Hey, everyone! How are you all faring on this warm day of Friday, October 20, 2023? I'm well, as I went out with my mother and sister for a little shopping and bought a small book for my enjoyment. I figured I'd take a couple days off from writing to revise some of this story's outline, and it was a productive time. I'm currently watching Hacksaw Ridge, and it's a glorious movie. We could use something like this now instead of the constant drivel we get from so many movies. Ah, but I'm just blowing off steam and bitterness, so don't mind me. So, I hope you're ready for another chapter in my exciting story, as I've already completed at least a quarter of it before I wrote these authors' notes. I also want to let you know that I'm praying hard for the survival and prosperity of Israel, and the redemption of the United States, the country I love and support so much. I hope you all are too, especially with all the madness devouring the world in virtually every corner. Well, I'd best get back to writing this piece. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!

Three Hours Later

Nelona 6th, 59 ABY

Tulpaa Surface

Skal'nas City, Temple of Ruthic

"You should be honored to even be walking in here after your audacious landing in our people's holy city." The Sith Pureblood priest who called himself "Kestral" warned the One Sith three-man delegation. "Only a select few have been granted access to this sanctum, and if it were not for the Jedi's wise counsel, we might not have granted you entry at all."

"And we have no intention of betraying your hospitality and goodwill." Takaris earnestly promised. "But our master, he senses many dark rumblings coming from your patrons across the rest of your worlds, and we merely wish to be sure that our alliance holds for the duration."

Gazing at the Kesh-born Sith Lord, Kestral warily answered, "Provided you adhere to the terms of our pact, you will have nothing to fear from the people of Tulpaa. It is the other tribes you must be wary of."

Stopping in front of a series of giant stone doors, the red-skinned minister warned his three guests, "I will advise you all now; whatever you see in here, you are not to disclose to anyone in the Last Alliance until the elders give you permission or if Abeloth is destroyed."

"Is there any reason for this particular vow of secrecy?" Yiv, Supreme Commander of the fallen Nikardun Dynasty and High General of the One Sith's armies, cautiously inquired. "If your superiors have a hidden power or secrets that can help us win the war-"

"There is much you fail to understand, General Yiv. Many remnants of the Infinite Empire can never again see the light of day, for there are far greater evils out there than simply the Bringer of Chaos that seek to reenter our plane of existence." Glancing at Sorzus, Kestral warily added, "And keep an eye on your younger charge. We won't tolerate any breaching of the trust we are extending, especially thievery or espionage."

"She'll behave herself." Takaris quickly promised to avoid Sorzus muttering any acidic rebuttals, all while ignoring her silent pouting. Satisfied, the vicar nodded before opening the tall doors to the chambers, the grinding echoing through the temple and allowing the One Sith delegation to meet their Jedi counterparts.

Seeing so many of Lord Krayt's most nefarious and powerful enemies in one place, the urge to try and kill them all was nearly too much for Sorzus to bear. After she failed to manipulate Edaan Palpatine into becoming her consort and seeing the many traitors to the Grand Design, the Chagrian woman needed a sweet release for her building fury. But by remembering her father's teachings to bide her time and keep her focus, she restrained her rage before it could burst. And if the bitter glares she felt from Tau Palpatine, Allana Djo Solo, and the Aphra family were any clue, she was not the only one who wished to fight now.

But even more surreal for the three Sith ambassadors was the assembly of the Tulpaa Tribe's leadership. Recognizing them all from the briefings the Last Alliance had received, the mix of Rakata and their many former slave races standing as equals, they knew this tribe had tremendously reformed and were working to try and rehabilitate their sister tribes while preventing them from waging war on nearby worlds.

Seeing Cah'let, a key member of the Rakatan priests, Tul'kar, a general, Kota, a key Selkath judge, Adj'ast, the Predor-Governor, the planet's leader, and a dozen other high-ranking leaders and their hundred guards and adjutants, the One Sith realized not only just how pivotal this meeting would be, but how outnumbered they and the Jedi would be if tensions flared up here.

"High Lord Yur." Vestara cordially greeted her former ally, who simply replied with a nod.

"Lady Khai." Yiv professionally acknowledged, "Why are you here?"

"The Rakata asked for me to be here for the talks, along with everyone else you see before you." Vestara began before she promised, "I'm not here to cause trouble. I just wanted to let you know a few things before we meet our host. Call it a gesture of goodwill for our alliance."

