Hey, everyone! How are you all doing on this cold day of Tuesday, November 28, 2023? I'm good, if exhausted from helping a neighbor out with yard work and doing a couple errands with my mother. I'll do some reading later, but I figured I'd get back to writing for a while, as I haven't written much the last week after completing the next upcoming Kesh Interlude chapter. And I'm waiting to hear feedback for the last chapter from my friends, so I decided I'd best get started on this one after I made several major modifications. So, Thanksgiving is over, and winter is upon us. Hopefully, things will calm down with the cold here for so many, but I have little hope for that these days. In other news, I hope my next internship starts in a couple weeks or so, and I can get more good job experience for when I start a full-time position. Well, with all the small talk out of the way, I'd best get started on this chapter. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
Nelona 12th, 59 ABY
Tulpaa, Skal'nas City
Predor-Governor's Garrison
"We've been completely deceived." Adj'ast scathingly warned the Last Alliance delegates, all of them overseeing a litany of activity as the enlightened Rakata tribe's leadership scampered to engage all its defenses. "Abeloth outmaneuvered us beyond any of our worst nightmares."
"What are you talking about?" Chelli anxiously asked. "What have you learned?"
"The Rhandites made a pact with all the other Rakata tribes and is readying them to take up arms against us all." Korin hastily elaborated. "We intercepted a communique between Makatak's Over-Predor and the Nihil Retreat, and all six worlds have agreed to help her in exchange for her rebuilding their long-severed connection to the Dark Side of the Force."
Carefully choosing her next words, Allana cautiously advised the Rakatan leader, "Sir, I don't see how we can fight off the combined might of your fallen brethren and Abeloth's armies. And with her right hand nearing your doorstep, it would be wise if we prepare-"
"I know what you're suggesting, Jedi Solo." Adj'ast curtly cut Allana off. "Thankfully, we've long practiced for this inevitable possibility. Evacuation orders are being issued to every settlement and city across the planet as we speak."
"How long will the evacuation take?" Takaris quickly interjected. "If any of our enemies gets ahold of the artifacts and weapons you've stored away, or if Tau and Krayt can't finish their meditations in time to-"
"We'll just have to hold the enemy back until we've completed all the necessary preparations." Vestara authoritatively reminded her former subordinate. "And what's equally important is that we make sure to get everyone to safety. Civilians, soldiers, intendents, priests, we get them all out."
Wearily smiling at the redeemed Sith Lady, Takaris realized just how much Vestara had changed in such a short time since her return to the Jedi. Normally, he would scoff at such sentimental notions, but when dealing with unholy evils like Abeloth and the Sorcerers of Rhand and the untold capabilities both utilized, saving all the lives the Last Alliance could was an utmost priority. And seeing his Nikardun compatriot nod his consent, the Sith High Lord agreed, "General Yiv and I'll put out a call for transports to ferry the civilians to safer havens. We'll be ready to evacuate at least six of your major cities by the end of the day."
"Then get them down here as quickly as you can." Adj'ast gravely warned the mixed assembly. "The Makatak Tribe is sending everything they can to slaughter us. They've just jumped out of their system and will be here in less than fifteen hours."
"How bad are the casualties?" Jaing asked, worried for his clansmen and those of the Last Alliance that were manipulated into trying to liberate the planet's wicked population.
"Nothing too damaging." Adj'ast gratefully answered. "The Makatak were more concerned with blasting their way towards us than taking on your navies. You only lost twenty ships between all your forces."
"What about the Temple of Ruthic?" Ben pointed out, gritting back his anger at all those now dead because of the Makatak Rakata's deception. "We need to establish a defensive perimeter around the city until Tau and Krayt complete their efforts. Which means we'll likely run into Tor Valum and his acolytes once they finish making their way throughout your jungles."
"We'll need your help with that particular problem." Adj'ast agreed. "Our armies can hold off the enemies' thralls for at least a few days, but not their elite disciples and commanders for very long."
"Then we'll have to bring in what reserves we can." Octa resolved. "I can contact Grand Master Katarn and have him send as many Jedi and our allies he can spare. We should be able to bring in up to fifty of our own by the day's end." Turning to Takaris, she advised, "If you have any of your people in reserve, now's the time to bring them into the fighting."
Flashing a cocky grin, Takaris jokingly agreed, "I think I can spare around a hundred or two for this endeavor." Adopting a serious demeanor again, he advised Adj'ast, "Predor-Governor, if we're going to be protecting your cities and most vital storehouses, we may need your help in extracting our armies from the fighting your jungles and more treacherous lands."
