Hey, everyone! Bet you're surprised to see me on here so late after a few days of inactivity. Well, I had to plan out this next chapter, as I needed to make a few adjustments and take a little breather with my family's upcoming move and prepare for my trip to St. Louis to visit family. So, how are you all doing on this warm night of Friday, April 12, 2024? I'm good, as I flew to Missouri and hung out with my relatives for a while before getting to this chapter. I'll be busy the next nine days, but I'll work to get this chapter out before I conclude my vacation and go back to work on the 22nd. Well, I'd best get started on this chapter, as I have to go to bed in an hour or two. May the Lord be with us all in these Dark Times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
Nelona 29th, 59 ABY
Olpaka System
Zonama Sekot
5 Kilometers Southeast of La'okio
"This is why I'm not a fan of all the Force's mysticism." Han griped while his eyes struggled to recover from the extraordinarily bright pillar of light Sekot threw down on him and his family. Nearly blinded by the display, the old captain was barely able to see a silhouette – wait, just one person was beside him, and the individual's barely perceptible form was that of his wife. What happened to everyone else that came here with him?
"Jaina!" Han loudly called out, hoping everyone else was nearby. "Ben! Jayce! Allana!"
"You won't be finding any of them right now." A young man, no older than twenty, patiently told Han. "They have their own meetings to handle right now, and this reunion is long overdue."
His sight slowly returning, Han pulled out his blaster, ready for battle if the unknown visitor turned out to be unfriendly. But something in the newcomer's voice was so familiar to him… it almost sounded like – No. It couldn't be him. He died thirty-two years ago in battle against the Yuuzhan Vong, and his death left a hole in everyone's hearts that couldn't be filled, in Han's heart, most of all.
But, if there was even the slightest chance his mind or Sekot wasn't playing tricks on him, Han had to be sure. Now able to fully see Leia from a few feet away, he shuffled over to her and asked, "What's going on?"
"Put the blaster away, Han." Leia instructed her husband, her voice carrying a serenity and joy Han had hardly heard in her in many years. "We're in no danger here." Seeing the tears pouring down her face, she told him, "We're just having a visit from Anakin."
"Ana-…" Han stopped himself, unable to say his second son's name, all the pain and heartbreak pouring out from the crucible he long ago built for his sorrow and fury for the deaths of so many loved ones and how he failed them. But it couldn't be Anakin. He thought that the ghosts of Jedi and other Force Users could only appear to others strong in the Force.
"After all you've been through and seen by fighting beside and working alongside Jedi, you should know that the Force isn't nearly as simple as a game of Sabacc." The same voice sagely told Han before making himself visible to both his parents, and the elder man dropped his blaster at seeing his youngest child again. "Hello, Dad."
It was him. Han knew it was Anakin Solo, even as the skeptic of his mind struggled to comprehend how. His rugged and sandy brown hair, icy blue eyes brimming with intelligence and compassion, and his strong and firm gaze, it was just as it was the last time he laid eyes upon his son. And yet, there was an air of peace and contentment around the Force Spirit that he did not have when amongst the living.
Leia, speaking first, tearfully saying, "Oh, my baby boy. It's so good to see you again." Walking up to Anakin, she tried to envelop her son in a hug, only to phase right through him.
Turning his head, Anakin consolingly said, "I'm sorry, Mother. Sekot's learned a lot about its potential, but no power or entity can fully bring those back from the Netherworld of the Force." Pausing, he added, "But there's someone else here to see you again, someone who, like me, is held in quite high regard by the Yuuzhan Vong and you both."
Before either of the living could ask what their youngest son meant by that remark, another ethereal pillar of light came down from above, this one not nearly of the same intensity of those preceding it, and both Han and Leia were astounded to see Tahiri Veila again. With her triad of scars crossing her forehead, her dirty blonde hair, and bearing no footwear as she preferred through most of her life, the young woman who loved Anakin since she was a teenager, it was easy to recognize her.
Anakin, anticipating the barrage of questions and apologies Han and Leia would start saying, calmly told them, "Sekot filled us in on what's been going on in the rest of the galaxy. You two have quite a heavy burden ahead of you." His face growing sorrowful, he apologized, "I'm so sorry about Uncle Luke."
His joy receding at the reminder of the tragedy, Han tempered his heartbreak by focusing in the moment, asking, "Then why are you both here?" Ignoring the scathing glare Leia threw him, he continued, "I understand enough about the Force to know that this kind of meeting wouldn't happen simply by chance."
"Astute and skeptical as always, Captain Solo." Tahiri noted of Han. "But you're right. We came here to deliver a message on behalf of Sekot, and to see you again. You've both suffered and endured so much, just as everyone else in our family has, and we're afraid the most difficult test you'll have is still ahead of you."
"What do you mean?" Leia cautiously asked. "Is it about Luke?"
