Good afternoon, everyone! How are you all doing on this warm day of Friday, March 15, 2024? I'm doing well, if a bit tired from work today, as I had a bit of heavy lifting to do and plenty to keep me busy and stressed. But it's all right, I got through the day and now I can relax for a few hours before I sleep. So, are you all faring okay with the horrendous news percolating across the Internet and the madness pervading the globe? I tell you, what I've read and heard is enough to drive me insane with dismay and fury! But I shouldn't talk about that here, as you all came here to read a good work. With all the gloomy 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 27th, 59 ABY

Olpaka System

Zonama Sekot

Far Distance Islands

Magistrate's Palace

"What's come over you, Edaan?" Tau inquisitively asked his brother. "I thought you wanted to escape the cybernetic scars the One Sith etched into your body."

"I did, and I still do so badly." Edaan nodded. "But now is not the time, not with the war going so poorly and our friends' talents being needed elsewhere. If I must stay in this infernal form a while longer to help increase the Last Alliance's chances for victory, then that's an easy choice to make."

"Then why didn't you figure this out earlier?" Tau skeptically wondered, worriedly suspecting, "Are you still battling your trauma-induced depression?"

"No." Adari admirably answered for Edaan, "He's just gotten a bit of clarity and begun to conquer his deepest fears for the first time in fifteen years."

Now appearing apprehensive, Edaan defeatedly sighed, "I already told Adari about this, but with all the pandemonium we've been through, I never found the right time to talk to you."

"It's about Abeloth, isn't it?" Tau knowingly deduced. Seeing the haunted glean in Edaan's eyes, and recognizing the look from his own implanted memories, he was able to discern what was deeply troubling his genetic source. "You're afraid to face her after all she wrought on Coruscant."

Breathing out his traumatic fears, Edaan calmly admitted, "In part. But that's only a large piece of this confession." Growing somber, he reminded his brother, "You have all my memories, Tau, which means you know how I think better than anyone in existence. You know how I pushed myself so hard, hardened my heart like beskar iron to shield it from any more injuries, that I drove myself to the edge of darkness without even realizing it."

Drawing upon the implanted memories Tau was given from Edaan, the Iteration remembered every arduous detail of his life: Every training session, how the naturally born Palpatine heir rejected virtually all offers of friendship to focus on his mission, and how he long held a bitter grudge on the Skywalkers for trying to kill Vestara, it all took a terrible toll on his psyche without even knowing it. It was only through the bonds he made with his many teachers, Allana, Adari, and a few others, he likely would've fully succumbed to despair and been driven mad by his borderline obsession. Plus, it helped that he received the best instruction from so many great Jedi from many eras of history, and occasionally received a healthy dose of course correction from his few friends.

Tau, gazing at Edaan, agreed, "I remember. But you've grown so much as a person since you both liberated Kesh, and I know you'll step up in this fight also."

"That may be, but it won't be in the way you believe." Edaan enigmatically admitted. "I'm not going to be leading the charge in this war, because that will belong to you, Vurwan, and Krayt. You three together have the power, the wisdom, and the cunning to lead us through this fight, and everyone in the Last Alliance will do their part to see the Light prevail."

Breathing out the remnants of pride and fear, Edaan slowly bent down, kneeling on one knee, offering his original lightsaber to Tau, and vowed, "Tau Palpatine. Until the Last Alliance prevails against Abeloth, Mnggal-Mnggal, and the Old Ones, until the darkness is conquered, and we can begin to establish a just and lasting peace across the galaxy, I pledge my services, skills, and counsel to you, and will defend you with my life until you can fulfill your destiny."

"Only after these dark forces are defeated will I be released from this promise, and I can depart to help my family and the Je'daii Order, only in a smaller and more personal way." Rising back onto his feet, Edaan finished his pledge, "And if needed, I will give my life for you and my wife to ensure you and our cause can live in this new galactic order we are creating."

Stupefied into silence by Edaan's unexpected declaration, Adari, witnessing Tau slowly take his brother's lightsaber and nod in heartfelt gratitude, silently hugged her husband, tears streaming down her face before she promised him, "You're going to come back to me. I know it."

Gingerly wrapping his arms around Adari's body, Edaan pecked her cheek before assuring her, "I know I will, not because of pride or certainty, but because I have faith that I will."

