Good evening, everyone! How are you all faring on this cool night of Monday, April 22, 2024? I'm well, if a bit worn out from my part-time job and yard work that I helped my dad with afterwards. I came back home yesterday after a good rest and had a decent shift at work today. But I needed a few days to rest my mind after writing my last piece. But with a few days off, now I can get back to writing for a while before my big move next month. So, I hope you're all staying safe and sane in these troubling times and enjoying good fanfics out there. And I hope you're all enjoying my stories and have a few good and constructive things to say about my saga. Well, with all the small talk done, I'd best get started on this chapter. It'll take me a few days to write, so the sooner I start, the better. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
Helona 3rd, 59 ABY
Olpaka System
Zonama Sekot
Middle Distance
"We hope you all realize the distinct honor that you all are being gifted." Nas Choka reminded the thirty Last Alliance members that were present for the unveiling of their personal craft. Among the Jedi, Sith, and the five non-Force Users that were brave or skilled enough pilots to attract Sekot's attention and be given an invitation to grow their own Fliers. The first and most talented of the hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of candidates that would be eventually gifted such wondrous and powerful living vessels, everyone was understandably on edge from such a momentous occasion and the tremendous responsibilities they would soon be burdened with.
Tau Palpatine, Darth Krayt, Kyp Durron, Kyle Katarn, Jaina Solo Fel, Vestara Khai, Mirta Gev, Darth Irola, Phasma, and the remaining twenty-two pilots, each highly qualified fighters and pilots, they would be the vanguard of Sekot's benevolent power and the Yuuzhan Vong's rehabilitated strength. And judging from everyone's attentive gazes as Sekot's delegation continued the briefing, Tau knew they were all taking this burden with complete seriousness and dedication.
"Among all your legions, you were chosen to be gifted the blessings Sekot has bestowed back onto this galaxy." Harrar picked up, gravely continuing, "And you will each soon take your fliers into battle, against the most unholy powers that all creation has ever faced. The Kindred of Ooradryl, the Bringer of Chaos, the Cancer God, the True Sith Empire, and the Abominor," The Yuuzhan Vong High Priest venomously spat out the final listing, which everyone could grasp from his people's ancient wars with the mechanical warmongers. "This will be unlike any war you have ever faced before, it is not about territory or 'civilized warfare', as many worlds and societies adhere to. It will be one of utter annihilation and will push us to our breaking point before we can even come close to attaining victory."
"And to even survive to that pivotal moment, we will need to look beyond our superficial differences, whether religion, caste, world, or government. For right now, we are all one body, united in the shared cause of freedom, and we will not let old wounds hinder our great work."
Sensing Sekot gently push on his mind, Tau walked forward, just as Krayt followed suit, and the Jedi and Sith both stood beside Danni, who, allowing Sekot to speak through her, tell them, "Tau Palpatine and Darth Krayt, you two each bonded with ten seed-partners, a testament to your great gifts and an omen of what might come from your fellowship."
"As the first two begin the bonding process, and as a symbolic gesture of solidarity in these apocalyptic times, we are honored to gift you with your vessels first among the legions that will follow in your footsteps." As Sekot finished, a familiar sound of engines could be heard nearby, even as the distinct roar was unlike anything the Last Alliance members had heard, not even those that had flown Sekot Fliers before. But to Tau and Krayt, they each felt a young mind reach out to their own, a certain type of kinship with the infant consciousness that neither had felt before.
Harrar, recognizing the gaze in both Jedi and Sith, urged them, "Follow me. Your ships are calling to you." Leading the unlikely duo and their friends into the caverns, everyone was astounded at the forges that were operating underneath.
Within the well-protected caves, built into the ground below and able to house nearly one thousand vessels, seven hundred now under construction of various configurations, this facility, one of seven foundries functioning across the planet, it was roaring with life from not only the Force-severed Yuuzhan Vong shapers, but the earlier inhabitants of the planet, including the teams of Ferroan designers, Langhesi forgers, and giant-like Jentari shapers helping craft custom fighters for their new clients.