"In part." Anakin alluded. "Ben and Vestara will tell you about that when you meet up with them again. But this war, one that's even more terrible than the one we fought against the Yuuzhan Vong, it will test the galaxy in ways not seen in eons. Against Abeloth, Mnggal-Mnggal, and the True Sith Empire, no one will emerge from this battle unscathed, in mind, body, and spirit, if they survive at all."
"We already figured that much out on our own." Han ruefully noted before catching on. "You're afraid for us."
"We're afraid for everyone, Sir." Tahiri gravely answered. "Whether your Last Alliance can succeed in saving all creation, it is unclear. And even if this evil is defeated, many will fall, one way or another."
"And are we meant to fall in the process?" Leia worriedly deduced. A solemn and silent glean in her son's gaze gave her all the confirmation she needed. "I see."
Han, keenly grasping what was being spoken, both verbally and silently, felt something settle inside him at what would soon occur. But until he faced that moment, he, and everyone he loved that still lived, would fight to save all he cherished. Picking up the blaster pistol he dropped, he tearfully told the two ghosts, "Stang, it's so good to see you both again."
"The feeling's mutual, Captain Solo. We'll see you again before the end comes for us." Tahiri promised, before the vines that protruded out of the ground to block all manner of escape began moving again, opening a path deeper into the ravine. "If you follow this trail, you'll find your way back towards the others and learn what must be done in the coming months. Sekot has one more guest for you to see before you can return to the others."
"Who?" Leia choked out, brokenly seeing her son and his only love begin to return to the Force.
"Someone you once hated with all your being, but eventually managed to forgive when confronted with all his past." Anakin answered, a hint of a humorous smile crossing his face at seeing his parents' confused faces one more time, before he vanished entirely.
Leia, glancing at Han after wiping all her tears away, despondently sighed, "Sometimes, I'm not a big proponent of the Force's enigmatic ways either."
"Who's there?" Jayce challengingly called out, keeping his unlit lightsaber tight in his grip as he sensed a new presence come near him, his mother, and Allana. Whoever this mysterious individual was that approached everyone, they were immensely strong in the Force and were causing terrible distress for the others. If they wanted a fight, they would find more than they bargained for in three Jedi prodigies.
"Calm yourself, my philosophical nephew. I have not come to bring harm or ill news to you, my twin sister, or my daughter." The man's voice, with a deep, firm, and kind baritone that carried a hard-earned wisdom and much pain, cut through the fog of Force energy surrounding an astonished Jayce.
Wait. It couldn't be him… Not his uncle whom Jayce was named after, not after all the devastation and pain he wrought on the galaxy during his dark and terrifying transformation into Darth Caedus. He knew from his family that Jacen used his final moments to warn his estranged wife and daughter of the Moffs' assassination attempt, and that he found a measure of peace when Great Uncle Luke and Uncle Ben saw him in Beyond Shadows, but he couldn't believe Jacen Solo could be here, not now. The rest of his family might have forgiven him, but his nephew didn't know if he could ever fully come to terms with the betrayals and atrocities he committed and allowed as a Sith Lord.
But as his vision cleared and he reached out to sense the terrific mixture of emotions pouring out from Jaina and Allana, Jayce was faced with the harrowing truth that his older late uncle, the man who was once a gentle soul, broken and reforged by two Banite Sith into a vile atrocity, was here with his loved ones. Seeing Jacen Solo, garbed in brown Jedi robes and wearing black combat armor that belonged to the long-defunct Galactic Alliance Guard, the sight filled the young Jedi Apprentice with more turmoil than he ever felt before.
Allana, noticing her cousin's distress, calmed him, "It's all right, Jayce. He's not going to hurt us." A beaming smile on her face as she addressed her father, she gently asked, "Isn't that right, Dad?"
"That's right, Allana." Jacen slowly nodded. "You have nothing to fear from me, Jayce Solo Fel. I was summoned here at Sekot's behest to give you all guidance and encouragement in this dire moment." Glance upon Jaina with a heartfelt gaze, "And I wanted to see my twin sister one last time and beg her forgiveness after all the evils I committed during descent into darkness."
Jaina, her composure breaking at the admission, heartbrokenly began, "Oh, Jacen. Your… choices, were just as much my responsibility as yours. I saw what you were becoming after your five-year odyssey, and I ignored it to play bug. You were only trying to protect the galaxy and your family, and I betrayed every principle I espoused to help Lomi Plo wage her war. And when you fell under Lumiya's influence, all I did was gripe about you becoming a colonel and batting my eyelashes at Jagged and Zekk."