Tau, regaining his composure after processing Edaan's earnest and heartfelt declaration, hesitantly asked, "You're not going to ask the Council to anoint me Sword of the Jedi, are you?"

"You can take that up with Grand Master Katarn and the others if you object." Edaan playfully alluded. Seeing the bewildered glare from his brother, he jokingly ordering him, "Oh, go hang out with your girlfriend for a little while before we go back into the battle. Maker knows you could use the break."

Blushing furiously from his own bashfulness, Tau excused himself, torn on whether to give into the urge to try and strangle Edaan for his careless teasing or to follow up on the well-meaning advice and visit that special someone he indeed dearly valued and deeply appreciated, embarrassed or not.

Nelona 28th, 59 ABY

Near the Chiss Ascendancy Border

Along the Chasdemonus Route

Aboard the Penitence

"Well, it seems one of your fellowship's strategies is going off exactly according to plan, for once." Vlad marveled to Vurawn's hologram at seeing their joint trap exceeding everyone's expectations. Seeing the Rhandite fleet crumble before the perfect coordination of the Last Alliance's dozens of warships, courtesy of their Force Meld and well-timed ambush, the Supreme Knight marveled at how seamlessly this operation was progressing and prayed that his comment wouldn't serve as a bad omen.

Using the intelligence Cylo-VI and the Olpakans' probes acquired and with the Last Alliance's Triumvirs using both the Force and incredibly precise predictions to determine where the True Sith Empire's followers would strike, they were able to get the jump on all three enemy fleets. Using a mix of interdictors to trap their targets, at least fifty Force Users in each division to give them near-seamless coordination, and superior firepower to quickly overwhelm the Rhandites' defenses, their foes wouldn't last long against this well0timed ambush.

Already, the Olpakan Hegemony had reported that the first Abeloth-allied task force was completely obliterated five parsecs away from its capital world, while the second fleet lost half its numbers above a key agricultural world of Demeter before they retreated, losing their dungeon ship in the process when they left one of their flanks exposed.

And in the Chiss Ascendancy, the Last Alliance was able to destroy all but one of the ships for the Rhandites' fleet that would try and assault the oligarchic territory through its Eastern flank of the Phalanx Route. But it hardly mattered whether the few survivors reported this failure back to their overlords, provided that their cargo was completely obliterated or driven away from their targets. Thanks to Tau and Krayt's ties to the Ones and the coalition's Seers, they knew the enemy's entire plan and how to effectively dismantle it.

Still, there was the final enemy task force to destroy, which was struggling to complete its objective of penetrating the Ascendancy's northernmost point of entry. No matter how hard the Last Alliance hammered away at the Rhandite fleet's defenses, they were determined to finish their mission, or at least make sure their cargo was alive to try their plan another day, no matter the cost. And at the rate they were approaching the furthest interdictor guarding the way back to the Nihil Retreat, this mission might have just one hiccup, provided the Jedi and Sith were not already prepared for this possibility.

Suddenly, the lone interdictor and its small rear guard was reinforced by a Chiss fleet and several of the Last Alliance's independent forces, including its privateer flotillas led by Shada Du'kal Karrde, Khedryn Faal, and Sidon Ithano, along with two Dornean Starhawks. Quite an overwhelming force, but necessary to prevent the Ascendancy's borders from being penetrated.

Seeing the eight remaining Rhandite vessels fall under fire by the fifty warships and thirty corvettes, Vlad knew this battle was all but wrapped up now. All that remained was to finish off their wounded foes and sift through the remains for any data on what kind of predators the enemy was carrying and whatever intelligence the ruins held on the Nihil Retreat's defenses.

Once the final enemy ships were destroyed, the Last Alliance could return its focus towards preparing to storm the Red Honeycomb Zone and destroying Abeloth's forces. Then they could all turn their attention towards the even greater threat of the Nihil Retreat and the True Sith Empire that lurked within its well-protected nebulae. The Olpakans might have given the coalition a thorough atlas's worth of information on their entire territory, the ancient bastion of evil wouldn't fall as easily as most would hope. Any additional leads or information that could help ease its liberation would save countless lives over these next few months.

