstering, or rebuilding our war capabilities."
"Ah. A true test of your patience and unique approach to diplomacy, then." Cylo-V approvingly noted. "But what of the Last Alliance and the True Sith Empire's agents encroaching on our territories? Has the Council reached a verdict on how to respond?"
Scowling in utter disgust, Daala all but spat out, "No, because they can't see the truth as you and I can. Too many of those fools refuse to see how the galaxy is on the precipice of eternal damnation and are stuck in their old methods and outdated principles to do what's necessary."
After learning of the Olpakan Hegemony and fully allying with them when her attempt to take over the Galactic Empire failed, Daala hoped the smaller territory would see matters just as she did and choose to take the initiative that was required. Unfortunately, it seemed impotence and indecisiveness were both in abundance everywhere these days, and the Olpakans were no exception.
"Then perhaps this will help sway enough skeptical councilors." Cylo-V helpfully suggested, before Daala's datapad pinged with a new transmission. Reading through the incoming data, she was astonished to hear that the Last Alliance had already sent expeditionary fleets and insertion teams into the Hegemony. And among the many wayward fools that followed the Jedi-Sith alliance was her own son, Armand Vorn.
Learning that her only son and a soldier she was proud of, Daala felt her heart break a little more at the terrible implications. She still remembered how Armand refused to have anything to do with her controversial leadership and views, having dedicated himself to prevent his wife and daughter from falling under her influence. That loyalty and perseverance, it was something she could admire in anyone, even a sworn enemy after he deserted her for the Jedi puppet in Jagged Fel and helped undo her Imperial coup attempt.
But that respect wouldn't stop Daala from killing Armand if he continued to stand in her way. And since he best understood how his mother operated and could counter her strategies, she would have to eliminate him first amongst the Last Alliance fleets. She just needed the right strategy to ensure victory for the Olpakan loyalists against their two main adversaries while rallying the floundering power to live up to the ancient ideals it espouses.
Interrupting her reflections, Cylo-V said in atypical surprise, "We may have a new problem. One of our supply convoys for your WMDs went missing twelve hours ago, and we just intercepted their distress signal."
"The Last Alliance?" Daala guessed, knowing whoever attacked her classified shipments was now in possession of many dangerous supplies aboard.
"No, they only stumbled upon the wreckage and are working to pursue the actual perpetrators." Cylo-V clarified, angrily adding, "We need to prioritize eliminating Abeloth and her cohorts before they can put all her plans into motion."
"Yes. And that means destroying her base of operations and cutting off her supply of converts." Daala seethed, knowing what her next plans were. But unknown to her in her rage-induced state, she failed to notice Cylo-V's scrutinizing gaze, one that almost carried a tinge of disappointment. If she was about to defy orders and try to eradicate the rebels, then it would all but complete his plans. He would have to be ready to report her and help expunge her influence from the Hegemony when the right moment came.
Tulpaa Surface
Skal'nas City
Temple of Ruthic
"I never expected such an odd mix of restraint and viciousness from a race as legendary for its brutality as the Rakata." 0-0-0, a black-plated protocol/assassin droid formerly in the One Sith's services before he deserted to join Chelli and her friends in the Jedi, commendably commented. "It is quite surreal, if I'm being brutally honest."
Another assassin droid, BT-1, but designed to resemble an astromech and much more chaotic than his compatriot, offensively warbled in the language of droidspeak to 0-0-0, earning them both a stern rebuke from Chelli, "Cool it, you two. Don't even think of further insulting our hosts, especially since we're all currently enjoying their generous hospitality amid a war."
Both 0-0-0 and BT-1 gazed at their human friend, wondering how Chelli could stay so calm throughout this invasion, but they both saw the glint of fear and helplessness cross her eyes. It was then that they both understood how she was putting on a brave and stoic front to maintain everyone's morale, even as she struggled with the carnage unfolding around her and the terror now coursing through her. It was a glance they had seen many times while interrogating captives of the One Sith and eliminating them after their usefulness expired.
And while being escorted throughout the planet's capital city, witnessing the dozens of races working in complete cooperation to reactivate ancient defenses and repel the Servants of Chaos's armies from their doorstep, it was an occasion the galaxy needed to see. Witnessing some of the last descendants of a legendary race and their freed slaves fight as one to protect their home, it served as a microcosm of the situation that befell the entire galaxy.