"What goodwill do you possibly have to offer us, Jedi Khai?" Sorzus sneered.

Steadily meeting Sorzus's glare, Vestara calmly answered, "The fact that you're about to meet the founder of this refuge, learn the full truth of this planet's origins, and what its sister tribes have planned if they regain their power, I'd suggest being more hospitable."

"And you trust this group, Vestara?" Takaris questioned, surprised at seeing the lack of reservations in the ex-Sith.

"As much as I trust you to help maintain this alliance, old friend." Vestara answered, amazing Takaris with the pure honesty and conviction the Jedi agent radiated in the Force and through her solemn gaze.

Before any more courtesies could be exchanged, the sound of the gong could be heard echoing throughout the temple, and the chanting began with the Sith sensing the Force being utilized by the Rakata affiliated servants and priests. Opening an ancient pyramidical container, a device the Sith and their general recognized as a mind sphere that housed an old and powerful spirit, everyone was astonished to see an elder Rakatan woman, garbed in ceremonial wear that resembled clothing from the ancient Tythonese, and whose presence in the Force shone like a bright star in a blanket of fog.

Gazing at the visitors, the hologram of the female Rakata greeted them all, "It is an honor to have you all here, servants of the Force. I am Ruthic, founder of the Rakata Tribe of Tulpaa and former Priest of Lehon as the Infinite Empire collapsed."

Takaris noticed Korin Aphra nearly jumped at the marvel of ancient technology but was kept in check by his daughter and Tau Palpatine before Ruthic continued, "I come before you in these dark hours to offer counsel and tools you will need to withstand the tribulations of these coming months."

"In the Infinite Empire's death throes, as virtually all Rakata lost their connection to the Force, a few of us foresaw our inevitable downfall and took steps to redeem a fraction of our society, taking what bits of our technology and knowledge this region's seven systems to rebuild and start over. Building upon the lessons of the Je'daii Order of old that our ancestors fought against, we remade ourselves into an egalitarian culture, where our former slaves were emancipated, and they helped us rebuild as equals while preparing for the day we would eventually return to the known galaxy. In preparing for this day, I entombed my spirit inside our old technology and helped guide Tulpaa into its golden age."

"And now, after over twenty-five thousand years of waiting and rebuilding, our time to return to the galaxy has come to save it from the darkness that we once served in our barbarity. But there are many dangers that await you and the Last Alliance, and everyone needs to be made aware of them before this war proceeds any further." Ruthic warned, before her hologram changed to the projection of the Rakatan Archipelago's seven inhabited star systems.

"Out of the refuges that my people created in this safe sanctum, only ours and the Makatak Tribe have retained their full capabilities of our people, with the rest sinking into barbarity and leaving them susceptible to the false promises of Abeloth and those like her. Should the True Sith Empire andits pawns finish recruiting amongst the hundreds of millions of Rakata trapped on these worlds, they will have all they need to wash over the galaxy like a plague."

"But even our so-called civilized tribes have suffered dearly from our blood-drenched past." Ruthic lamented. "For the Makatak Tribe still clings to many of the depravations that doomed our people once before, and they seek to use this pact with your Last Alliance to regain their connection to the Force and dominate the galaxy for themselves. That is why we have been engaged in a cold war to stop them from enacting this mad plan and trying to bring them towards the light."

"But even more important, we have been working to rebuild our ties to the Force, not to conquer, but to protect and atone for our ancestors' atrocities. That is why I have asked you here, to help us start over and do what is right for the many instead of the few." Ruthic finished.

Seeing Sorzus glower at what she perceived to be inane foolishness coming from the ancient priest, Takaris dared take the initiative and slowly approach Ruthic's holographic form. Nodding his head in respect for her, he carefully answered, "And none of us here have any intention of betraying your people, honored spiritual guide and founder of this illustrious tribe." Knowing he was treading precariously close to heresy here, he chose his next words delicately, "But to stop the destruction of your home and the enslavement of galaxy, we need to fully understand the scope of this war we have inserted ourselves into, and how to save all we love from the evils that now encroach upon us. And that means we need to know what Abeloth and her followers are after amongst your own, so we can help protect and secure whatever dangers you have safeguarded here for all these millennia."