Nodding in agreement, the Rakatan leader promised, "I'll get my best people on that immediately."
Vestara, seeing and sensing the petrifying fear emanating off Chelli through the Force and her stiff posture, knew she would have to keep a close watch over her to ensure she did not do anything reckless or detrimental to her and the Last Alliance. Once everyone escaped Tulpaa and had a little time to regroup, she would take some time to give her the support and compassion she had been deprived of by most throughout her life.
Remembering how Chelli had been imprisoned on Korriban by the Sith for virtually all her life, only to lose her mother and fall in love with the man who was forced to kill her, it was a miracle she hadn't succumbed to despair or hatred long before now. And now, forced to work alongside the One Sith and their leader to save the galaxy from an even worse evil while protecting her first love, it was a feeling Vestara understood all too well.
Somehow, she recognized that Chelli would somehow be a pivotal player in this war, and Vestara vowed to keep her alive and safe no matter the cost to herself. After all the harm she wrought on the galaxy, it would be a small penance, but one she would do if only to give a fellow wounded soul some measure of happiness.
Within the Twilight's Void
Aboard the Resurgent-class Star Destroyer Fulminatrix
Finally, Boba Fett was in his element again after weeks of slow deliberations with aruetii bureaucrats, finishing off a staggered Olpakan commando and an IG-series Assassin Droid that vainly attempted a sneak attack on him. Working alongside six platoons of Mandalorian Supercommandos and five squads of Aquilian Paladins to take over the Olpakans' command ship, the leader of the warrior society had carved a bloody swathe throughout the advanced warship. With the help of the Last Alliance fleet providing sufficient cover fire to protect the boarding parties and delay their retaliation, the two warrior societies had worked quickly in securing their beachhead. It helped how the Resurgent-class Destroyer's layout was based on the Imperial and Venator-class predecessors, both models the aged Mandalore had vast experience in traversing.
Since launching the bold move against the Olpakan fleet's flagship, the mixed coalition had quickly gained ground against the enemy, seizing just under half the destroyer, and rendering another fifth of it inoperable for the battle's duration. With two of its three hangars and most of the surrounding sectors captured, many of its vital systems disabled, thanks in no small part to C-3PO translating the Olpakan's code and allowing his allies to inflict even more havoc on their enemy's systems and emplacements. The Skywalker family's creation even managed to convince the main warship's computer to transmit all its classified files to the Bright Reaper using nothing but pure logic and careful diplomacy.
Fett hated to admit it, but the golden-plated mechanical pacifist was more than pulling his weight on this mission. He would have to thank the Solos for their vital contribution after everyone escaped this trap, a humiliating spectacle he would resent every second of.
But as he commanded his men to finish mopping up the last stragglers of opposition and securing one of the final defenses protecting the command bridge, Fett received a brief transmission from Sintas Vel, one of his most trusted lieutenants and the only woman who ever had the mixed privilege of marrying him.
"We've missed a lot of opposition on our way here, Bo!" Sintas warned Fett, using her decades-old nickname for him. "There's dozens of commandos and droids pouring out around us, and we're starting to get pushed back! I think we need to speed things up, get reinforcements, or alter our plan before we're all overwhelmed!"
'Well, that would certainly complicate things.' Fett silently mused while assessing his options, ignoring Threepio's loud and desperate attempts to get his attention while finishing off two Olpakan assassins hellbent on killing him personally. Hearing a series of blasts go off behind him, he turned to witness the old protocol droid intercept the fire directed at him from an eight-legged arachnid-like war droid, obliterating his lower torso and scraping his head against a bulkhead.
An instant later, two Aquilian Paladins and their accompanying Mandalorians worked to dismantle the marauding Olpakan droid, and their team leader, Baltan Carid, swiftly apologized to Fett, "Sorry about that! We've put down at least thirty of these sneak attacks all over the ship, but this one slipped past us."
Staring at the mangled form of Threepio, Fettt wondered why the droid would endanger himself to save a bitter enemy of him and those he pledged himself to serve. After all the so-called hero of the free galaxy had seen and done, why waste his remaining life to protect a man who he would never understand? What was the point or reason behind such a self-sacrificial action? Was it mere programming, or a deeper sense of compassion and loyalty the old bounty hunter thought impossible for a droid?