'Suddenly, I feel unworthy of being in this great field of engineering.' Tau shamefully thought, regretting how these peaceful people were now forced to utilize their talents in creating war vessels. Remembering how Sekot's parent world, Aerimus, was destroyed by the Yuuzhan Vong after a long and slow fall after battling the Abominor and becoming infatuated with conquest, he fervently hoped that history wouldn't repeat itself this time around.
With one guard escorting each of the pilots to their craft as more engines came alive, Krayt spoke for his and Tau's behalf, "I take it our ships are special cases."
"Aptly put, Darth Krayt." Nas Choka grimly confirmed. "Your vessels, though they were relatively easy to construct, hold more power than most capital ships in both our galaxies' histories. And their minds, they are… you would consider it a reflection of both your unique temperaments, for they are exponentially more intelligent than most seed-ships."
"Warmaster, what exactly are you saying?" Tau cautiously asked.
"That you and A'Sharad Hett will hold more power in your fingertips than most beings dream of wielding in all their lifetimes." Nas Choka carefully answered. "And Sekot fears what may come with whatever example you both will set in trying to end your orders' ancient feuds." Wearily smiling, he continued, "Do you think I am blind to the weariness that is gripping you regarding the endless fighting between Jedi and Sith, and how you both want to establish a just order to stabilize the galaxy after decades of horrific war, even if you disagree on the means to the noble end?"
"You both will set the example for not just your orders, but for the entire galaxy itself and whether it is deserving of the vital opportunity for redemption it's being presented." Harrar knowingly picked up. Clasping a hand on one shoulder each, he desperately implored them, "You must look beyond your preconceptions, expanding as they are, and work together to see new possibilities. All that you both hold dear will now depend on your cooperation."
Feeling the gravity of the words, even if he couldn't sense Harrar in the Force, Tau earnestly gripped Harrar's arm, and promised, "We'll see it done." Seeing Krayt reciprocate the gesture without any reservations, the Jedi felt an uncharacteristic surge of hope grow within him. Perhaps, if the Maker willed it, the Dread Lord and many of his One Sith might join the Je'daii Order and help prove Sekot's fears wrong.
But somehow, through it all, Tau knew Chelli would be ecstatic when she was given a chance to fly in his flier, and that would be a terrific way to make it up to her for taking so long in arranging this date.
Helona 4th, 59 ABY
Sekot Orbit
Aboard the Intrepid
Combing through hundreds of frequencies every minute, Cylo-VI felt an overwhelming sense of glee growing within him in anticipation for the imminent breakthrough. After spending the last three days trying to decode the communications frequencies used among Abeloth's fleets, working alongside minds almost as brilliant as him in all manner of projects, he knew a small triumph was at hand. With magnificent intellects like Nek Bwua'tu, Vurawn, Darth Phobar, Ship, Voort saBinring, and Cilghal, it was only a matter of time before productive results were made. And what perfect timing, since the three dark powers residing in the Nihil Retreat had pooled their combined might together to form a new Infernal Council, which meant that the Last Alliance would, now more than ever, need every advantage they could get their hands on.
Since the True Sith Empire's efforts to attack the Chiss Ascendancy and Olpakan Hegemony had been foiled, the enemy had been eerily quiet, and none of the Last Alliance's efforts to penetrate their defenses or uncover their plans had yielded any results. In this proverbial calm before the storm, both coalitions were building their strength and devising new plans to overwhelm the other, and if the reports coming from Sekot were genuine, then Cylo-VI recognized how his allies' odds of victory might yet be possible. This kindling hope was especially valid since the nanotechnology he and a select few others were studying was proving highly malleable to alteration, and it would soon be easy to mass-produce it to inoculate the galaxy from Mnggal-Mnggal's cancerous hunger.