"It's all right, big sis." Jacen tenderly consoled his older twin, his compassion and unconditional empathy washing over Jaina. "We all failed each other during those terrible years. I could've come to you all about my visions, and rejected Lumiya's schemes, and all this pain would have very well been avoided." His face growing bitter, he continued, "But because of my ego, my obsessive desire to understand everything and control all that was around me, and my heart hardening from all the burdens I thrusted onto myself, I ran right into the arms of evil and destroyed and condemned so many honorable and good souls."
Gazing at Allana, he approvingly noted, "But you've done more for my daughter than what I ever did for her, helping her recover and heal from the pain I inflicted on her while training her to be a Jedi and ruler of Hapes. I owe you and the rest of my family a debt I can never repay." His smile becoming a bit crooked, he teased, "Especially since I'm no longer truly a part of the living."
Letting out a harsh huff, Jaina ruefully commented, "That's got to be the worst joke you've ever told."
"Doesn't mean it isn't true." Jacen pointed out before his gaze became more solemn and foreboding. "Listen, having a family reunion isn't all I was summoned here for. I need to tell you each about what glimpses of your future burdens the Force bestowed onto me."
Jayce, growing increasingly apprehensive as Jacen talked, slowly and angrily ground out to his late uncle, "After all you told us about your ego and misinterpreting the Force's will, you decide to ignore all those lessons to tell us about what might happen in the future, if you're telling the truth at all?"
"Jayce!" Jaina sharply admonished her son, before taking a deep breath to compose herself and try again. "We need to hear your uncle out. He's not trying to lie to us, and he wouldn't wish on anyone the same horrors he endured."
"It's all right, Jaina." Jacen sympathetically told his sister. Walking over to Jayce, he earnestly promised, "I'm not looking to lead anyone astray or fill them with the same ideas or beliefs I held. I just wanted to prepare you for the trials and tribulations you all are about to face. What's coming in the next few months, and afterwards, if you can triumph against the evils that you now face, it will test you and affect not just you or your loved ones, but the entire galaxy for many centuries to come."
"If you choose to not heed my words, that will be your choice, and yours' alone. I only want to make sure none of you take the same path as I." Jacen finished, imploringly gazing at his loved ones.
Scrutinizingly staring at Jacen, trying to figure out his endgame, Jayce was unsure what to believe. He wanted to trust his mother and cousin and give his uncle a chance, but it was more difficult than they thought. All his life, he had tried to find his own place in the galaxy while following the Will of the Force, and he did not want anything to do with personal power or glory. What he only wanted was to help the people of the galaxy and guide them in searching for understanding and love for their fellow man.
But his family, as well-intentioned they might be, their goals and dreams were not the same as Jayce's, his parents preparing to govern the Empire as a monarchy and set a dangerous precedent for the galaxy, and he wanted no part in that. That was why he was out here in the Chaos while helping fight such terrifying evils, to find a new way to help the galaxy seek true enlightenment. Still, though he disagreed with them profusely on their course of action, he loved them immeasurably and would risk life and limb if needed. If they were willing to give Jacen a chance, after every horrific deed he committed, then he owed it to them to try and do the same.
Coming to a decision, Jayce reluctantly relented, "What did you wish to warn us about, Uncle Jacen?"
His gaze softening at Jayce's conflict, Jacen compassionately began, "You already show yourself to be a wiser and stronger man than me, my nephew. While you prepare to take a divergent path from your family, you have not done so out of pride, but out of duty and integrity, and will be there for your loved ones if needed. The path that you have set out on, helping to rebuild the Je'daii Order and serve the Force and the people above all else, it will be full of many burdens and trials, but I have faith that you will not fall into the pitfalls I did. When you are at your lowest point, there you will find your true strength and soar like I never could."
Jayce, not sure what to make of the words, only nodded in gratitude before Jacen glanced at Jaina. "You already know much of what I'm going to tell you, sister. Your bloodline, especially Jayce, have been burdened by a mighty fate and will face many terrible temptations in the coming decades. Beware of the allure of power and authority ruling the Empire will give you, and do not become brittle or cold like other rulers have."
"I already have a few ideas on how to handle those dangers." Jaina earnestly promised Jacen, who only nodded in approval before turning to face his daughter.
"Allana, I… there's so much I want to tell you. I want to say how sorry I am that I wasn't there for you growing up, how I wasn't a good father to you, or even a good man. I caused you so much pain and nearly thrusted you onto the path I wanted you to avoid, it broke my heart all over again. But because of your grandparents and your friend Edaan, you are finding your place in the galaxy, and will help usher in an age of peace for the galaxy. And the family you'll one day form after this war, it could very well impact the galaxy just as much as all your relatives' descendants might."
"Careful, Dad." Allana cautioned. "I don't want all this praise to go to my head, nor do I want to know too much about my future." Growing playful, she added, "Besides, too many spoilers."