Staring at Takaris, Ruthic noted, "I sense the truth in your words, Takaris Yur of the One Sith." Flashing an amused smile at the human's smirk, she elaborated, "We have been observing the galaxy and its denizens for nearly all the centuries we have spent here, and I know of your endeavors for both the Lost Tribe and Darth Krayt."

"I will tell you and your confederates all I know, and you and those you trust will be allowed to help guard our treasures and work with our scientists, just as the Jedi will be granted the same measure of good faith." Ruthic answered. "But we must work quickly, for we are almost out of time."

"Before what?" Yiv anxiously asked. "What is it that you know?"

"Before the end comes for the Rakatan Archipelago as we know it." Ruthic sadly answered, terrifying all with the gravity of her voice just as much as her words.

Hyperspace, On Route to the Olpakan Hegemony

Aboard the Lucky Striker

"Dispatch for you from Rogue Leader, Sir." An ensign alerted Wedge, quickly handing him a datapad bearing a message with Rogue Squadron's emblem. "They've stumbled upon an ongoing rout between the Olpakan factions, and she's requesting permission to intervene."

Swiftly reading through the message, Wedge couldn't help but feel mixed pride and consternation for his daughter and how she inherited plenty of admirable and frustrating traits from her parents. According to the transmission, Syal and her squadron, while performing a reconnaissance run near a cluster of Olpakan worlds, nearly ran into a travelling Loyalist fleet and shadowed them until reaching their destination.

And from the data Rogue Squadron had been able to send his way, the Rebels would not last more than two days against the enemy's strength and superior arms before their worlds were either razed or subjugated. Even more significant was how, from the few transmissions Syal's team decoded, this star system just might be the central headquarters of the dissident Olpakans. If it fell now… well, the Last Alliance simply couldn't have that happen.

Recognizing the severity of this danger, as well as its fleeting opportunity, Wedge immediately typed a message for his daughter and hurried towards his comms officers, ordering them, "Send this message to Rogue Lead immediately, top priority. Then connect me with Generals A'bhat and Orellios on the bridge's command center. Tell them I've got a promising lead for us."

"Yes, Sir." The head comm officer complied. After two minutes of anxious waiting, Wedge was greeted by his aged peers and fellow rebels: General Etahn A'bhat, the leader of the Dornean Expeditionary Fleet and veteran of many wars, and Garazeb Orellios, General in the Lira San Navy and one of the first rebels to fight against the Galactic Empire before the First Galactic Civil War began.

"What's the lead you promised us, Antilles?" Garazeb pointedly asked, eyes betraying an eagerness the rest of his body denied.

"Rogue Squadron might have found the Olpakan Rebels' central command, just as it's under siege by the Loyalists under Daala's command." Wedge simply answered. "I need to know if you'll fly with me to help investigate and intervene if it's valid."

"Will it be just us, Wedge?" Etahn inquired. "I imagine we'll need more than the three of us to stop the massacre of the only Olpakans with sense around here."

"I'll ask the Chiss and Mandalorians to send us reinforcements, but we can't have the Jedi or Sith get involved just yet. They're likely terrified enough as is, and we can't afford to risk turning them against us as well with the people they've been taught to hate all their lives." Wedge pointed out, imploring his two longtime friends, "I can't do this without your support."

"Do you even have to ask?" Garazeb chuckled. "My people have been going crazy on standby these last few weeks, and we want to prove our worth to this alliance. Count us in."

"And our Starhawks have been fully repaired and are armed for our next engagement." Etahn interrupted. "It'll take us about three days to journey to your position, but we'll find a way to arrive in time to help."

"Anything you can do at this time would be grateful." Wedge nodded in gratitude. "I'll send a subspace message to Vurawn and have him deploy who he can, but we'll essentially be on our own for now."

"My kind of odds, Antilles." Garazeb chortled before signing off, with Etahn doing the same moments later, leaving Wedge to prepare his fleet for its emergency jump and relaying this opportunity to Vurawn. All the while, he hoped and prayed that his daughter and her team kept themselves alive and out of sight until help arrived.

Nelona 7th, 59 ABY

Zonama Sekot

Far Distance Islands

"It has been quite a long time since we conversed, Jaina." Danni cordially hugged her old friend. Letting go, she impressively noted, "You've done well for yourself, if even half of what the Sith and their emissaries told us was true."