"We have it." A wizened voice triumphantly echoed throughout Cylo-VI's mind, who recognized the distinct baritones belonging to Ship, the Sith Meditation Sphere of infamy and current freethinker. "The transmission was traced deep into the Croke's Reach." A new stream of data pouring into the cloned cyborg's mind, he swiftly grasped the framework of the Infernal Council's stratagem. Recognizing how the Crokes, an ancient and malevolent race of small, mollusk-like sentients that could cast illusions to disguise their true forms, was long kept in check by their millennia of infighting, if the Infernal Council was making overtures now, then their offer could yield terrifying repercussions for the galaxy. And if the transmission signatures that the Last Alliance slicers were able to decrypt were the genuine article, then it seemed that the armies of darkness were sending many of their best to make a strong impression on their potential recruits.
Knowing everyone had access to the same unfiltered data as Cylo-VI and could come to the same conclusions as him, he opened a communications link with all his peers, encrypting the transmission with his most secure software, and quickly began, "We can't afford to let the enemy recruit the Croke, but we'll need to move right away to prevent their envoys from reaching the region."
"That's assuming they haven't already secured the Croke's allegiance." Phobar pointed out. "We've only just begun tapping the enemy's transmissions and verifying the intelligence would take more time than we have. More likely, this is a trap meant to divert our attention and strength away from invading the Nihil Retreat."
"You may be correct, Phobar." Vurawn grimly acknowledged. "Still, we can hardly afford to let our enemies do whatever they please. And this may be a chance to uncover more of the Infernal Council's plans and possible points of vulnerability, if we move accordingly and decisively." Turning to face the Gamorrean prodigy, he requested of Voort, "We may be asking a lot of you, Professor, but your squadron would be invaluable in helping formulate our plan quickly enough to be of use."
"It's no problem at all, Commander." Voort graciously complied. "My squadmates and I would welcome such a fresh challenge, anyway, after working for so long on helping create Edaan's new body."
'Against his wishes, one might add.' Cilghal cautiously remembered, uneasy at using such a wide array of unorthodox methods to make a cloned body for Edaan. Utilizing the Yuuzhan Vong's biotechnology and many tools of Sith alchemy and cloning societies, it all smacked of grasping for power greater than any mortal could fathom, never mind the potential for abuse if the results fell into the wrong hands, or anyone's hands, in her opinion.
Still, even a peaceful Jedi like Cilghal couldn't deny how such power would likely be crucial against the Infernal Council and their vast legions and unholy hordes. And if Edaan remembered the hard-earned lessons he gained from his fourteen years of being a Jedi and remained true to himself, then he just might be able to wield such strength in a just manner. He did have his loved ones to keep him tethered to the Light through this raging fog of darkness.
Unfortunately, though, Cilghal couldn't help but know that this war was only just beginning, and that its aftereffects would ripple across all creation for many centuries to come. She only hoped everyone would be ready to meet them when the time came.
But what Cilghal failed to notice in her self-reflections was Cylo-VI intently observing her, monitoring her reactions aboard the Cal Omas through his spy programs embedded inside each faction's major warships. He might be an ally in this fight, but old habits die hard, and his proclivities and keen intellect helped him hypothesize what the Mon Calamari was contemplating so intently. Which meant he would keep a close eye on Edaan and determine if this experiment would be a boon or hindrance to everyone's mission.
Helona 5th, 58 ABY
Nihil Retreat
Perann Nebula System, Rhand Orbit
Aboard the Onrai-class Cathedral Ship Dominance
"They've all taken the bait." Gideon informed the Infernal Council on behalf of his mistress, a vindictive grin plastered over his face. "The Last Alliance has intercepted and uncovered the plans of our 'recruitment drive.' They'll be moving to blunt us out there in the next three days."
"And you've all chosen our appropriate 'ambassadors' to greet the enemy?" Mnggal-Mnggal eagerly queried its sibling and the Lich Kings. "The Jedi and Sith will not go down as easily as many of you might believe."
"We're ready to obliterate Master Durron, Darth Irola, and all those that follow them in their fleets." Keldo giddily answered. "Personally, I'm looking forward to finally cutting down my sister in the heat of battle."
"You won't be going alone, young one." Tor Valum firmly reminded the human ex-Sith. "Remember that we have hundreds of worlds' worth of soldiers and thralls under our command, and they are just as eager to fight as you. And destroying warriors as renowned as Kyp Durron, Phasma, Ezra Bridger, and Elscol Loro won't go down so easily like you might think."
