Good afternoon, all you fellow Star Wars EU loyalists and diehard fans out there! How are you doing on this warm day of Thursday, June 20, 2024? I'm all right, as I'm hanging out with my sister for a couple days while our parents are in Western Florida to help my grandparents out. And I am soliciting a lot of friends and acquaintances from all over the web to make sure Chapter 27 is at its best, as it'll help set the stage for my future works, assuming I can get to that point in this increasingly insane country and darkening world. But I'm just glad I've reached this point over nearly four years of working on this saga, and I still have a lot of energy and creativity left in me. And I just finished my President Coolidge book, but I think I'll hold off on resuming Supernatural Encounters for a while, as I want to read a few different books for a bit to keep my mind sharp in differing genres. And with all that out of the way, I'd best get started on this chapter. I want to finish it within a week, as I won't push myself to finish it in a few days like I did my last entry. May the Lord be with us all in these dark times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!
Relona 29th, 58 ABY
Continent of Alanciar
Above the City of Sus'Mintri
Aboard the Dodonna
No one was comfortable hosting the Lost Tribe's surrender aboard this warship; whether one worked for the Jedi Coalition, the Neshtovar, or the most high-profile civil authorities that worked under Darth Kitai, everyone was on edge over the tense meeting about to begin in discussing Kesh's reconstruction. If even a handful of these guests were hidden Sith or disguised agents and a massacre broke out, the fighting could resume and choke this world in the blood of countless innocents. But it would have been even more dangerous to have this meeting in the enemy's citadel, where countless traps or opportunities to destabilize the planet's occupation might arise.
After spending the last seven days rooting out the final pockets of enemy resistance and tending to the wounded among both factions, the Jedi and their allied galactic powers were finally ready to give Kesh's inhabitants their official terms of surrender. And representing the planet's populace would be three members of each of the seven continents' civilian leadership. These twenty-one civil authorities, Kesh or Human, would be the first to realize the full cost of collaboration with the Sith, and how their people's future would now irrevocably be changed.
Ushering the Dodonna's diplomatic guests throughout the carrier, taking care to show the Sith's servants how the Jedi were prepared to enact punitive measures on the Lost Tribe's remaining wartime facilities at the first sign of treachery, the escort led them to what had to be a mess hall, full of reporters and bodyguards to both broadcast events across the galaxy and keep the peace. And awaiting them in the center of the room were the leaders of the Jedi Coalition.
Kyle Katarn, Grand Master of the Jedi Order and veteran of many wars and campaigns dating back to the first years of the First Galactic Civil War, with every member of the Jedi Council attending this historic act either in person or holographic form.
Tenel Ka Djo, ruler of sixty-three worlds of an independent region of space and staunch friend of the Jedi, for she was once a Jedi Knight herself and currently the mother of Allana Djo Solo, who was still recovering in the Takara Mountains alongside the rest of her fellow Apprentices. Many among the Lost Tribe's delegation squirmed a little at seeing the icy monarch, remembering how their Sith masters repeatedly tried to assassinate the Chume'da and Queen Mother, filling them all with terrible dread.
Also in attendance were every military commander and diplomat the Galactic Alliance, Confederation, and Galactic Empire sent to help liberate Kesh, with everyone scrutinizing each guest and awaiting even the slightest hint of treachery. And watching over them were the privateers and independent powers the Jedi called upon to supplement their numbers and guarantee victory, especially Sidon Ithano and Akku Seii II.
And the Neshtovar, those few dissidents among Kesh's population that abandoned millennia of tradition and fidelity to the Sith to side with their most hated enemies, they were here also, with their young leader, Adari Thayn, standing right beside Kyle and betraying nothing in her guarded glare.
But the most perplexing to the twenty-one Lost Tribe envoys were the twenty unidentified individuals that completed the Jedi's delegation. Five were garbed in crimson armor and wore lightsabers of a design none of the Sith vassals recognized, with the rest either utilizing actual swords or carried no weapons at all, garbed in robes and uniforms none could identify. These individuals had to be allied with the Jedi, but what role did they serve in forcing their will on the planet below.
Once the Kesh-born citizens took their seats, the Jedi Coalition followed suit, while Kyle took the initiative to commence with the humiliation, gesturing to the Dodonna's guests, "Thank you for agreeing to meet with us. Force willing, this will be the start of reconciliation and recovery for all our peoples."