Well, either way, Fett now owed Threepio his life, and he wasn't sure going to waste it. Lifting the droid's wounded upper half before turning to Baltan, he gently handed him off to his lieutenant before he coldly ordered his fellow organic, "Get back to the shuttles, and recall all our teams. We're going to detonate this ship and take out every Olpakan vessel near it. But make sure the droid goes back with you in one piece, without any further damage."
Silently nodding, whether or in worry of Fett's uncharacteristic rage, surprise at the concern he was showing for a droid or over the change in strategy, Baltan obeyed, "All right, Mand'alor. But you'd better be right behind us."
Tilting his head in acknowledgement, Fett angrily ordered his mixed team, "Come on. We're heading for the reactor core."
A good life might have been destroyed on this vile warship, and Boba Fett would have retribution in full.
Two Hours Later
Aboard the Bright Reaper
Witnessing the Fulminatrix explode while enveloping other five experimental Olpakan warships that were too close or damaged to escape, Julius recognized the opportunity now presented before the Last Alliance, and ordered the fleet and his fellow commanders, "Press the attack on the Olpakans' wounded flank right away. We need to push the enemy back and eliminate their remaining gravity wells before they can regroup or call for reinforcements."
Glancing at the anxious Han and Leia, Julius encouraged them, "Don't worry about your friend. Threepio's in good hands, and if he could survive all the flak that you've put him through all these decades, then I'm sure he could handle a few hours with the Mandalorians."
"It's not just Threepio we're worried about, High Admiral." Han corrected. "It's why Fett deviated so far from the plan. Between the Mandalorians and your Paladins, he should've easily been able to capture that destroyer by now, not obliterate it altogether."
Receiving a transmission from Turr Phennir, surprising Julius from the timely call, the Confederation's Supreme Commander acknowledged, "I apologize for the interruption, but my people have completed triangulating all the gravity well generators' positions in this system. We're moving to intercept and destroy them as we speak."
"Excellent." Julius complimented before Baltan intruded, entering the Aquilian warship's command bridge and stopping before the High Admiral, with his squad coming up close behind him.
"Sorry for barging in like this, but Mand'alor sent me and my squad to return your droid to you for repairs." Baltan apologetically explained.
"What repairs?" Han warily repeated, tensely demanding. "What happened aboard that destroyer?"
"Your friend saved our leader's life from a sneak attack but was severely damaged in his efforts." Baltan grimly answered. "We were ordered to provide you with all the tools and personnel you need to save him. Mand'alor himself ordered us to help you with the endeavor as a gesture of gratitude."
Keeping his anger and shock in check at this dire news, clenching his fists and deeply breathing through his nose, Han gruffly thanked Baltan, "Tell Fett we appreciate the offer, but we'll handle the repairs on Threepio ourselves."
"I'm afraid he outright ordered us to assist you." Baltan awkwardly insisted. "He took your comrade's efforts very personally, if his devastating rampage on our enemy was any indication. And given the level of damage done to C-3PO, it couldn't hurt to have a few extra hands to help where we're needed now."
"That's why Fett's broken the strategy?" Leia spoke out in an uncharacteristic display, stunned beyond belief that a mercenary as cold as Boba Fett could show such empathy for a longstanding enemy of him. Composing herself, she amended, "Well, at least now we'll soon have what we need to withdraw, dealt a strong blow against the Olpakans and stole much of their intelligence, and soon continue on towards our overall objective."
Julius, witnessing another Olpakan warship detonate from two well-placed seismic charges wracking its hull, he knew that Fett was still on the warpath. But knowing that their greater mission came first, he asked the still-present Turr, "I would appreciate it if you could advise Mandalore Fett to return back to formation. We'll need to move out soon, and we can't afford to leave anyone behind." Receiving a nod of understanding, he ended the holocall to return his focus into recalling his portion of the fleet.
It was long past time for the Last Alliance to resume its mission to break the Olpakan Hegemony, and they had suffered enough delays already.
Tulpaa, Skal'nas City
Within the Temple of Ruthic
Barely hearing the chants of the eight Rakatan priests and their many dozens of adjutants, Tau could feel his mind slowly drifting out of his body, as if he was being taken into another state of existence altogether. And from his stretched connection to the Force, even as frayed from his consciousness as it was, told him otherwise, Darth Krayt was in a similar state as him.