"I could say the same about you, Magister." Jaina replied, allowing her son to greet Danni next. "This is my oldest son, Jayce Solo Fel. He asked to come along to assist with the negotiations and find his place in the galaxy."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am." Jayce gracefully bowed to Danni, earning a warm smile from her.

After the first round of talks with the Last Alliance and Sekot's ambassadors concluded, the various delegates retried for the night, leaving Danni to speak with many of her old friends in the Jedi and Alliance of Light and catch up on the goings of the galaxy. Learning how the galaxy had struggled to retain the hard-won lessons of the Yuuzhan Vong War and so many of the Jedi's champions and leaders had fallen astray from their noble paths, the knowledge made the Magister regret leaving the Order at the height of the Swarm War. She even wondered if she could have prevented the stagnation that nearly destroyed the Jedi and Galactic Alliance and helped prevent Jacen Solo's fall to the Dark Side. Just thinking of the young man that she once harbored strong feelings for and how he descended into tyranny while his family did virtually nothing to save him, it filled her with such heartbreak over Darth Caedus's evil.

But the past was done, and nothing could change that. No matter how much she yearned to redeem the fallen, how much she wished to undo the sins of years ago, Danni recognized that she could only learn from previous mistakes of others and apply those hard-earned lessons to make a better future for all. And that was why she had called Jaina here early this morning, to ensure that she did not leave another stained legacy of division and darkness on the galaxy as her late twin brother created.

Jaina, seeing the forlorn glean in Danni's eyes, had a sneaking hunch on what this meeting would mainly be about. But remembering and acknowledging how she had failed her brother when he needed help the most, and how she vowed to raise her children with the same love, devotion, and discipline that her relatives had, she knew her friend deserved to say her piece and release all her anger and disappointment. It was the least she deserved, no matter what any sycophants might profess to her and her family.

Danni, noticing the acceptance in Jaina's eyes, acknowledged, "You know why I called you here, then."

"Among other reasons I cannot discern, yes." Jaina regretfully answered. "You wanted me to explain how I failed to save my twin brother from becoming Darth Caedus, and how I'm abandoning my responsibilities to the Jedi and Force to help lead the Empire." Resignantly signing, she acknowledged, "And you're right in more ways than you can imagine, just as what I'm about to do will cost me a great deal in every conceivable way."

Solemnly gazing at Jayce, seeing the conflict in his eyes before she returned her stare towards Jaina, Danni softly answered, "That's right. I want to know how you could possibly explain the choices you made over the last two decades, and what led you to this pivotal moment."

"It's complicated." Jayce tried defending his mother, earning a scrutinizing glare from the Magister, just as a scarred Yuuzhan Vong male, garbed in the robes of a high priest and bearing three fingers on each hand, entered the conversation. Recognizing the individual from his briefings on the high-profile leaders of Zonama Sekot's population, and the few conversations they had, the Jedi Apprentice courteously acknowledged, "High Priest Harrar."

"Jeedai Solo Fel." Harrar respectfully greeted the teenager. "I must admit, the magister and I were surprised to learn that your mother had brought you here amid these wars. Even more so when we learned how you volunteered for such a responsibility when you are so adamant against serving the Empire after your family reorganizes it into a monarchy."

Raising a scarred hand to forestall any defense, Harrar continued, "Do not mistake my observation for criticism or disapproval. I believe you are making a difficult choice that you believe is best for yourself and those you care for while staying true for your ideals. A noble stance that many peoples and civilizations can learn from."

"And several people on this planet believe there is an opportunity for you to apply those beliefs without fully severing ties to your family." Harrar proposed, catching both Jayce and Jaina's full attention. "But we can discuss that more after Danni gets her answers from your mother."

"The answers you want are as simple as they are tragic." Jaina began, gathering her strength and courage for what she was about to admit, something she had only told her family once before. The last time she spoke of this, it had been after the depths of Daala's depraved experiments on Force Users had become known, and Edaan Palpatine unleashed all his built-up trauma against the Jedi Council for everyone's failings. The heartbreak she remembered from her sons and daughter, how her husband had comforted her after she broke down, and how she spent the rest of that night in solitude to recollect herself, it was a time she would never forget.