"I'll be going with you, along with my fleet and those of the Ssi-Ruuk and Rakata." Tor instructed Keldo. "If we hope to weaken the Last Alliance enough to dispose of Elegast's chosen ones, we cannot leave anything to chance in this war any longer."
Staying silent through this entire discussion, a pointless matter of deciding how much force to apply in their well-conceived ambush, Abeloth quietly worked to ensure her cause prevailed above all other designs. She knew that this small battle would not affect her plans, so aside from appearing to listen attentively, she focused on how to ensure her reign was achieved.
Probing the future and its limitless possibilities to try and foresee the best path to victory, Abeloth analyzed hundreds of thousands of outcomes from each potential decision, but her clairvoyance was unable to glean a definite conclusion to this war. No matter how strong or decisively she tried to see the end, the final victory she sought just wouldn't be made clear to the Beloved Queen of the Stars.
And in each attempt to see how to achieve victory, Abeloth saw the face of Luke Skywalker, his gaze full of disappointed sorrow, staring right back at her. After seeing it one too many times, her mind drifted back to that fateful day, when her latest and most powerful vessel surrendered all his being to his better but set something far more insidious in motion with that pivotal act. But even as she did so, she couldn't help but curse herself yet again for such weak sentiment impeding her goals.
Three Weeks Earlier
Nelona 25th, 59 ABY
Rhand Surface
Within the Dark Citadel
Oblivion. Nothing but sheer oblivion and darkness was all that Luke Skywalker could see in his glimpse of the future, and it wasn't simply because of the Sith torture mask plastered over his head. He didn't know how long the Rhandites and Abeloth had imprisoned and tortured him, but in the days, weeks, or even months that he spent in the living hell that was the Nihil Retreat, he had been given a firsthand look at what the galaxy would be if the True Sith Empire completed its designs.
As the darkness long confined within this territory's borders spread, so too did the strength of its entropic influence and corruptive power. Planets, thousands of worlds, each full of wondrous and vibrant expressions of life, were decaying and drained of all power to fuel eldritch rituals of unspeakable horrors and enslave countless souls to serve the Father of Shadows.
And just as horrifying to see were the hundreds of stars that were manipulated by the dark Celestial's pawns to do whatever he pleased. Whether they were ignited into supernovas to incinerate or obliterate countless worlds, imploded to create black holes and draw more souls into an endless void, or outright destroyed to let the star system's worlds slowly freeze to death, nothing was too ghastly for the enemy's appetite for destruction.
All that Abeloth dreamed of in her darkest nightmares was mere banality compared to the horrific depravities the Father of Shadows and his kin were capable of. Not even Mnggal-Mnggal, creator of countless plagues and one who was long feared above all others for its inability to be controlled and unstoppable hunger, would be a match for the terrors waiting to be released from their ancient prison. And the only threats that truly stood in their way were the remnants of power and bastions of knowledge Niphal and Eipha passed onto Tau Palpatine and Darth Krayt. One Jedi and Sith were all that prevented the founder of the Dark Side from unleashing an unstoppable onslaught on all creation, and Luke was unable to do anything to help either.
Hearing the cell doors creak open, Luke knew it was time for another interrogation, and he knew he was nearing his breaking point. His captors' patience was undoubtedly growing thin, and he was running out of ways to delay their maverick ways of making their victims capitulate. Abeloth, especially, was enjoying seeing her adversary suffer, and would surely take an active role in shattering his weary mind.
But, as the Jedi Master was slowly dragged across the stone-cold floor, his bloodied and emaciated form barely able to feel anything after the dozens of torturous sessions he had endured, Luke began to realize that facing Abeloth right now just might be the only chance he had to give the galaxy a chance at survival. And if this was his last day to make an impact, then he would make it count and do all he could to save all he loved and cherished from sheer annihilation.