Everyone beaming and heartily laughing at Allana's teasing, Jacen commended his daughter, "Good one! You're a great jokester, just like I was as a teen!" After what felt like an eternity, the laughing died down, and the penitent spirit solemnly told everyone, "I wish we could talk more, but everyone else is on their way to see your last visitor, and this is a meeting you cannot afford to ignore or delay." The shrubs vanishing into the ground, revealing a clear path deeper into the foliage, he implored them, "Go. Meet up with the others, learn what you are protecting the galaxy from, and see how you can free Uncle Luke from Abeloth's prison when the time comes."
Her heart breaking again at seeing her brother fade away, Jaina let the sorrowful tears fall while promising Jacen, "I promise you, we'll all do right by this."
"I know you will." Jacen thankfully agreed before he vanished entirely, letting his loved ones gather themselves together and forge ahead towards their final lesson.
"There is more to your father's plight than you might think." Mara solemnly told Ben and Vestara. "When Abeloth captured and absorbed him into her being, she absorbed more than his body, but trapped his spirit as well, wholly intact and uncorrupted by her influence."
Ben, more perplexed than ever, even as he was overjoyed for seeing and talking with his mother again, confusingly asked Mara, "How can that be? I'd think she'd never let Dad risk asserting his influence over her after all the trouble he gave her."
"Because Luke let himself be absorbed by Abeloth, all to give you and your Last Alliance a slim chance of saving the galaxy from annihilation by the darkest powers to ever walk all creation." Mara gravely answered, wearily sighing, "My husband always did put too many burdens and responsibilities on himself back when I was alive, and I see that hasn't changed."
Vestara, recognizing the panic bubbling up inside her beloved, firmly gripped his shoulder for support before asking Mara, "What aren't you telling us? You wouldn't put all this on your son if there wasn't a good reason." Starting to grasp the reason by remembering a pivotal moment from fifteen years ago, she knowingly surmised, "There's a way to set his soul free, isn't there? Just like when Luke set Callista free from Abeloth's grip."
Dipping her head in acknowledgement, Mara commended Vestara, "I can see my son picked his future wife well in terms of beauty, strength, and especially intelligence. You'll keep him on his toes and fill his heart with joy again when Abeloth and her cohorts are stopped, if not sooner."
"I don't understand any of this." Ben stammered out, his voice cracking from the knowledge of his father's mad choice and confused beyond all measure. "How does letting himself get taken and defiled by Abeloth give us a chance at victory?!"
"You'll learn soon enough, Ben, and one day, you'll understand the difficult choice he had to make." Mara gently consoled her son before firmly reminding him, "But you need to stay the course and help hold your people's morale high in this terrible war. With your father indisposed, people will look to you for guidance and inspiration, and you'll need to step up more than ever before."
"I know you can do it, because you've been preparing for this moment for a long time, and you've grown so much more since Jacen and I lost our way." Mara assured Ben. "I know you've been hurting for a long time and lost so much while helping save countless lives and battling the forces of darkness. But you also need to remember that this fight doesn't rest on your shoulders alone, and you have friends and loved ones to help you when needed."
"Maybe," Ben heartbrokenly acknowledged, before responding with firm resolve, "But that doesn't mean I can't miss my dad after he's freed of Abeloth's clutches, just as I'll always miss you."
Tears of her own, a mix of pride and sorrow, streaming down Mara's face now, she acknowledged, "I know. But we'll be together again one day." Turning to Vestara, the deceased Skywalker asked her, "I need you to promise me two things, Vestara Khai."
"Whatever you need." Vestara humbly agreed.
"Look after my son, now and always until the day you pass on." Mara beseeched Vestara, who earnestly nodded in support before asking, "But what's the second promise I need to keep?"
Her smile becoming more wistful in nature, Mara elaborated, "That you find a way to have your wedding before you go after the True Sith Empire, even if you have to force it down the Last Alliance's throats." Pausing to chuckle at the bemusement crossing Ben and Vestara's expressions, she simply elaborated, "I think you deserve to have this very special day and spread a little more light into the galaxy before you all throw yourselves into the dark abyss that is the Nihil Retreat."
A regretful smile crossed Ben's face, he mournfully chuckled before noting, "You were never one for protocols and formalities, Mom. Nice to know some things don't change, even after death."
"And I expect my son to follow in my footsteps." Mara sagely instructed Ben before seriously the vines surrounding the three began receding, and the late Jedi Master beckoned her two guests, "Follow the path and you'll reunite with Leia, Han, and everyone else. There, you'll meet one of Sekot's oldest friends and see what will come to pass if any of the evils you are fighting prevail."
Wondering who Mara was talking about, Ben was prepared to ask more questions before his mother's spectral form began vanishing. But before she fully dissipated, she urged the couple, "Don't give up this fight. Always remember, when surrounded by darkness, look towards the light, whether in your soul or in others."