But now, she had to revisit it all over again, this time to show her friends how she had learnt from her mistakes and was ready to own up to her sins while forging a new path for a part of the galaxy.

"When Jacen was captured by the Vong, above Myrkr, I gave up on him. I thought I felt him die in the Force and I tried to forget about him, about Anakin and all those who died, and just keep fighting, because that was all there was left to do." Jaina began, forcing herself to go back to those nightmarish years. "You remember, Danni, the desperation and death that was all around us, and I couldn't let myself be distracted for a moment, or I was afraid another loved one would die."

"Yes, I remember." Danni remorsefully acknowledged. "But then Jacen returned to us and helped save the peoples of two galaxies from annihilation."

"Yeah, but when he came back... I didn't know what to do. I couldn't believe he was real. I just kept shutting him out. He'd changed- he'd been tortured, traumatized, but he was still strong, and I knew he was sad to see what I'd turned into. How distant I'd become, but I couldn't bring myself to find my way back to everyone when we were still fighting, and the scars we all bore were still so fresh."

She took a deep, deep breath. "It was getting better, by the end of the war. We had a real shot at reconnecting and building better lives for ourselves with those we loved. But then he went on his journey to find other Force Users, and I got so caught up in being the Sword of the Jedi that I didn't see him for almost five years. And when he came back..."

Her hands balled into angry fists. She fought the urge to punch something- anything, even if she knew the pain wouldn't help anything. "When he came back something had changed, really changed. I didn't know what, or why, until after he... until after I killed him. But I didn't even try to connect. I was a pathetic mess. I was involved with the Killiks and became a Joiner. I was too busy with their Hive and being manipulated by the Dark Nest to think about what was going on with Jacen. When he tricked us into bombing that Chiss colony and stopping his apocalyptic visions to protect Allana, I was so angry. I hated him for it. I closed him off for good and didn't try to reach out afterwards, when I should have. He was my brother and I just... let him go, right when I could have turned him around, when he needed me the most."

Suddenly her words stopped. Jaina had nothing left to say. After an eternity of staring at her trembling knuckles she dared to look up at Danni and Harrar. They were standing in the same places. Their aging faces looked very, very sad. Neither of them said a thing, and neither of them looked away. She couldn't even bear to look at Jayce, feeling the heartbreak coming off him through their bond, and knowing the shame she felt at failing his namesake.

"I failed him," Jaina wept. "He was my brother and I completely failed him. And I can never fix that. I can never help him find his way back. All I could do was kill him. And I get to live with that for the rest of my accursed life while I try to help fix a galaxy I helped break."

"That's why I'm working with my husband to rebuild the Empire. Not because I crave power or want to abdicate my responsibilities, but so I can do some good and prepare the next generation to avoid making my mistakes." Jaina finished. "The whole galaxy's going to need the Jedi long after these wars end, and we need to take risks to help rebuild what's been lost."

Not hearing the soft patter of footsteps, Danni kindly wrapped her arms around Jaina and allowed her to cry her heart out, with Harrar stoically observing the heartbroken display.

After what felt like an eternity, the tears stopped, and the hug was released, with Jaina softly acknowledging, "Thank you."

"Of course." Danni nodded. "I'm sorry for putting you through that, Jaina."

"No, it's the least I deserve after all I helped wrought. Thank you for listening." Jaina sighed before recalling something Harrar said, "But what were you both going to say to Jayce?"

Both human magister and Yuuzhan Vong priest grew solemn, and Harrar answered, "Sekot and the Magister's disciples have glimpsed the future, and our seers have worked to interpret their meanings. What we have discerned is most troubling."

"More troubling than the return of Abeloth, the Rakata, and the Olpakans?" Jayce ruefully chuckled, only to see the serious gazes of both Sekot-residents. "What have you foreseen?"

"Many battles and tragedies await you and your family, Jaina and Jayce Solo Fel." Danni mournfully began. "All those that carry on in your bloodline and mission to rebuild and lead the Empire shall be bound to a mighty fate, one that will destroy many and test others to their limits."

"And that is only the beginning." Harrar carried on that prophesying. "The entire galaxy, it will soon meet its end in fire and blood and be eternally reborn. But whether it is of Light or Darkness, it will depend on the efforts of a pivotal few."

"What do you mean?" Jayce asked, a terror griping him like none ever before.