But this temple, it was not only the center of Tulpaa's governing body but rumored to be the sanctum of most of the few surviving artifacts that were left over from the Rakatan Infinite Empire's collapse. And from the ferocity of the raiding parties that were flinging themselves at the defenders, the treasures must still have much potency and danger that required such high security.
Still, knowing that Tau, Korin, Jaing, and the crews of the Jade's Legacy and Phoenix Whirlwind were asked to meet with the elders first, it gave Chelli a pang of an emotion she hadn't felt before, but one she recognized from the Sith she had long been forced to live alongside as envy. Why did they get to go in first and learn more of such an ancient culture and help defend the lives and freedom of a planet? Why was she forced to wait outside while the galaxy was coming undone? No matter what she tried to consider, there wasn't an answer good enough to satisfy her curious and free-spirited mind.
Interrupting everyone's thoughts, 0-0-0 noticed Tau and Korin's approach them along with the young and growing Sith hound the Iteration had befriended during his early months on Korriban. Butch, normally a joyful pup that loved being around others, had a serious disposition that betrayed his intelligence and comprehension of the situation unfolding around everyone. But Chelli, noticing her loved ones and their escort of five Rakata guards, intuitively understood that the time for observing was over and that everyone's long-awaited meeting with the elders had come.
Before she could help herself, Chelli bitterly muttered, "About time."
Tau, feeling a pang of guilt, tried to explain, but Korin apologetically beat him to it, "I'm sorry, Chelli, but… the Rakata had many preparations to make before we could start the meeting, and they uncovered much of the enemy's plans. But they're ready for all of us to come in." Smiling hopefully, he added, "I'm sure you'll be surprised by what you're about to witness."
"You mean I can go in?" Chelli skeptically surmised.
"We wouldn't let them start without you all." Tau honestly answered. "You're just as important to the Last Alliance as the rest of us."
Genuinely laughing at the remark, Chelli acknowledged, "Thanks, but we both know that's not true."
Seeing Chelli's doubts, Tau clasped her hands in his and urged her, "Don't ever sell yourself short, Chelli Lona Aphra. If it wasn't for you, I'd never have been freed from the Sith nor inherited the Daughter's essence, and Edaan wouldn't be freed from the One Sith's control. You and your mother have done more for the galaxy than I ever could, and I hope one day I can repay the debt I owe you and your father."
Touched by Tau's earnest admission, and feeling something stir inside her, something bright and warm that she hadn't felt before in all her years. What was this peace and joy she could feel, and why was she experiencing it now?
Before Chelli could inquire or respond, Korin, not catching her daughter's confusion, quickly interrupted the tender moment, "Tau is right, Boop. You have much to contribute here and to the cause. And you'll find out how much right now, because we have a meeting to catch, and we're short on time."
The tender moment with Tau now ruined, Chelli quickly recomposed herself and nodded to her father, not noticing the perplexity momentarily plastered over his face before the three living and two artificial beings followed their escorts deeper into the temple.
Chelli, desiring to learn more of the imminent meeting and how the Last Alliance would contribute to the Rakata's defense and redemption, helpfully suggested, "Then perhaps you two can give me the basics of what you've discussed and what I hope to expect from our allies."
"It's quite complicated." Tau warned before he acquiesced, "But I should be able to simplify everything easily enough in the next thirty minutes. It starts with a cold war between the Tulpaa and Makatak tribes and stopping the rest of their surviving and barbaric brethren from linking up with Abeloth and regaining their connection to the Force. And we're going to get an audience with this refuge's founders."
Suddenly, Chelli felt her spine chill, and she realized her curiosity may have gotten her into too much trouble this time. Why did she have to be blessed with her father's intellect, but also cursed with such a rebellious and adventurous spirit like her mother possessed?
Well, I'd say this is an excellent place to end the chapter! And to think I only wrote it in under 48 hours! Man, I really poured my all into this piece, and it turned out splendidly. So, how are you all doing on this cool night of Monday, October 16, 2023? I'm okay, as I have work tomorrow, and I'll be busy for quite a while after this with personal stuff, as I mentioned a few weeks ago. And I need to read more of my current book tomorrow, as I didn't read at all today to focus on this chapter. Well, I'd best look over this chapter quickly and get it published tonight. I hope you all stay safe and sane in these mad times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