After Mara's ghost disappeared, Vestara gently consoled Ben, "Something tells me we'll be seeing your mother again, and we'll need hers' and everyone else's to set your father free." Pecking his cheek, she urged, "Come on. We need to meet up with the others and see what kind of trouble they've gotten into." Adopting a humorous smile, she reminded him, "I don't even want to imagine how they'll respond to the advice Mara gave us on our upcoming wedding."
Genuinely smiling at Vestara's efforts to distract his troubled mind and devotion to their renewed bonds of love, Ben agreed, "They'll probably have a heart attack when they hear of our plans." Seeing his dearly beloved giggle at the prospect, he felt his heart lighten, if only a little, and that small difference and gesture of affection meant the galaxy to him.
Thirty Minutes Later
"So, I'm guessing you all had a supernatural encounter of your own?" Han knowingly deduced from the shaken glances everyone gave the other after they rendezvoused in the heart of the ravine. "Is now a good time to ask whom you all saw and what you were told?"
"Ves and I saw my mother, and she had quite a lot of deep stuff to talk to us about." Ben anxiously stated. "She knows all about Dad's plight, and what we need to do to set him free before we finish off Abeloth."
"Allana, Jayce, and I saw Jacen, and he… gave us our own words of wisdom and peace before giving a small glimpse of what our futures might hold." Jaina added. Seeing the remorse creased across her parents' face, she carefully asked, "Who did Sekot bring to see you?"
"Your little brother and Tahiri." Leia wearily said, before shaking off her weary regret, "But we'll have to talk about all our revelations later. We were told we have one more visitor to see before we can return to the others." Hearing the rustling wind blowing around everyone and gray storm clouds gathering, she loudly added, "And I guess we'll be seeing whoever it might be any minute now."
'The storm is not for my arrival, dear daughter, but to shield this discussion from any prying eyes.' An aged voice called out to address everyone, shocked at the declaration aimed at Leia. Unlike the last three deceased visitors Sekot brought forth, the next ghost simply materialized in the blink of an eye, an aged man with silver-gray hair and a war-weary face that none recognized.
Leia, having recognized the man from a single meeting she had with his spirit on Bakura over fifty years ago, politely greeted him, "Hello, Father." Ignoring the awestruck shock everyone displayed from being in the same presence as Anakin Skywalker, a man who needed no introduction for all his contributions to modern galactic history, the semi-retired Jedi Master returned to the conversation, "I wasn't expecting to see you here."
"None of you were, and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for a dear friend asking for my help." Anakin agreed. Gazing at his extended family, he noted with a hint of pride, "You've all done so much for the galaxy after my death: reestablishing freedom across the galaxy, rebuilding the Jedi Order, and protecting all life from so many evils greater than the Sith of my time." Expression growing somber, he solemnly added, "But you've also endured so many hardships and tragedies, terrors I hoped the galaxy would not experience again for many years. At least, not from those that share in my blood."
"I know about my son and the mighty burden he is under." Anakin began elaborating. "But as terrible as it is, I know you can finish the work he began and stop Abeloth for good."
"Then, I suppose you have more to tell us than simply repeating what we already know." Jayce warily guessed.
"Astute as I thought you'd be, young Jedi." Anakin complimented Jayce. "I came to warn you of what could very well come to pass, should either Abeloth, Mnggal-Mnggal, or the True Sith Empire prevail in their twisted goals."
"You mean how each has their own sick agenda and plans to enslave the galaxy, devour all life, or unleash the progenitors of evil to cause the decay and corruption of all creation?" Vestara impatiently summed up much of what they had learned from Arhul Hextrophon's final and easily his most important historical work. "We already know that much from those enemies."
"You understand the threat intellectually, Vestara Khai." Anakin sternly clarified. "But I came to give you a genuine glimpse of each of the three possibilities and embolden your resolve for the coming war, if you're willing."
"You don't need to do that, Grandfather." Ben respectfully declined. Gazing at each of his loved ones, he saw their renewed spirits, all empowered by their respective reunions, and determined, "I believe our resolve is strengthened enough to face what is coming. Showing us what might happen will only work in our enemies' favor."
"And we've already been given a glimpse of what will happen if Abeloth, Mnggal-Mnggal, or the Rhandites manage to complete their plans." Ben pointed out. "We've already seen what the first two will do, given their rampage across Coruscant and Carthea, and the Nihil Retreat's horrors…" Shivering from the darkness pouring out from the ultimate domain of evil, he resumed, "They're more malevolent and dangerous than anything we've ever fought before, and we'll be pushed to our limits in facing them."
"But we'll help find a way to stop them, and free Uncle Luke from his terrible prison." Allana earnestly promised. "We've got too many people counting on the Last Alliance winning this war, and we're all too kriffing stubborn to give up now, after all we've been through already."