"One would think that with your victory over us, Master Jedi," An old Keshiri woman defeatedly intruded, "We could dispense with the pleasantries and speak frankly. You've beaten and driven away those that have watched over us for hundreds of generations. Now you can do whatever you see fit with us, all while you eradicate everything we've built so you can replace it all in your cultures' image."
"Delea, please withhold your comments until we have heard the Jedi's terms of surrender." A human man patiently urged his compatriot. "If their conduct during their invasion is any indication, they have something else in mind for our people that may allow us to keep some of our honor and traditions intact."
"You would be correct, Alderman Noor." Adari addressed the young man. "Everyone in the Jedi and Neshtovar's ranks have carefully discussed this matter, and the decision we came to was not an easy one but will help reform our civilization while preparing to integrate Kesh into the galactic community."
"This from a defector." One town mayor sneered at Adari, who only calmly gazed back.
"Instead of hurling insults and making things harder for your people, you could listen and learn just how we all differ from the Sith." Adari reminded the insulter. "And what I did was for all of Kesh's people."
"Then deliver your terms to us." A banker urged, her anxiety evident with her frantic twitching before a chime could be heard in the datapads before them, text steaming down the monitor in both Basic and Keshiri. Reading through the message's contents, the middle-aged woman sternly warned, "This will not go over well with many of our people. We've modeled our lives around the intrigue and machinations of the Sith for so long-"
"Which is why the Jedi have brought several of their friends here, to show you the many paths that exist to utilizing the Force without sacrificing the very qualities that can make your people great again." Adari patiently gestured to her side before the ten armored individuals came forward, allowing her to introduce them, "These twenty people represent three different Force Orders, each allied with the Jedi but uphold their own traditions and beliefs while serving the people and a greater good above the interests of a few. They are going to help educate our Force Sensitives in more than just Jedi teachings, but in those of the Jensaarai, Blackguard, and the Guardians of the Breath."
Seeing several of the Kesh delegates gasp in shock, just as everyone knew they would at the Jensaarai's mention, Corran Horn took over, "Believe me, I was shocked just like you when I discovered the Jensaarai, a group that combined Jedi and Sith traditions and teachings into something truly unique. But over the decades I've had the privilege to fight alongside them, they've proven to be just as passionate about justice and freedom as any Jedi I've met."
"And the Blackguard have been a group that, until recent years, focused exclusively on acquiring knowledge and using it to advance their own goals. But now, they believe in sharing knowledge and benefiting from cooperation with other cultures and individuals, allowing their conception of the Force to expand and grow their numbers greater than ever before." Jaina Solo Fel insightfully added.
"As for the Guardians of the Breath, they are an order focused on healing and stimulating the growth of life in ways modern technology still has trouble keeping up with. With their help, you can regrow your crops and heal your wounded at rates that most agricultural and medical facilities can only dream of."
"That's all well and good, but how do you expect our people to just accept such radical changes so quickly?" A young human man asked, his garb indicating he was formerly a constable of New Tahv.
"The results won't be immediate, Parlan." Adari urged the peacekeeper. "We, both Lost Tribe and Neshtovar alike, will have to extemporize and experiment with many forms of government from countless worlds, all while we work hard and long to discover how we can cooperate with others as true equals. And we'll need a select few individuals to start representing and advancing our world's interests before the galactic community."
"And you'll be the first of those ambassadors, correct?" Parlan knowingly guessed. "It's only fitting, after all you did in leading the Neshtovar while aiding the Jedi throughout this war."
"She'll be working as a liaison with the Jedi, yes." Desha Dorvan confirmed. "But she won't be alone too long, for once Kesh's transition progresses far enough and we establish our criteria, your people will be sending out many more brave souls to represent your world and rebuild culture across the stars."
Seeing and sensing her people's caution mixed with optimism, Adari began to believe that the Jedi's plan to redeem Kesh just might succeed. With that brightening hope returning, it filled her with a joy she hadn't felt in many years, it was almost enough to make her cry. And as the deliberations continued, with the generous terms the Jedi Coalition laid out before their guests intriguing most, she privately hoped that Edaan was recovering well after his failure to redeem Kitai. But if she knew her boyfriend well enough, then he was prepared to go after his target soon, no matter who stood in his way.