Finally, after what felt an eternity of torment, the torture mask was painfully ripped off Luke's face, revealing the ruins of an ancient sanctum somewhere deep underground, saturated in the Dark Side at levels that exceeded that of even Dromund Kaas. Barely able to lift himself off the ground and onto his knees he saw dozens of decaying forms surveying him, making him realize that these must be Sorcerers of Rhand, just like Cronal whom he fought so long ago on Mindor. And he could sense the unrelenting miasma of dark power surging off them all, each eagerly awaiting a chance to get their psychic hooks into the Jedi Master.
However, the first to approach Luke was not who he expected: a male Chiss, around eighty years old, by his estimations, who like the rest, reeked of the Dark Side, but of a different tinge than that of the Rhandites. But the old Jedi was not so senile yet as to forget the unmistakable madness that belonged to Abeloth, nor the silver pinpricks of light in the center of her host body's eyes, a signature of her possessing the poor victim's body.
The Chiss, speaking with dozens of voices, all belonging to victims of Abeloth's countless assimilations, sadistically grabbed Luke and held him up to his face, "It's been a long time, Master Skywalker."
"Not…" Luke coughed out, barely able to speak with how little water he was given by his captors. "Not long enough, Abeloth." To his horror, the Bringer of Chaos was not the most insidious and powerful presence he felt. No, there were two others watching this display nearby, and he could tell that they were both eagerly enjoying the show provided for them.
Recognizing the fearful glint in Luke's eyes, Abeloth gleefully smiled, showcasing her dozens of razor-sharp teeth before suddenly saying, "Ah, yes. I suppose explanations are in order before you cease to be."
"You're on Rhand, in the center of the Nihil Retreat and capital world of the True Sith Empire." Abeloth began. "And you've been here for the last four days, where the Infernal Council I sit on has been preparing itself for the upcoming annihilation of all your friends and compatriots."
Four days? In Luke's estimation, he had been here for what felt like four months! Unable to conceal his shock, not even able to resist, he tried to speak, but all that came out was a weak, "Don't…"
Her hideous grin never leaving, Abeloth mocked, "Don't what, Luke? Kill you here and now? Take you into my being and make you see all you've built crumble by your own two hands? Sorry, but it's too late to plead before me now. None of us are in the merciful mood on your behalf."
Knowing this was his only chance to try and impact the coming carnage, Luke used the last of his strength to touch Abeloth's forehead, sending a warning through the Force into her mind.
'Abeloth, your plans for domination will never succeed. Even if you can destroy the Last Alliance, it will not give you the family you want, nor the adoration of the galaxy.' Luke pleaded with Tilotny's final creation. 'The Rhandites and Mnggal-Mnggal, they will see you dead before you sit upon the Throne of Balance. They are only using you for your power and brutality to see their own designs completed.'
'The only chance you have at saving this galaxy, of redeeming your own soul, is to renounce your mother's cause, and let go of your fears. Everything that happens from this point on, it will depend entirely on your choices, and all creation will either be grateful or revile you for what you do next.' Luke's desperate plea ended, all happening in the span of under two seconds, but in that glimpse, he saw the tortured and weary soul that belonged to Abeloth and pitied her more than anything.
But Abeloth, to Luke's eye, only grew enraged at the attempt to make peace, and began strangling him with her coiled tentacle-like appendages. And as the hundreds of miniature tendrils wormed their way across his being, he heard a man's voice he had not heard in decades softly whisper to him, 'Do not despair, my son. Your part in this struggle is not yet over, and you can do much good in your current position.'
'Father.' Luke gasped as the tiny limbs began to pierce his body, beginning the process of his absorption into Abeloth. Unable to resist more than a few whimpers and shudders, he could feel his light being swept away against his captor's fresh power and relentless ambition. Confused beyond all measure of what Anakin Skywalker could mean with his current predicament, he felt another presence wash over him, one silently explaining to him what the Chosen One meant by the remark.