Glancing at each of his relatives, seeing their firm determination and unshakable dedication to saving not only Luke's soul, but protecting everyone from annihilation, Anakin wistfully reminisced, "You all have my confidence, but remember that the fate of the galaxy will not rest on your shoulders alone. There are countless champions rising to step up to the challenge, and they will be just as key to winning this war as you. And remember, the galaxy may be more united than it has been in many decades, you'll still need to stand firm against enemies on all sides while protecting those that will champion in this new age, if it is not undone before it can begin."
"What in the galaxy does that mean?" Han warily asked, eyes suspiciously narrowing, "What exactly do you know about what's coming?"
"I'm afraid I can't answer that, Captain Solo, and not because I'm keeping secrets." Anakin ruefully answered. "The Force is in a terrible flux from all the preparations your enemies are undertaking to respond for your efforts within the Nihil Retreat. All that I know is that they will strike soon and swiftly."
"Then we need to meet them in battle before they can finish crafting their plans." Vestara determined.
"That will not be as easy as you may assume, Vestara Khai." Anakin warned the repentant Sith. "But I'm afraid my time is nearly up. Sekot cannot shield this meeting from the enemy's eyes more than a few more minutes."
"Be very careful over the next few months. Watch after each other and those you care for and remember to hold true to your convictions and the Light, especially when things will be at their darkest. May the Force be with you all." Anakin solemnly urged everyone before his ethereal visage began vanishing. But before he fully dissipated, he playfully told Ben and Vestara, "I wish you two lovebirds a joyous and proper wedding, because you'll both be exponentially busy."
Anakin's ghost fully gone before the stupefied couple and their stunned relatives, Ben and Vestara wished they could be anywhere else right now before Jaina slowly and sternly asked, "Ben? Vestara? What exactly are you two planning?"
"It's not what it seems." Vestara hastily began, just as the pathway out of the ravine was revealed, with several landspeeders waiting for them. Taking advantage of this fleeting opportunity, she reminded everyone, "Look, we can talk about this later, after we return to the village and take a little time to get our bearings and compare notes with everything that we've all learned."
Knowing a delaying tactic when she saw one, but recognizing the truth in Vestara's words, Leia concurred, "Agreed. We've spent more than enough time in this chasm, and I could use a few hours of good sleep before the war picks back up. We'll talk about the lovebirds' plans after we hear each other's stories and get some rest."
Feeling the future married couple's utter relief, Leia teasingly promised, "But when that time comes, we're going to have plenty of questions for both of you." Ignoring the glares aimed at her, Leia chuckled at their embarrassment and led the way out of the ravine.
Nihil Retreat, Perann Nebula
Rhand
Within the Planet's Catacombs
"Why have you brought this insipid and paltry interloper to our sacred domain when we are convening in this most pivotal hour?" A Lich King scathingly demanded Tor. "Our plans-"
"Commander Hask has a strategy in mind to deal with Niphal and Eipha's successors, and we would be wise to listen to all ideas in pursuit of eradicating our shared foes." Tor keenly interrupted, receiving a nod of gratitude from Abeloth. Telepathically calling out to all his overlords through their ancient connection to the Dark, the Grysk sage tactfully added, 'I have probed his mind, and the plans he has devised are valid and sound. And remember, we are currently allied with the Servants of Chaos and Mnggal-Mnggal, and we would be remiss to strain those ties before our plans reach full fruition.'
Gesturing to Gideon, the enhanced human, the crystals protruding out of his head and glowing a sickly red, dutifully bowed before everyone before beginning, "We know the Last Alliance will inevitably fall to our combined might, no matter how great their numbers and strength are. And when they try to 'liberate' the Nihil Retreat, we will properly humble them and show them what true power is and obliterate them."
"But we must ask ourselves, how much will these battles tax our strength for when we spread out amongst the stars and work to instruct every world on the proper nature of the universe?" Gideon insightfully pointed out. "Never mind if the galaxy's denizens fully rally back to the Celestial's foolish creed, and Tau Palpatine and Darth Krayt tap into all the gifts they inherited?"
"Speak plainly, Hask, and get right to the point." The guttural and warped voice of a Sith Pureblood slave, making Gideon wince at hearing Mnggal-Mnggal. Hearing the Cancer God's rumbling from one of the thousands of host bodies it used for spreading its contagion across the stars, it reminded him how fragile this union was between the hostile powers.
Nodding at the possessed slave, Gideon noted, "We need to go after Tau and Krayt before they can become truly worthy of the power and wisdom they were given. Unfortunately, right now, they are surrounded by too many powerful allies and too well-entrenched to go after directly, not unless we wish to expend too much strength against the Last Alliance."
"But if we can target them indirectly, by undermining their power base and trusted friends, then we can weaken them and the Last Alliance for when they make their final mistake." Sensing he now caught everyone's full attention, Gideon continued, "We are reaching out to all manner of beings that are willing to serve us, correct? Well, perhaps we can let them uncover a few of these recruitment drives and set the appropriate trap for whoever comes to face us."