Having met with Ruthic and her High Priests, both Jedi and Sith were informed of a ritual once utilized by the Rakata to penetrate the conventional boundaries of reality and commune with those long deceased. Like the late Mind Drinkers and their dangerous technique to enter the Realm of Beyond Shadows, but far more powerful and dangerous, it could allow Tau and Krayt a brief opportunity to commune with the Ones and learn the wisdom and knowledge needed to stop Abeloth, Mnggal-Mnggal, and the Rhandites' unholy designs. And after three hours of preparations and another two of implementation, both knew they were at last upon the threshold of life and death itself, ready to cross the border for the good of all.
Although the risks were monumental, the evils that were set to envelop the galaxy needed to be stopped, and Tau and Krayt both agreed that the danger needed to be braved if they were to make sense of whatever messages Nihpal and Eipha were trying to give their chosen successors. All that remained was to release their final tethers to their physical forms and allow the ritual to complete its work.
Letting their spirits exit their corporeal forms, trusting in the Force to guide them through this terrible ordeal, Tau and Krayt found themselves transported throughout reality, experiencing countless visions, witnessing all their memories play out before them in immediate succession. Eventually, the sequence stopped, and they found themselves being flung directly into an ancient monastery, one the fallen Jedi Master recognized vividly from his last journey here.
"Where are we?" Tau wondered out loud, taking in the sights and the ancient glyphs that were carved into the walls of this foyer. Sensing a great and virtually untapped power from this world, one in perfect balance within the Force, he felt a peace he never felt before, not from either Edaan's implanted memories or his own.
"Somewhere I never thought I'd return to." Krayt solemnly answered, turning to Tau to elaborate, "We are within the Mortis Monolith, where the Ones once dwelled before they met their demise because of your Jedi's supposed 'Chosen One.'"
"That is correct, A'Sharad Hett, son of Sharad Hett and K'Sheek, and successor to my son." An ancient and wise voice addressed Krayt by his original identity. "I welcome you, as well as Tau Palpatine, brother of Edaan Palpatine and inheritor of my daughter's will and power."
Realizing who had just introduced himself to the two guests, Tau knelt before the entity that then began materializing before them. Seeing a wizened man, with deep blue eyes and ornate robes and headpiece, he recognized him right away as Elegast, a Celestial better known as the Father of Mortis. Krayt, although he didn't kneel before the Force Wielder, bowed in respect for the man's sheer power and wisdom.
Speaking to both his children's spiritual successors, Elegast bade them, "I wish we had more time to converse on all manner of matters, for I have been cut off from the galaxy for many decades. But time is of the essence, and you both have irreplaceable responsibilities that cannot be delayed any longer."
"I know you both have the Dagger my family once sealed away here, the only weapon capable of killing any living being, including the monstrosity that was once my wife. That weapon will be absolutely crucial in ending her insanity. But against Mnggal-Mnggal and its voracious plans, you will need far more than simple might and strategy to eradicate it." Elegast warned both learners.
"In your children's warnings for us, they said we already possessed the key to protecting ourselves from Mnggal-Mnggal. What did they mean by that?" Krayt pressed.
'It is something we devised alongside our kin and the Killiks, so many millennia ago, to contain them and other evils that would contaminate or consume everything in their path.' A deep but younger man's voice echoed through the chambers, before a humanoid with pale skin, black clothing, and red eyes and facial markings revealed himself. Recognizing him as the Son of Mortis, otherwise known as Eipha and the Celestial that embodied the Dark Side of the Force, Tau knew to tread carefully when dealing with him, just as Krayt warily acknowledged his arrival.
But wanting to verify his suspicions, Tau pressed, "The Killiks?" Putting the pieces together in his mind, he nearly slapped himself for not realizing it sooner. "You mean the nanotechnology from the Utegetu Nebula, don't you?!"
'Very good, Tau.' A gentle and ethereal voice confirmed, before the final Celestial of the Mortis Gods appeared. With her green hair, golden clothing and radiant glow, Niphal, also known as the Daughter, she represented the Light Side of the Force, and stood to the right of Father while the Son stood to his left. "Your Last Alliance has already made strides in utilizing it to protect the galaxy from the Killiks' Joining Practice, but its true potential has yet to be rediscovered."
"There's more you called us here for than simply giving us the tools to stop both Wuztek's wayward grandchildren." Krayt knowingly spoke up, addressing the Father directly. "Abeloth, Mnggal-Mnggal, and the Rhandites are our most immediate concerns, but they are not the only supernatural dangers that endanger the galaxy, are they?"