Suddenly, just as quickly as the Last Alliance force engaged the Rhandites, the jumbled fleet began to withdraw, a handful of moments before the enemy's six still-functional warships and their cargo ship began to be consumed by their detonation sequences. It appeared that whatever creatures and data they were carrying, no one wanted it falling into anyone else's hands and would follow the old Grysk practice of destroying all physical remains of their equipment for enemy examination.

Vlad, disappointed at this turn of events, melancholically sighed, grateful that they thwarted this enemy strategy, but he knew this was nowhere near the end of Abeloth and the True Sith Empire's scheming. Still, at least the fifty-two warships the dark powers had just lost would stretch their forces a little thinner and leave them just a little more vulnerable for when the Last Alliance worked to storm the Bringer of Chaos's Domain.

Two Hours Later

Nelona 29th, 59 ABY

Nihl Retreat, Perann Nebula

Rhand Surface

Dark Citadel, Ancient Sanctum

Tor knew the upcoming meeting would not go well for him after his masters' plans for the Olpakan Hegemony and Chiss Ascendancy were all but derailed. He had no idea how the Last Alliance learned about Abeloth and the Lich Kings' strategy for the two regions, but the six ambushes the enemy pulled quickly quashed any hope for the Servants of Chaos and True Sith Empire to divide their enemies and the latter's long-held and secret plan to release all their long-sealed masters. It was only through sheer luck or the enemy playing it safe that the last four Rhandite carriers made it to Abeloth's bastions intact.

Remembering how the final seals the Celestials placed on the Father of Shadows, the five Celestials that followed him to greater powers, and their thralls could only be broken by multiple wars of unspeakable proportions and unimaginable carnage, Tor hoped his efforts would have more to show than as of now. Taking advantage of the Jedi and its enemies into warfare had worked marvelously over the millennia, but now that strategy had to be tabled to adjust for their unprecedented alliance. If he couldn't find a weak link between the One Sith and their Alliance of Light to rip their pact apart, then the True Sith Empire would have to find a mix of subtle and direct means of generating enough darkness to remake the galaxy in their image.

Bringing his mind back to the present, Tor returned his focus to directing the integration of the Tulpaa Star Forge's functional stations and systems into the Lich Kings' ancient fortress, ensuring all would be ready before this war reached their capital world. The Last Alliance and its mongrel forces might be powerless against what was coming, but they were nothing if not determined and resourceful regarding war. And when they came, they would be unready for the many surprises the Grysk Sage, his masters, and their unwitting puppet, would have to greet them.

"My Lord Valum." A familiar voice called to Tor, with the ancient warrior knowing who was addressing him before seeing them. Sensing Gideon Hask and Aurra Sing approach, he allowed them both a moment to wait, letting himself conceal his thoughts from any prying eyes before turning to fully face them. His gaze betraying nothing, he patiently bade the two to continue their report, with Gideon resuming, "We're ahead of schedule on every project. The integration of the Star Forge's facilities is well underway, and both yours' and our mistress's foundries are working at twice or triple their original production rates. All our forces will be ready for when the Last Alliance's fleets arrive."

"That's if they can break through the barrier and everything Abeloth has prepared for them." Aurra dismissively rebutted. "Personally, I think they'll fall long before then at the rate our allies and Mnggal-Mnggal are wearing them down."

"As always, you continually underestimate your enemies, and it has cost you greatly, just as it has in many decades past, Aurra." Tor harshly chastised the hybrid humanoid mercenary. "The Last Alliance will fall before our combined might, but it will not be an easy victory. Their tenacity and legions of followers make them among our most dangerous foes in all of existence. If we are foolish or clumsy in our efforts, it will only cost us all that more deeply."

"Not to mention how their ranks keep swelling from their new additions. And with Karamazov and his supporters in the Olpakan Hegemony joining this coalition, the danger to our cause will only exponentially increase over the next few months." Gideon wisely cautioned. "To destroy them all will take far more than simple brute force. This is not like the wars of old you and I have fought in."

"Precisely, Commander Hask." Tor agreed. "Our Mistress and her allies have a plan, but we must be ready to implement it to the last digit. With Niphal and Eipha's successors rallying the galaxy against us and using the Olpakans' knowledge on us, the opposition will be substantial and well-equipped to navigate the treacherous pitfalls this world contains. And we have precious little time left before the Last Alliance starts working to breach the Red Honeycomb Zone's ancient defenses and invade our Beloved Queen's sacred domain, so we cannot afford any infighting or underestimating our enemies."