Relona 34th, 59 ABY
Horuset System, Korriban
Sith Catacombs, Within the One Sith's Citadel
No matter how many times Kitai had journeyed into Darth Krayt's underground fortress, she couldn't suppress the shiver run through her body from the mausoleum-like architecture that covered this Sith bastion, nor forget the cold ice that ran through her bones every time she walked these halls. While walking through the many hallways and observing the esoteric inspiration for the citadel's foundations, reminiscent of the ancient myths and legends associated with the Sith species' old gods and the galaxy's origins, she felt like she was entering the maws of death itself. But she would not let jitters and her last remnants of weakness stop her from preparing the galaxy for its destined rulers' ascension.
Recognizing the stark contrasts between the Lost Tribe and One Sith's diverging foundations, approaches to the Dark Side and governing, and how these Sith were more in tune with the old ways than the Kesh branch ever was, Kitai repressed her regrets and steeled herself for her meeting with the Dread Lord. Eventually approaching the heart of the fortress, after being inspected by dozens of Sith and sniffed by their loyal Tuk'ata hounds, she was granted entry into the antechamber where Lord Wyyrlok awaited her.
Silently approaching the Sith regent, being among the few who knew of Lord Krayt's weak state from the Yuuzhan Vong's experiments on him, she patiently awaited the Chagrian to acknowledge her as he communed with their master. And her patience was well rewarded soon enough, when Wyyrlok rose to greet the disgraced Grand Lady of the Lost Tribe by starting, "Lord Krayt is grateful to have you return to us, even if your endeavors with the Lost Tribe were not as successful as we would have preferred."
Not in the mood for light condescending or dancing around the issue, Kitai tartly urged, "Why don't we stop beating around the matter and get right to the punishment? I failed the One Sith, lost our master countless resources and people when we lost Kesh, and now the Jedi will soon be on the hunt for us all."
Before Wyyrlok could say anything, Kitai knelt before him and resignedly said, "I have made a disgrace of myself before Lord Krayt and jeopardized everything he has worked towards with the Grand Design. I will accept whatever punishment he deems fit, but I ask that you spare my final few followers and allow them to help make up for my unforgivable failures."
Appraising his withering subordinate, Wyyrlok raised his head in finality, but to Kitai's eyes, his eyes seemed distant and glassy, making her realize he was telepathically conversing with Lord Krayt. Daring to look at the Yuuzhan Vong stasis chamber, keeping his body unaged and preventing the Coral Seeds fused to his being from consuming him, she saw the biotechnology's lights changing colors in unison and realized that its occupant was awakening and would emerge in a mere handful of hours.
Wyyrlok, breaking his trance, calmly informed Kitai, "Rest easy, Lady Kitai. Lord Krayt will not punish you for the Jedi's actions against the Lost Tribe. In fact, he is well prepared to utilize you and your people to their fullest for the Grand Design going forward, as we will need to accelerate our plans for war to beat the Jedi at their own game."
Relief washing away her fears, Kitai gratefully acknowledged, "We will be at his complete disposal." Daring to brave ahead, she humbly requested, "But there are many of my followers that are terribly wounded from the Jedi's final attack, and they will need intense medical care to ensure a swift recovery."
"You're actually referring to your apprentice." Wyyrlok deduced. "Ship told me of Belot's coma that Edaan Palpatine inflicted on her. A surprising turn of events from a virtuous Jedi Knight such as he."
"Renowned and charismatic as he may be, there is a deep darkness residing in his heart." Kitai contemptuously gritted out, hating the very mention of the Jedi prodigy for every humiliation he wrought on her. And yet, there was a part of her that regretted confessing that fact, even as she yearned to break him as he tried to do her. But Wyyrlok was scrutinizing her every move, and she could not deny the truth now if she hoped to live past the day and protect her remaining followers a little while longer.
Carefully scanning Ktiai's expression and emotions through the Force and decades of reading people, Wyyrlok knew there was more to her admission than she would let on. But right now, the Dread Lord trusted her, and since he had many vital uses for her in enforcing his will, his right hand would let her keep whatever secrets she held, at least for now.
Instead, Wyyrlok concurred, "That would match up with what our spies in the Jedi can glean on Edaan. But we'll still need a full report from you on the final battle while the details are still fresh in yours and your peoples' minds."
"I'll deliver it to you by tomorrow's end." Kitai promised. "But as to our wounded…?"
"We will tend to those we can here, and send the most critical patients, like your former pupil, to several of our secondary facilities to avoid being compromised." Wyyrlok promised. "They'll be safe."