A Lich King, cackling in his dark throne before calming down, applauded Gideon, "I like the way you think, Hask. You have quite a devious mind on you, and I sense you have more to share with us."
Struggling to suppress the smirk growing on Gideon's face, he nodded in confirmation, "Yes, Lord Rictus. You - all of you, Mnggal-Mnggal, and Abeloth - tried to spread your predators into the Chiss and Olpakans' territories through subtle infiltration, but have you forgotten of the combined power you all possess? If using ships failed, then why not use more esoteric means to spread your creatures and influence across the Chaos?"
Abeloth, her eyes gleaning in complete comprehension, explained for the Lich Kings, "He is right. My sibling, with the right summoning circles and acolytes, can spread its influence and presence to any world or ship, just as it has with Darth Scabrous and the Blackwing Virus Vader once commissioned before the Battle of Yavin. And I'm sure we can do the same with the remaining ships on whichever worlds we so desire."
Eager at the prospect of spreading to more worlds, Mnggal-Mnggal offered, "I would be more than happy to assist in devouring whichever worlds you decide to offer me."
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet." Another Lich King, Sokratu, cautiously interrupted. "There is more our connection to the Dark has unveiled to us another threat to our plans, one that is far more immediate and pressing than Elegast's final gambit that could threaten your very existence, Cancer God."
Tor, alarmed at what Sokratu was about to unveil, barely refrained from speaking out of turn before biting his tongue as the eldest Lich King continued, "Our seers have found evidence that the Olpakans, more specifically, Cylo and his top scientists, are working on reviving and refining a very old nanotechnology left over from the Celestials' efforts to contain the Killiks."
Growing still at the mention of that hated device, the one thing that could destroy him for good, Mnggal-Mnggal began shrieking in a warped, incomprehensible, and long-lost language, scaring all before reining in his anger just enough for the minor quakes his Force-enhanced rampage caused to start settling down. Turning to briefly glance at everyone, Abeloth's sibling hatefully warned them all, "If you cannot locate the enemy's facilities and stores that house the weapon, then I will devour you all and ensure that none of you rule over this galaxy."
"Then it's a good thing there's one more key element to my plan." Gideon quickly informed Mnggal-Mnggal, catching the Bedlam Spirit progeny's attention before he continued, "We don't know where Cylo is working on the weapon, for the Last Alliance is keeping the information with only its most trusted commanders and advisors. But there are plenty of souls within the coalition that are dissatisfied with being forced to work alongside their mortal enemies against us. If we can reach out to them and sway them to our side…"
Calming down almost completely, Mnggal-Mnggal knowingly guessed, "You already have a few wary candidates in mind."
"Several, yes." Gideon confirmed. Turning to his betters, he informed them, "For this to work, we'll need the charisma, sharp intelligence, and great powers of you all to convince these doubting souls to come over to our side. Then we can star working to rip the Last Alliance apart from both inside and outside."
Four Hours Later
Nelona 30th, 59 ABY
Far Distant Islands
"Seems our plan went off precisely as we expected." Sekot informed Tau and Taleth, the latter of whom was finishing up aiding the cloned human in his recovery from the bonding process for growing his custom Flier. After letting ten bora seeds choose him, the second-highest number in all the planet's history after Anakin Skywalker's twelve and spending thirty hours letting them bond with him before they were taken away, the Jedi agent was relieved to have the embarrassing procedure done. Even more relieved was knowing that the trio's daring plan to reinvigorate all of Luke Skywalker's loved ones succeeded so well.
"Let's just hope they don't want to give me a strong lecture after they return, if not beat me to a pulp for not being forthright with them." Tau nervously griped.
"You worry too much, Jedi Palpatine." Taleth lightly rebuked Tau. Seeing the bemused glare in his eyes, she changed topics, "Our shapers and the Jentari will have the ship ready for you by the end of next week, but you'll need to stay on the islands to help acclimate it to your people's technology." A sly smirk crossing her face, the Yuuzhan Vong Master Shaper humorously suggested, "Why don't you use your time here, like to go on a date with young Chelli Lona Aphra?"
Good-naturedly groaning, Tau chided Taleth, "One day, I promise I'll make you all pay for all the teasing. Maybe I'll do the same for you and Vua."
"But not today." Sekot playfully reminded Tau. "And right now, you have a rare reprieve from this terrible war, so I'd make the most of this opportunity to remember what you're fighting for, and to continue laying the foundations of the reborn Je'daii Order."
Looking down in deep thought, Tau knew all that Taleth and Sekot were right in their counsel. With the dark stirrings and murmurs moving through the Force, and the eerie calm before the Rhandites and Abeloth made their next advance, it would be wise to make good use of this time. He needed to figure out his growing feelings for Chelli, see if they would be a boon or impediment in this war, and help recruit the galaxy's best and brightest to rebuild the Je'daii Order. And, honestly, he could use a good distraction from the many meetings and calls he had to take when not strategizing with Krayt and Vurawn.