"We mean that evils infinitely more terrifying than the One Sith, far more dangerous than Abeloth and the Rhandites, and more numerous than the Olpakans, they will soon return to this plane of existence. And when they do, the Jedi and Sith must unite again to reform a far older order."

"The Je'daii Order." Jaina realized, remembering what Edaan discretely reported to her before the talks concluded. Hearing how Ochi and Invidious had conceived the idea of reviving the original precursor to the Jedi Order, most had thought the plan a Sith trap or just plain madness, even with the Last Alliance's simple existence. But if these visions were true, and the end of times were fast approaching, then such a move just might be what the galaxy needed to ensure its very survival.

Jayce, recognizing the intent strategizing his mother was utilizing, suggested to both Danni and Harrar, "In that case, we ought to start recruiting immediately, but carefully so we don't let any of the wrong people know about this until we're ready."

Makatak System

Aboard the Pius Dea Cathedral Ship Retribution

"My Lord, Grand Master Katarn is asking for your presence." A Quarren Sith acolyte informed Darth Krayt. "He requested your assistance with what he claims to be a pressing matter regarding the True Sith Empire's fleets."

Turning to face the acolyte, Krayt paused as if he was considering his next words before answering, "If the Grand Master of the Jedi Order is personally reaching out to me, then the matter must be truly dire. Transfer the communication to me. I will speak with him while overseeing this battle."

"As you wish, Dread Lord." The Sith disciple obeyed. "It'll take a minute or two to reroute the call."

"Move quicker than that, Crova." Krayt ordered the Quarren Sith. While the young woman hurried to follow his orders, the founder of the One Sith privately mused how his life had changed so drastically from his original path as he coordinated the battle aboard his personal flagship.

Born as A'Sharad Hett, son of the legendary former Jedi Knight Sharad Hett and apprentice as both Tusken Raider and Jedi before the former's tragic death at the hands of reviled bounty hunter Aurra Sing. After his father was killed and his army was routed by the Hutts on Tatooine while leading the Sand People in a controlled war against them and their servants, he fully dedicated his life to the Jedi and apprenticed himself under two great Masters of their time.

Through Ki-Adi-Mundi and An'ya Kuro's difficult tutelage, A'Sharad had grown into a model Jedi Knight and Master, serving with distinction and honor throughout the Clone War in many of its most brutal battles even as the Order and Old Republic crumbled from all sides. Even through losing many close friends, his apprentice, and the Jedi Knight he loved, coming close to death repeatedly, and killing many enemy soldiers, he maintained his principles and kept his anger and sorrow in check.

But through the betrayal of the Clone Troopers and Anakin Skywalker, the so-called Chosen One of prophecy and one who betrayed A'Sharad's faith, the Jedi Order was broken, and the Republic was transformed by Darth Sidious and his minions into the Galactic Empire. With virtually all his friends and loved ones dead, he lost himself to his inner darkness and became a warlord of the Tusken Raiders, massacring all that stood in his way until Obi-Wan Kenobi stopped him and forced him to leave Tatooine forever.

Afterwards, A'Sharad learnt of Anakin's fall and transformation into Darth Vader, and how one of his children was being protected by Obi-Wan, he fell deeper into his rage and self-loathing, taking jobs as a bounty hunter for several months before tracking his final quarry to Korriban. Beheading the unworthy prey to protect his identity, he then found a temple containing the holocron of Sith Lady XoXaan, one of the twelve Jedi Exiles that revitalized the Sith Empire after their defeat in the Hundred-Year Darkness.

Seeing the opportunity to learn the Sith's ways to understand how to best combat Sidious's empire, A'Sharad spent decades learning under the XoXaan's holocron, only to find the Empire beaten and the Rule of Two driven into hiding. Furious at failing again, he fled deep into the Unknown Regions to lose himself, only to find himself in the crosshairs of the Yuuzhan Vong's scouts. Tortured for months by the extragalactic invaders, instructed by secret Sith acolyte Vergere in fully embracing the Dark Side and laying the foundation of the One Sith, A'Sharad Hett ceased to be, and Darth Krayt emerged from the flaming wreckage of the prison ship.