Recognizing the madness of the idea Luke was being instructed in, he still recognized how he couldn't do anything else to help the galaxy anymore, not with Abeloth devouring him whole. And while the dangerous idea of trying to influence the self-proclaimed Beloved Queen of the Stars - it was nothing short of mad folly, he knew – if there was a narrow chance of undermining her resolve, let alone convincing her to change sides before passing on, he had to make the effort. If nothing else, it would give his family and the Jedi a greater chance at winning this war, and that would be worth his terrible sacrifice.
Eventually, after seven minutes of the horrific process of assimilating Luke into Abeloth's being, she opened her new body's eyes, and breathed the dank and rancid air in Rhand's ancient catacombs. Filling the corporeal form with her power, rejuvenating the physically weak body with strength it had not felt in many years, not since suffering dozens of wounds that had never fully healed over his long and storied life. Adopting an elongated smile, the abomination that now used Luke Skywalker's body as her own and turned to firmly address her two key cohorts, "We have much work to do."
Back in the Present
Helona 6th, 59 ABY
Hyperspace, On Route to the Nihil Retreat's Borders
Zonama Sekot
Far Distance Islands
"I never thought of you as one to enjoy the flowers, Tau." Chelli playfully teased her date. After barely getting her father's approval for this brief getaway, she wanted to make the most of this reprieve and take in as many wonders Zonama Sekot had to offer before her duties resumed in three days. But she didn't expect Tau to first have a picnic amidst the islands' forests and take in the sights and smells. It seemed her crush had more of a romantic side to him than one might first assume.
Wistfully smiling, Tau ruefully chuckled, "After spending the last three days getting accustomed to my flier, I felt it best to enjoy all this planet had to offer before reentering the war." Almost as an afterthought, he added, "And it helps to have such pleasant and endearing company along the way."
Blushing at the light praise, Chelli returned, "Glad to hear that I'm such good company." Seeing something in Tau's eyes she recognized all too well, a deep-seated fear that whatever he was hiding would endanger those close to him, it killed the mood and made the young lady gently place a hand on her crush's shoulder. "What's bothering you, Tau?"
Gazing into Chelli's eyes, seeing a brilliant and compassionate mind that would not accept anything other than the truth, Tau enigmatically alluded, "Far too much to confide in one sitting."
"Just try to talk with me." Chelli gently urged. "It's better to let it out before it grips you like it nearly consumed your brother." At the mention of Edaan, Tau remembered how he nearly succumbed to despair and a hardened heart before he found hope and love, and the Sith-made clone wondered if history was repeating itself again here with him and Chelli.
Deciding to be honest with himself, Tau defeatedly acknowledged, "All right." Gripping Chelli's hand in his own, he urged her, "Try not to get mad at me from what I'm about to say." After seeing an emphatic nod, he admitted, "There's a lot I'm terrified for, and the war is only a piece of the fear I'm experiencing."
"Against all the enemies assembled against us, that's not exactly an uncommon feeling among us." Chelli commented before growing silent at the wilting glare Tau gave her.
"It's more than that." Tau bitterly acknowledged. "I'm worried for my brother, his family, and all the friends they've made. This war will be worse than any conflict between the armies of Light and Dark in recorded history and test the souls of everyone in the Last Alliance."
Chelli, remaining silent, listened as Tau lamented, "Edaan and the others, they aren't prepared for what we're about to face as Krayt and I are. And there isn't enough time to train you all to fully resist the enemy's power." A haunted gaze in his eyes, he admitted, "The power ready to unleash itself from inside the Nihil Retreat, with Abeloth and Mnggal-Mnggal being backed by the Rhandite Sith, it will twist and corrupt so many before we even have the chance to protect what's most precious to us and end this evil."
"That's why… my own plans must succeed, and we can neutralize Abeloth before she can enable her manipulators' designs any further." Tau emphatically sighed, knowing what he just admitted before Chelli. And, judging by the knowing glare she was giving him, she understood the hidden context behind his wording. Staring right at her, he confessed, "Yes. I don't want to use the Mortis Dagger to kill her. My plans are far more altruistic in nature than delivering that kind of death onto her."
"You want her to undergo a peaceful death." Chelli softly stated, her eyes wide as saucers as she stared at Tau, croaking out, "You're trying to redeem her."