"Agreed, but before you depart, I do have one request, Lord Valum." Gideon interjected before boldly requesting, "I would like to attend the meeting with our Mistress and her commanders."

Eyeing the commando with renewed curiosity, Tor feigned tense neutrality before asking, "And why is that?"

"Because I can provide valuable insight into both the Olpakans and Imperials and help make sense of Cylo's leftover technology." Gideon said as if the answer was obvious. "I remember that Stryker Melusar and his experiments were inspired by much of his superior's work, and learning what they were both working on will surely be a useful tool to use against our foes."

"I won't speak unless spoken to or called upon, but I believe I would be of more use to you and Lady Abeloth in the summit for now." Gideon pledged.

Considering the audacious proposal, Tor momentarily thought to dismiss Gideon. Surely the True Sith Empire would be able to manipulate all its pawns with what was already at its disposal. But then he recalled how Cylo, in his clever bid to depose Emperor Palpatine in the year after the Battle of Yavin, came closer than most in his goal, and he only grew far more dangerous after joining the Olpakan Hegemony.

And with the Olpakans renouncing their anti-Force zealotry and joining the Last Alliance, there was little way to guess what ideas Cylo had in store to try and help win this war. It would be best to have an inside edge on the coalition's efforts, at least until Tor's own plans to subvert his enemies could progress in time.

Playing the part of a dutiful retainer and ally to the Servants of Chaos, Tor warned Gideon, "Keep quiet in there until I'm ready to call on you, Commander. And show no weakness before the assembly, or no one will take you seriously. They may even kill you, on account of everyone already so on edge enough as it is with the Rhandites' efforts failing."

Appearing undaunted by the harsh cautioning, Gideon resolutely saluted Tor, "I won't let you down, Sir."

Olpaka System

Zonama Sekot

Far Distance Islands

"Are you prepared for what must be done to survive beyond these coming months, Tau Palpatine?" Sekot, speaking through Danni, asked the Sith-created Iteration while both walked through one of the many temples dotting the landscape. "This war will not be as simple as the one you were made to fight. It will push everyone to all their limits, destroy, cripple, or corrupt countless good souls and drive this wounded galaxy and its ruling powers to the brink of death."

"Are you really asking me that question, or yourself, Sekot?" Tau sagely asked the entity. "But I don't think anyone's truly ready for the carnage about to unfold. All we can do is see what unfolds, stay true to what's right, and do the best we can and honor all that we believe in."

"Even with millions of souls allied with the One Sith and willing to unleash genocide on the enemy, and possibly against us after our mutual foes are defeated?" Sekot lamented. "I fear what will become of not only those under my care, but what all those that call the galaxy home will become before this war is concluded. The darkness that threatens us will not only come from our enemies, but from those within our own ranks."

"Krayt's Sith and the Olpakans." Tau grimly surmised. "But remember, we cannot afford to give into despair, or we've already let the Dark Side in. No matter how dark things get, we must hold onto the light of hope and persevere through these trying times."

"And don't forget, if you're worrying over what the One Sith and Olpakans can do, remember that many of their ranks may yet be saved from the darkness that holds sway over their hearts." Tau wisely reminded Sekot. "Already, Vlad Karamazov and his advisors have begun to turn the Hegemony away from their self-destructive path, and there are a those within Krayt's ranks that have joined our cause. More may follow their course if we can provide the right example."

"So, instead of worrying over what might happen, focus on what you can do to help us survive past these tribulations and redeem what we can of this fallen galaxy and its peoples." Tau concluded his sermon.

"I can see why Edaan wants you to fully join the Jedi's ranks. From what I have observed, you two are so very much alike." Sekot approvingly noted to Tau. Allowing Danni's lips to quick upward in amusement, the sentient planet added, "And I can see that you two have similar preferences for partners."

Sputtering a babble of incoherent words for at least ten full seconds, Tau accusingly demanded of Sekot, "What do you know of such things? You're a sentient and living planet, for Force's sake! How can you possibly know anything about romance?!"

"True, but remember how I have the memories of all those that are extensions of my will. And they enlighten me to much of a sapient being's nature." Sekot playfully reminded Tau before tactfully suggesting, "Perhaps it would be best if we return our focus to the present and preparing for war."