Pulling out his holocomm, Tau politely agreed, "I think I'll do just that." Excusing himself, he typed in Chelli's holofrequency aboard the Ark Angel, and tried to decide what he was going to say before he found himself facing Korin Aphra, surprised at the sudden call.
Tau, to his credit, didn't betray any surprise, but cordially greeted, "Good morning, Doctor Aphra. I wasn't expecting you to be up so early."
"Funny, I was just thinking the same of you." Korin politely, if a bit cautiously, responded. "I thought you were busy with getting your new ship from Sekot and the Yuuzhan Vong."
"I have been, but I have a little reprieve for a few days while they work in the forges, and I figured I'd make some calls and check in on some people." Hesitating, Tau braved forward, "Is Chelli still up? I was hoping to talk with her, and hopefully hang out with her a bit later, if that's all right."
Eyeing Tau with a renewed glare of suspicion, Korin slowly nodded before calling for his daughter, preparing to let her use her ship's comm system. But before he let Chelli take over, her father warned the young clone, "You've got ten minutes to speak. She's been working nonstop in scouring every record she can to help prepare for our invasion of the Nihil Retreat and helping Cylo with whatever other projects he's got cooking up, so she could use a good long rest soon."
"Of course." Tau answered, just before Chelli's head could be seen. With the small dark circles under her eyes and disheveled hair, it was clear she had been working overtime to help the Last Alliance in all its major objectives. But even in her exhausted state, he couldn't help but be awestruck in seeing her and finding her beautiful beyond any measure.
Quickly remembering that he was on a shrinking timetable, Tau cleared his throat before he began, "Hi, Chelli. I'm glad to see you've been hard at work lately."
Amusingly smiling at the awkward flirting, Chelli tiredly returned the greeting, "And I hear you've been keeping busy with plans of your own and getting a ship of your own. No rest for the righteous, or something like that. What can I do for you?"
"Well, I wanted to check in on you for starters." Tau factually stated. "A man has a right to be concerned about those he cares about, and you… are someone I care quite a great deal about."
"In fact," Tau paused, mustering his courage before braving on, "I hear that you've been cooped up in your little library and a bunch of labs for the last couple weeks. I figured that, since we have a few days or so before the war resumes for us, you could use a good outing before our short reprieve ends."
Eyes lighting up with an unspoken joy and deep hope, Chelli insightfully teased Tau, "Tau Palpatine? Are you trying to ask me out on a date?"
Blushing furiously at the deduction, Tau bashfully whispered, "Yes. A date." Raising his voice back to normal levels, he offered, "Maybe we can go for a walk, take in the sights, or… I can give you a ride in my flier when it's ready."
Beaming at the offer, Chelli stifled a yawn before tiredly agreeing, "We'll figure it out after I get a few hours of hearty rest. But I look forward to our date; The first of many, I hope."
Hesitantly sniggering, Tau cautioned, "Let's see what comes of the first one before we make any further plans. Maker knows what your father is going to think of this when he finds out."
Terrifyingly blanching at the thought, Chelli agreed, "That won't be a talk I'm looking forward to." That earned a genuine chuckle from Tau, who only laughed even more at his future date's immature pouting.
Well, I'd say this is a perfect place to end the chapter! And what a read it was, with four different visits by the deceased Skywalker family and the messages they each had to give. And the enemy is moving forward with their own plans, with Gideon Hask helping shape his masters' strategy against the Last Alliance. I can tell you this, his plans will be quite deadly for the heroes, and help set the stage for the end of this story and the beginning of the last one. But, on a lighter note, Tau is starting to explore his growing feelings for Chelli, and they're about to go on their first date. Isn't love lovely? I hope you're all ready for plenty of action, heartfelt and heartbreaking moments, and riveting and suspenseful scenes that will hopefully leave you all begging for more in this saga's final work. I'll be drawing inspiration from a wide variety of ideas and stories, and I intend to give credit where it's appropriately due. And on that note, I was inspired by HandofThrawn45 for the spiritual visits to the living Skywalkers, as his works were just that good and moving.
So, how are you all doing on this warm but cloudy day of Thursday, April 18, 2024? I'm well, aside from being a bit sad since my St. Louis vacation is nearing its end. In three days, I will head back home and go back to work. And, in other news, I found out that I'll be moving down South sooner than I thought, near the end of May, so things will be quite hectic for a while. Man, things are changing so fast for me, it'll be hard to keep up. But God will provide as needed, I have faith in that. Well, with all the small talk out of the way, I'd best get this chapter looked at and published. May the Lord be with us all in these Dark Times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