"It's not quite as simple as that." Tau denied. "Yes, I want to bring Abeloth to justice and make sure the galaxy remembers her as a cautionary tale and tragedy at the bare minimum. But I want to finish her story on a more merciful and bittersweet note. I owe it to Elegast and his family to give them back Belot after all they taught me about her and the Celestials, and the new abilities I have yet to use."
Scrutinizing Tau, Chelli knowingly reprimanded him, "You're not telling me everything, Tau. Why else do you want to save Abeloth's soul, after all the death and destruction she's wrought on the galaxy?"
Ruefully sighing, Tau admitted, "Because I pity her, and I know if Krayt and I can convince her to renounce her mother's legacy, then we can stop the Rhandites' plans and destroy Mnggal-Mnggal."
"How do you know that?" Chelli pressed, determined to get to the heart of the matter. "What makes you think you and Krayt - Force be with you in getting that accomplished - can get her to stop her madness when Niphal and Eipha both couldn't?"
"Because the plan is already in motion." Tau sadly sighed. "What Master Luke did, it was more than to save those under his command from Abeloth and the Rhandites." Turning to face Chelli, he warned her, "You can't tell anyone what I'm about to say. This has to stay our secret until the time is right."
Seeing the resolute gaze in Tau's eyes, belying a confidence and determination Chelli knew no other person could rival, she put aside her anger and confusion and simply requested, "Tell me the rest of your plan. Then I'll make my decision."
A small smile crossing his face, Tau agreed, "That's all I can ask."
"Then why don't you include me in this little conspiracy of yours, Jedi Palpatine?" A deep and gruff voice came from about fifty feet away, surprising both Tau and Chelli as they turned to see Darth Krayt approaching them. "It seems we both have a great many things to discuss on your plans to stop Abeloth."
Drawing their unlit weapons, Tau and Chelli prepared for a defensive fight if it came to that, but Krayt calmly assuaged their fears, "Rest easy. I have no intention of breaking the truce. I only came here because Sekot told me you were making decisive plans to defeating our enemies, and that I should be a part of this meeting." Lip curling upwards in amusement, he jested, "Perhaps I should bring Vurawn and the Jedi Council in on these talks, judging how your plans might endanger us all."
Barely restraining a wide range of emotions at Krayt's admission, let alone his joke, Tau slowly lowered his lightsaber and silently urged Chelli to lower her blasters. Controlling his emotions, the Jedi agent agreed, "Then we had better get started on the talks before we bring others into my strategy." A sudden idea came to his mind, he suggested, "Why don't we continue speaking on both our fliers? We ought to give them a test run, and we can continue our conversation in complete privacy." Glancing at his bashful date, he added, "Plus, I can show Ms. Aphra the sights Zonama Sekot has to offer afterwards, before we re-enter the war."
'I never thought you would be a hopeless romantic, Tau Palpatine.' Krayt solemnly mused at seeing Chelli's flustered state and sensing Tau amusingly enjoying her distress. 'Your heart may yet be your undoing.' Instead of giving voice to his thoughts, he suggested, "We'd best get started right away, then. You won't have long to enjoy Ms. Aphra's company before we make it to the edge of the Nihil Retreat."
Well, this is a good place to end the chapter. And to think, it only took me four days to write this piece, over five thousand words long while working every day so far. I must have been on a good roll. So, how are you all doing on this warm but stressful and depressing day of April 25, 2024? I'm all right, aside from being stressed out because of new projects for my internship which took a toll on me, and sad because today is the 10th anniversary of the Star Wars Expanded Universe! Man, I can't believe so much time has passed by, and how far the once-beloved franchise has fallen from grace. It makes my heart ill and my blood boil at seeing what's being done with my favorite series. And I know I'm not alone in my feelings, but I fear it's too late to make a difference. But in other news, I hope to write more in the next few days while I have some time off work. Well, I'd best get this chapter published in a little bit, as I want to get started on the next Kesh Interlude soon. May the Lord be with us all in these Dark Times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