Recomposing himself quickly enough to avoid another petulant outburst, Tau agreed, "I do recall you wanting to discuss with the Last Alliance's best pilots on them getting custom Fliers each."

"Yes, and I wanted to offer you one for your own personal usage." Sekot offered. "Dozens of Jedi and Sith have already begun the process of bonding with seed-partners, and they all have yielded promising results."

"Did you offer one to Edaan?" Tau inquisitively asked, knowing how Edaan never was a fan of change.

"Yes, but he declined, he preferred to use his own ship for the war's duration." Sekot answered. "But he asked that you be given the opportunity in his stead, believing that you would need every advantage you can find if you and Krayt hope to stop Abeloth and her manipulators."

'Now that sounds like Edaan.' Tau reflected, slowly seeing the merits of having a good tool in his arsenal and being able to operate independently of his brother's crew. As good as they were, he couldn't afford to depend on them for everything, and for what he would soon try to do, he didn't want to draw them into his mad objective. And knowing how the dark powers would not hold back against their enemies, he couldn't afford to refrain from using his full abilities when the time was right.

And, truth be told, there would be another benefit of receiving a Sekot Flier of his own. But that one, he would keep close to his heart until the time was right. He didn't want anyone finding out and making fun of or taking advantage of his growing bond and feelings for Chelli Lona Aphra.

Well-shielding his feelings through multiple layers in his mind, Tau thankfully told Sekot, "I accept your offer. If I'm going to help save all creation, I ought to have the best allies and tools at my disposal."

"Then let us get started immediately." Sekot warned Tau before the entity departed Danni's mind, allowing the Magister to regain control of her body and direct the Jedi agent, "Come with me, Tau. Sekot will prepare everything for yours' and Krayt's ships before you both arrive."

Anticipating Tau's barrage of questions that were sure to follow, Danni elaborated, "While Sekot spoke with you, Taleth Qua and Darth Vua were convincing Darth Krayt to undergo the same procedure. Perhaps your belief in redemption for many of the One Sith is not as unfounded as you believe."

Wondering if Sekot had key information it was withholding from everyone, Tau made a note to speak with Ochi and his confederates soon after he received his ship. But he remembered his earlier advice, and worked to keep his mind rooted in the present to avoid losing focus and letting fear creep in. Still, a part of him felt excited at the thought of getting his own ship and getting to soon spend some quality time with Chelli, if he could get her away from her overprotective father. Although he didn't fully understand his growing feelings for her, he knew she made him feel alive in a way no one else could, and he wanted to have a little bit of joy in his personal life before he threw himself right back into the infernal abyss of darkness awaiting everyone the moment the Last Alliance set foot in the Nihil Retreat.

5 Kilometers Southeast of La'okio

Concluding the long and arduous descent into the ravine, Ben felt the ethereal whispers grow in strength, something he knew all his loved ones could clearly hear as they finished climbing down. After Han, Jayce, and Vestara convinced everyone else to trust Sekot, Taleth, and Tau on taking this little odyssey, and getting the necessary supplies for the journey, they had spent the last two days traversing the treacherous chasm and searching for the source of this vergence. No one had pulled out their weapons, let alone used them yet, but the anxiety was starting to get to everyone and trying everyone's strained patience.

Still, throughout this trip, everyone felt several different presences close by, presences that Ben, Jaina, and Leia felt so familiar to them, they initially couldn't believe their senses weren't being misled. But remembering what Taleth told them before they set out on this journey, how Sekot had learnt much about its capabilities in its self-appointed exile, it could very well be possible they were about to have a great reunion.

Finally, after searching the miniature forest within the chasm for another hour, everyone felt a soothing power wash over them, cleansing them of all their frustrations, anger, and sorrow, replacing their negative emotions with a serene tranquility no one had felt in a long time. Then, three bright pillars of light beamed down from the sky, temporarily blinding everyone from the lights' sheer intensity. But while they tried to recover from the sudden burst of energy, every Jedi among them sensed the distant presences that had watching them quickly approach them, and those they couldn't believe who they were sensing right in front of them.

Before anyone's sight could return, let alone anyone could react, a great tidal wave of energy swept over everyone, and Ben felt virtually everyone vanish from his senses, all aside for Vestara, who's hand was clinging to his for dear life, which could very well be in danger right now. Then, as suddenly as the unstoppable force came over the couple, it receded just as quickly, allowing their sight to slowly return, and gaze at who now stood before them both.