Traveling to Korriban to create the One Sith and build up their strength, the nascent order evaded detection for many years before Krayt was forced to prematurely reveal himself when Abeloth took over the Galactic Alliance. Working alongside Luke Skywalker to destroy her spiritual avatar in the supernatural realm of Beyond Shadows, he was able to protect his order from being compromised for fifteen more years, until Edaan Palpatine forced everyone's hands when he began his desperate mission for redemption of Vestara Khai.

And now, after Abeloth had returned and Natasi Daala and her allies were threatening the Force itself, the One Sith had been forced to form a coalition with the Jedi and their cohorts to stave off these horrific evils. But no matter how hard he tried to suppress it, he couldn't help but feel the self-loathing he felt over his plans to betray the Last Alliance after the current threats were eradicated. A part of him, no matter how hard he tried to bury or channel it towards his Grand Design, yearned to end this infighting and unify the galaxy with stability and order. This dangerous sentiment, if it was detected by his followers, would engender further doubt throughout the One Sith and endanger everything he had strived for over the last thirty-four years.

Forcing his mind to focus back on the present, Krayt remembered how the Last Alliance had been advancing on multiple fronts across the Unknown Regions. Along with taking back the Rakatan Archipelago from the Servants of Chaos, the Jedi-Sith force had been making strides and experiencing several terrible setbacks as these wars continued to rage.

Thanks to Wedge Antilles, Armand Vorn, and Mirax Terrik Horn, the Olpakan Hegemony had been successfully penetrated by the Last Alliance, and they were now working to embed themselves with the rebels and undermining the anti-Force society. If their efforts continued to bear fruit, then it was only a matter of time before they began producing genuine results and Daala and her conspirators were apprehended or killed. Provided they were removed from the war soon, it didn't matter to Krayt how they met their end.

As for others who needed to meet their end, Krayt's thoughts led to the rapid response fleet that was sent to Mugg Fallow to prevent the extraction of a being whose appetite for destruction and flesh was only rivaled by Abeloth's lust for adulation. With the Last Alliance fleet having been utterly routed by hers' and Mnggal-Mnggal's combined powers and the latter's essence safely encased away in the Nihil Retreat, it was a Force-ordained miracle that the enemy hadn't yet capitalized on their growing list of advantages. That would especially be true since the blockade being established around the Nihil Retreat was still in its early stages and extremely fragile.

The Last Alliance was simply being pressed too hard on every front, and someone had to give up soon before they stretched themselves past their breaking point. Well, either that, or they needed new allies beforehand. Krayt knew that simple truth more than most, particularly with the disturbing rumors he heard from his Tulpaa ambassadors and their forced confidentiality regarding their dealings with Rakatan Archipelago's leadership. Hopefully, the news Grand Master Katarn was delivering would be the first piece of good news in turning this war around.

A few seconds later, the hologram of the Jedi Grand Master came into focus, with Kyle quickly starting, "I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time while freeing Makatak, but I need a favor from you and your elite followers."

"What have you found out?" Krayt deduced.

"A chance to start learning more about the Rhandites' growing capabilities and removing one of her best servants and fleets from the war." Kyle answered. Now holding Krayt's complete attention, he continued, "Our late friend from the Sorcerers' ranks had more information in his records, and we now know how to track the Rhandites' High Sorcerers and their vanguards. But we need your people's help to start taking them out quickly and cleanly."

"Send me the details. I'll see who I can spare." Krayt pledged with a smirk, seeing all the merits in this strategy and eager for dealing out a bit of payback on the Servants of Chaos and True Sith Empire.

Well, I'd say this is a good place to end the chapter! I hope you all enjoyed it, as I spent three days working on it, and it was a tremendous labor of dedication and perseverance. Oh, and I need to inform you that I was inspired by the scene for Jaina's tearful confession from HandofThrawn45 and his Sword of the Jedi Trilogy, just so I'm not accursed of plagiarism. But I need to let you know that I probably won't be writing much for a bit, on account of my busy schedule starting tomorrow. I apologize, but I need to put real life first. So, how are you all doing on this cool day of Sunday, October 22, 2023? I'm well, if a bit tired from getting so much rest and doing some yard work. And I've been reading a bit more of my book on Israel's current prime minister, and it's a fascinating piece. In other news, I have church in less than an hour, so I need to wrap this up and get this chapter published before I retire for the night. I hope you all have a blessed rest of your weekend and stay safe and sane in these mad times. May the Lord be with us all in these dark days, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!