Kitai wanted to believe that with every fiber of her being, but she spent enough time in the galaxy's underbelly to know when she was trying to be conned. Unfortunately, she knew there was nothing she could do to negotiate for better terms for her wounded, not after losing the One Sith such a crucial bastion and several of their best proxies. Feigning humility while bowing, she relented, "I have no doubt of that."
"Good." Wyyrlok nodded, satisfied with the arrangement and dismissing Kitai, "I would advise you to go and start gathering testimonies from your fellow Sith. You'll be very busy soon with advancing our master's great dream. I will tend to our awakening lord and master."
Hiding her annoyance at being treated like a common foot soldier or Lost Tribe Sith Apprentice, Kitai firmly nodded before walking out the way she came, all while planning ways to get Ben Skywalker back with her so they could be together again, all while making Edaan pay tenfold for every humiliation and violation he wrought on her people and her very being.
Welona 4th, 58 ABY
Coruscant, Senate District
Senate Building, Chief of State Office
"I assume your meeting with the Senate went well, Sir?" Wynn Dorvan optimistically verified with his superior. Knowing how much the Galactic Alliance's current Chief of State, Kajin Bar Yimmon, hated calling emergency sessions with the Galactic Senate, his predecessor and currently the GA's most celebrated and trusted ambassador hated to add more pressure to the poor Cerean's already all but unbearable workload.
"It went better than I initially feared, much to ours' and our friends' relief." Kajin wearily sighed. Having convened the Senate to convince them to refrain from pressing against the "rogue elements" that aided the Jedi Coalition in crushing the Lost Tribe, he was ready to drink a large brandy and fall asleep on his apartment's couch shortly afterwards. But first, he needed to check base with his trusted people and begin to lay the groundwork for Club Bwua'tu and the Jedi Order's next collaborative piece of legislation. And this one would be far more pivotal and decisive on the Galactic Alliance's future anti-Sith efforts.
"The Senate, by a wide margin of fifty votes, failed to pass a resolution to condemn General Farlander, Rear Admiral Kara, and Commodore Nevil's fleets for helping to liberate Kesh." Kajin informed Wynn. "Apparently, most of the senators still recall the Lost Tribe's brief takeover of this planet and still hate the Sith far more than the Jedi."
"The usual band of troublemakers making things difficult?" Wynn knowingly guessed, playing along for the official records until their protective barrier was erected.
"With ten fewer members in their ranks than usual." Kajin perceptively noted. "Seems the political winds are shifting once again, but in our favor this time. In fact, it might be opportune to repeal a few troublesome pieces of legislation that tie our hands in certain areas of protecting all our citizens and the institutions every representative swore a solemn oath to uphold over their corrupt interests or possible treason."
Realizing just what Senate decision Kajin was hoping to finally abolish and give the Jedi and free galaxy the Galactic Alliance's full cooperation in fighting the Sith, Wynn patiently waited until the white noise machine was established, the maintenance droids reporting through binary code reporting their task done. Not a moment later, the ambassador reminded the Chief of State, "The vote will require a three-fourths majority to repeal the Neutrality Act, Sir. And that's only if Senator Sauron and her peers don't raise the criteria even higher."
"Which is why we'll need to wait until the Sith and whoever else they have on their payroll show their hand first." Kajin patiently pointed out. "Unless we have ample evidence to show the Senate and our populace that the One Sith are still active and seeking our destruction, then we'll be facing a steep uphill battle to end this accursed anti-Jedi bill."
"I've already passed along word to our most important allies and assets to be vigilant for any subversive acts against us, and we'll quietly funnel the Jedi and our sister governments what aid we can until the Sith make their move." Kajin handed Wynn a small stack of datapads before asking him, "In the meantime, Ambassador Dorvan, I have a task for you that will rely on your pivotal blend of integrity and meticulous organizational talents."
Reading the first datapad, Wynn, to his credit, did not give away any astonishment other than a brief blink and raised eyebrows, and approvingly noted to Kajin, "I see you've already determined how best to diplomatically build on the military's unsanctioned actions against the Lost Tribe's homeworld and help start integrating Kesh into the galactic community."
"Through the use of planetary governments and wealthy individuals and groups that have strong ties to the Jedi and humanitarian organizations, of course." Kajin calmly pointed out. "No sense getting our friends in the Senate bogged down on every minute detail and having the opposition frame it as an abuse of the Executive Branch, or some other poodoo." Sharing a warm laugh with the previous Chief of State, the Cerean quickly added, "I'll also need you to assemble a list of ten ambassadors you deem capable enough to handle this assignment, all under your direct oversight."