Vestara, the first to fully regain her sight and see the older woman who was kindly gazing on her and Ben, she tried to speak, only to realize that this was something her beloved had to initiate first, and recognized how this should be a private conversation between mother and son. Prepared to excuse herself, Ben stopped her with a firm squeeze on her shoulder, and he tearfully choked up while addressing Mara Jade Skywalker, "Hi, Mom."

"Hello, Ben." Mara peacefully and lovingly responded, "I'm so glad to see you again." Her smile growing at seeing the woman staying by her son's side, she added, "And I suppose this is Vestara Khai, the young Sith who you fell in love with and promised me you'd redeem."

Before either Ben or Vestara could answer, the ghost of Mara, dressed in a Jedi's robes and barely able to be perceived as an apparition, her form almost corporeal, she gratefully answered, "I'm so happy for you both. I knew you'd both find your way to each other again."

Vestara, startled by the warmth and familiarity Mara addressed her, asked Ben, "What exactly am I missing here, Ben?"

"I'm just as confused as you here, Ves." Ben hoarsely whispered, wiping the tears from his eyes before asking his mother, "How are you here right now?"

"I suppose Sekot's learned a few new tricks since I last came here, or rediscovered some, it's hard to tell." Mara shook her head, her silver-red hair flowing from her shoulders as naturally if she was alive, and the gesture made Ben yearn for her even more. Her expression growing serious, she somberly told Ben and Vestara, "But, as much as I'd like to catch up with you and get to learn more of what you've been up to, we don't have much time for a tearful reunion. While we were waiting for you all to come here, Sekot filled us in on what's been transpiring in the galaxy, and all that's happened to Luke."

At the reminder of Luke's terrible fate, Ben brokenly said, "Oh, Mom. I'm so sorry. Abeloth-"

"I know." Mara firmly interrupted. "But your father, his soul may yet be freed from Abeloth's grip, and in doing so, you may yet be able to save all creation from the evils about to befall it."

"That, doesn't exactly fill us with confidence or answer any of our questions, Master Skywalker." Vestara anxiously said. "What exactly is going on here?"

"All will be explained right here and now, Vestara." Mara patiently answered. "Just as my two nephews are doing with the rest of your family. I just wanted to first see my son and his fiancée and tell them how proud I am of you both. And warn you both of what will come to pass if any of your enemies prevail in their dark designs."

Well, I'd say this is a suitable place to end the chapter! I do apologize for how long it took to write it, but I had to revise much of my Jedi Odyssey Rewrite saga before resuming work on the rest of this story. And I needed a small break to decompress and prevent myself from burning out, especially from possible Star Wars fatigue from the powers in charge of the franchise and how they're, IMO, running it into the ground. But I know what I'm going to write for the last 13 chapters of this story, so it should be smooth sailing for the next few months, aside from when I'll have to work, volunteer, and help my family prepare for our move down South. Yeah, we're moving in a couple or few months for a variety of reasons, and things will be hectic until we settle into our new home, but I'll work to write when I can.

So, how are you all faring on this cold day of Sunday, April 7, 2024? I'm okay, if a bit depressed and angry from all that's going on in the world, whether it's domestic, national, and worldwide. Man, it seems like everything's just gone to the devils now, and we need God's light now more than ever. To me, it seems like the End Times prophesized in the Bible are coming true, and we need to stand with Him and Jesus Christ before all is lost. And don't get me started on the depravations being done to so much entertainment or being exposed, and my immense yearning for the return of the Star Wars Expanded Universe! I know many people still want it to continue, and it feels like the powers that be are ignoring us in favor of pursuing their own agenda, even to the point of driving away older fans and injecting controversial concepts and alterations that disgrace the original idea and legacy of the franchise. Or maybe I'm just an old and bitter soul that can't accept these mad changes that are occurring all over the globe, but I'm inclined to suspect the former. Sorry if I'm getting too deep and angry, but I just can't want this insanity to end, even as I know it's impossible in this fallen world. All I can do is try to keep the faith and finish the race with fidelity to God and Jesus. I suppose I'd best get this chapter published after releasing the revised chapters for the rest of this story. May the Lord be with us all in these Dark Times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!