Ready to berate Krayt for his impatient impudence, Tau was stymied when the Son reluctantly answered, "You are correct, Darth Krayt. Abeloth is being used by those that have been long sealed away to break the few remaining seals that keep them imprisoned."
"Who?" Tau worriedly blurted out before composing and correcting himself. "Who could be cunning and powerful enough to completely manipulate Abeloth?"
"A malevolent being who has served the Old Ones far longer than Abeloth has lived and is among the last of an ancient race that served evil since the dawn of time." The Daughter mournfully told Tau. "His name is Tor Valum, and very soon he will have gathered the strength to usurp the Bringer of Chaos and Cancerous God, unless you two can lead the galaxy to destroy him."
Shocked at hearing the name of the Grysk agent that wrought havoc on Csilla and killed a defecting Rhandite High Sorcerer and many others, Tau realized the situation was more desperate beyond anything previously imagined. But to his terror, the Father continued, "He is calling upon the True Sith Empire, those that have long resided in the Nihil Retreat and building its strength and maneuvering the galaxy to this moment, to serve as the vanguard of this terrible upheaval. Along with the Rakata among your fallen territories that accepted Abeloth's offer, they will be the ultimate test of your desperate coalition."
Sensing the fury permeate the room from Krayt at the divulgences, Tau quietly backed away from him before the Son tactfully interceded, "If you want to take the fight to the Immortal Gods of the Sith and their most powerful servants, let alone save your order from extinction, I suggest you listen carefully to everything else we have to say."
"You and the Olpakans may have killed many Rhandites and their vassals in your earlier battles, but they were merely the- how do you youngsters say it today- the diversion to prevent you from looking too closely at their activities. And not all the Rakata have gone over the enemy. Those who call Tulpaa home still resist, and they will help you win this war, provided your people can save them in time." The daughter warned both her family's visitors.
"The real war, this mere prelude to the end of all things, is about to begin, and the forces bearing down on you will be more terrible and sinister than anything you could ever imagine." The Father wearily added before firmly resolving, "And we have much to teach you on winning this war with very little time left, especially now that the Rakata will be given back their long-lost power by the Rhandites."
"Then let's get started." Tau earnestly stated. Though he didn't know how these teachings would change him, he knew that, in the name of all his loved ones and all creation, the Last Alliance would prevail. No matter what came his way, the Darkness wouldn't claim the galaxy; Not today, not ever.
But before the group of five could begin, another presence could be felt, this one equally strong as Elegast, and tinged with sorrow just like his old friend. Realizing just who was attending this session, Krayt and Tau both grew apprehensive at the prospect of meeting Wuztek, the Celestial that created the Bedlam Spirits and long imprisoned by the Five, a cult originating from the Nihil Retreat before freed by Chewbacca in the early months after the Battle of Yavin and destroyed by the angry entity. Hopefully, neither Force User would incur his wrath before they could finish their collaboration.
Nelona 13th, 59 ABY
Tulpaa System
Aboard the Star Fortress Adas
"Still no word from Lord Krayt?" Irola patiently asked Sorzus while working to reorganize the Sith's defenders and prepare for their imminent battle. After twelve hours of waiting for the Dread Lord to awaken from his Rakata-induced meditations, most among the One Sith were growing increasingly restless and yearned for decisive action. It was only through the wise counsel of those like Irola and Takaris that the rest hadn't made any hasty moves yet.
"Nothing. Whatever the Jedi and Rakata did, he hasn't come out of it." Sorzus bitterly said. "And Ship is getting antsier each hour. It's insisting we evacuate the planet and flee before Abeloth's forces arrive."
'And if even half of what I'm hearing is true, withdrawing now might not be such a bad idea.' Irola reflected. After returning with her fleets from engaging Abeloth and the Rhandites' and removing thousands of their traps, she would have preferred to get even a handful of hours to rest and meditate before throwing herself back into this dire war. With Tor Valum and his personal honor guard in Tulpaa's forests and the Last Alliance trying to destroy them and their remaining ground forces with an orbital bombardment, such luxuries would likely not be possible for a while longer. And while working to help evacuate Tulpaa's population and most precious artifacts before invasion, every effort undertaken needed perfect coordination and strength to pull off.
But it seemed that the worst was only yet to come, provided the reports coming in from the Tulpaa government and its Last Alliance delegations were the genuine article. And with Ship getting increasingly jittery, an abnormal occurrence for the sentient Sith vessel, Irola knew its warnings were a harbinger of the apocalypse upon all creation. If the enemy had already ensnared six of the seven Rakata worlds to her cause, and had gained the help of her fellow Bedlam Spirit offspring Mnggal-Mnggal to bolster her forces, then this conflict was about to become uglier and more brutal than any fight the Sith Lady had ever participated in. It was certainly going to be more barbaric and desperate than any war in recent history.
And in all this, there was still that lunatic Daala and her new friends to find and deal with before they impeded the Last Alliance any further. If she was left to her own spiteful devices much longer, then the damage she could inflict might be too much for this weakened galaxy to withstand. She had to be taken out soon before she struck again, and if the reports that Irola's agents had received from the Rogues Gallery were valid, then the Knights of Olpaka might soon meet their well-earned demise.
Suddenly, Irola sensed a terrible presence in the Force announcing itself, with such malignant evil and bottomless power and hunger screaming against all that dared stand against it. It dwarfed the terrible rage and bloodlust of all others that roared through the Force, and Irola knew the only being the entity could possibly be, quickly realizing she had to take command of the situation before everyone was thrown into disarray or outright devoured by the incoming enemy arrivals.
Addressing her command crew, Irola ordered her top officers, "Send a distress signal to Csilla and all our forward commands. Have them get as many ships here as they can and help us complete our evacuation from the Rakatan Archipelago. Then prepare to destroy all of ours and the Rakata's facilities in the region. We can't let any of this technology and its power fall into any other powers' hands." Observing the incredulous and conflicted looks on most of her soldiers, she barked, "DO IT NOW!"
After confirming her officers began carrying out her commands, Irola turned to Sorzus, stunned by her outburst to utter any rebuttals, and ordered the Chagrian Sith Lady, "Get down to Skal'nas City and help defend the region until we can finish pulling out. We can't hold the Rakatan Archipelago for much longer, not with the force bearing down on us, and we need to cut our losses before it's too late."
"There is another problem coming towards us, Lady Irola." Ship terrifyingly addressed the elder Sith Lady. "I sense another war party emerging just outside this star system. These invaders are not strong in the Force, but their hatred and darkness surrounding them is unmistakably that of the Olpakans. They are carrying weapons unlike any I have seen before, but they reek of death."
'Great.' Irola bitterly lamented. 'What could Daala and her people possibly want out here now, of all times?!' Knowing better than to leave anything to chance and taking the opportunity to give Ship something to do while keeping Sorzus out of this precarious dilemma, the Sith commander amended her previous commands, "Change of plans. How would you like to lead a task force in hunting the Olpakans down and keep them off our backs for a while?"
Flashing a vicious smirk almost akin to a wild and hungry predator, Sorzus eagerly stated, "It would be my absolute pleasure, Lady Irola."
Hyperspace, On Route to the Tulpaa System
Zonama Sekot, Village of La'okio
Aboard the Rude Awakening
"Sekot is afraid." K'Kruhk warned Edaan. "Abeloth has summoned her full strength against us."
"Do you think she'll be in the fight herself?" Edaan anxiously asked his fellow Jedi. Trembling with terror at the prospect of facing Abeloth herself, he knew that his fears would only empower the Bringer of Chaos, and he needed to purge himself of these doubts before he engaged in battle. But that was easier said than done for the cyborg Jedi with what he and every other Force User could sense.
Finishing preparations to ready the assault pinnace for a return into combat, just as all the other ships in the Last Alliance's armada were undergoing, the crew halted their preparations when they felt the horrific backlash echo through the Force. Someone or something with unfathomable power and evil, it was spreading its influence throughout a great number of people about to go into battle. Whatever slaughter that was now underway in the Rakatan Archipelago between the Last Alliance and Servants of Chaos, it was terrifying all those that could sense the echoes. And with Zonama Sekot and its Last Alliance escorts set to arrive at Tulpaa in three hours, they needed to know just what they were all about to jump into.
"I don't know. It's hard to be sure of anything in any war." K'Kruhk elusively answered. "And this one will be unlike anything few people can imagine in all their darkest dreams."
His weary eyes betraying his apprehension, K'Kruhk regretfully told Edaan, "I worry over what the cost will be to all our worlds and civilizations if we even manage to survive this madness."
"As do I." Edaan agreed, with all other preparations conducted in absolute silence. Knowing full well how war and disaster often brought out the worst in virtually everyone, he clung to his hopes and convictions tighter than ever, remembering all he learnt from his many teachers and all the bonds he forged over the years.
It certainly helped that Sekot now was able to serve as a conduit between the living and dead, allowing certain Force Strong individuals to temporarily cross over into the corporeal realm and converse with those on Zonama. With Edaan now able to converse with all six of his dead masters, thereby encouraging him to continue this fight, he felt reinvigorated by their wise counsel after months of inactivity. And the much-needed wisdom and power they bestowed onto him certainly didn't hurt either. Uncovering many ancient secrets in the Force long thought to be mere myths, growing many warships for its denizens and any willing Jedi and Sith, the living world was quickly proving to be a pivotal player in the fight for all creation. Protecting it from the armies of darkness that would seek its corruption or annihilation would be absolutely crucial for the Last Alliance to prevail.
Against the impending return of the Old Ones and their bottomless evil, surpassing all others in depravity and dark power, even the purest of heart would tremble before their terrible might. And with their many wicked servants now set to reveal themselves, the galaxy would need a miracle to even hope of surviving, so Edaan's masters and whoever else Sekot could call upon would be crucial in helping rally the rest of the galaxy for its very survival.
"Sounds like you have quite a tremendous burden on you and your makeshift family, Edaan." The familiar voice of Kreia interrupted her final pupil's ruminations. Materializing before both living Jedi, the former Jedi Master and Sith Lady graciously bowed before K'Kruhk, "It is an honor to meet you, teacher of many Jedi and warrior of great valor."
Respectfully nodding to the woman who singlehandedly tried to eradicate the Force, K'Kruhk, "It is good to meet you as well, Master Kreia."
"Just 'Kreia,' please. I'm no one's master any longer." She corrected, before addressing Edaan, "Your brother is quite busy on his front, helping to finish your work and prepare the galaxy for the end of time."
"Which I've earlier learned." Edaan agreed. "He's doing the Palpatine name well."
"And starting to find love along the way." Kreia alluded, surprising both with the stunning remark before changing topics, "But that is a matter for another day. You must be ready for the trials that are befalling the galaxy. Abeloth, Mnggal-Mnggal, they are only the terrible prelude to who endanger us all."
"Beware Tor Valum and the True Sith Empire of the Nihil Retreat." Kreia warned Edaan and K'Kruhk. "If their plans succeed, all life as we know it will be eternally destroyed."
"There is more." Kreia hesitated. "I've seen glimpses of your futures, provided the current crises are solved, and I wanted to inform you before you return to war."
Turning to face the Whiphid, Kreia foretold, "When the time comes, you will be a leader that the Jedi, and the galaxy, will look to in guiding it through the coming tribulations."
Addressing Edaan, Kreia promised, "The seeds of change you planted over your storied career will set the groundwork for momentous events. And your bloodline will continue to seek the light, atoning for your ancestor's horrendous sins and redeeming your family's name."
"Thank you." Edaan gratefully answered. "That does gives me comfort, much more than you realize."
Well, I'd say this is a good place to end the chapter! What did you all think? I know, I'm a monster for putting C-3PO at risk like that, but it's all part of my master plan for tying my story into the Legacy Era, and rest assured that he's not gone for good. And I hope that Boba Fett's rage was understandable and realistic, as I wondered about that given his typical stoic nature. Not to mention the many stunning surprises I have in store for the Last Alliance in the Rakatan Archipelago, and how they'll irrevocably alter the course of the war going forward. Well, after I publish my 5th Kesh interlude after this chapter. I do have a schedule to keep, after all. So, how are you all holding up on this cold day of Saturday, December 2, 2023? I'm okay, if sore from the hard work I did over the last two days, and will get some much-needed rest in a few hours to let my back recuperate. Oh, and the politics of the world and the United States are driving me NUTS! Why can't we just be sane and civil in our differences and be ethical and moral human beings? Well, all it does for me is confirm that the End Times are fast approaching. In other news, I finished Supernatural Encounters last night, and it was a glorious read. I would encourage you all to read it if you get the chance. Now I can get back to the autobiography on Israel's current Prime Minister before reading a few nonfiction books on various matters or subjects. Well, with all that out of the way, I'd best see if I can find someone to help me in revising my three ready chapters, as I've been waiting two weeks to get a little assistance with Chapter 9, but no such luck. May the Lord be with us all in these Dark Times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