"Will you want me to personally accompany them to Kesh?" Wynn asked, working through mental hurdles to shuffle and manage his workload if he was rediverted to Wild Space now.
"Not as of now." Kajin answered. "You may have to make a few trips every few months or so, but this should be a job to help train the next generation of diplomats and leaders. For now, you'll be more of a distant overseer than take a hands-on approach." Then adding a bit of steel to his voice, he instructed Wynn, "I'll need the list of candidates in the next eleven days. The sooner we have the representatives on the ground, the better the odds are of us rebuilding ties with the Jedi."
Loyally and diligently saluting the Chief of State, Wynn eagerly promised, "I'll see the assignment complete within seven days, Sir." That daring vow earned a hearty laugh from Kajin, making him wish that all public servants would hold Wynn Dovan's unstoppable work ethic and simple but unbreakable sense of loyalty and integrity.
Welona 10th, 58 ABY
Kesh, Continent of Keshtah Minor
Takara Mountains, Sith Temple
"While remembering and honoring the sacrifices of those who gave their lives to liberate this wondrous world, to free its people from the chains that shackled them to darkness for over five millennia, we now turn a watchful eye to the future and the boundless opportunities that now lie before us." Kyle sagely continued, having addressed Kesh's populace as the main coordinator of this great ceremony.
When not spending the last three weeks aiding Kesh's slow transition towards a democratic government, the Jedi Grand Master and the Council was preparing for this significant marker in the Order's history, and a way to demonstrate more differences between the Jedi and Lost Tribe to the planet's citizens. And by taking a page from Chief of State Cal Omas and Luke Skywalker's public ceremony for promoting nine Jedi into full-fledged Knights after their devastating mission against the Yuuzhan Vong, the people would get to glimpse the twenty-five Jedi who would be rewarded for their valor in just the same way. Also attending this occasion were not only the leaders of the Jedi Coalition and Neshtovar, but dozens of officials and civilian workers in the Lost Tribe's infrastructure to show the galaxy's generous policy of reconciliation and firm and peaceful integration alongside countless other worlds.
"And to celebrate Kesh's bright future, the Jedi Order will now present its members that risked their lives and souls to give you your freedom and reward them for their valor and devotion towards freedom, redemption, and justice." Kyle proclaimed before the stone doors to the Jedi's newest academy opened, allowing the twenty-five Apprentices to file out, each garbed in simple Jedi robes and clipped with their lightsabers across their belts before coming to stop at the edge of the steps leading to the mountain path.
Gesturing towards the silent learners, among them Allana and Edaan, Kyle announced, "For helping free this world from the Sith's dominion, for upholding the Jedi Order's principles amidst this war, and for helping save countless lives when most would have never considered it, the Jedi Council has unanimously decided to reward these noble souls by promoting them to the rank of Jedi Knight."
"When I call each name, the Apprentice will step forward and kneel before me, and rise anew, ready to serve the galaxy and the Will of the Force in a greater capacity than before." Kyle spared a minute to proudly glance at each adolescent, preparing to let the Force guide his next words, for they would be catered to each Knight's character and deeds. And the last one to walk up the steps would be Edaan, not only to show his lack of favoritism for his student, but to help show everyone that the galaxy's future did not depend on a handful of individuals, but on the combined efforts of every person doing what was right.
Two Hours Later
Only two Jedi Apprentices remained in this momentous ceremony, a testament to Kesh's long-denied freedom and a symbol of its new bonds of fellowship with the Jedi Order. And both young adults, each an heir to a mighty bloodline and an immense connection to the Force, were doing their absolute best to maintain their composure over officially becoming Jedi Knights.
After patiently waiting for their turn, standing at attendance while observing their twenty-three fellow learners be anointed as full-fledged Knights, bearing the brisk cold winds and the many observers broadcasting this event to Kesh's curious populace, the Grand Master rewarded both their fortitude by loudly calling the red-haired woman up, "Come forward, Allana Djo Solo!"
Flashing Edaan a brief apologetic glance, Allana regally walked up the steps of the Sith's taken headquarters, braving the elements and gracefully handling the reporters and holocams surrounding her, kneeling before Kyle humbly spoke, "Your life is among the most difficult of them all, Allana. Being pulled from multiple directions from your many responsibilities, working to maintain your beliefs while keeping an open and loving heart, and having to protect the Hapan people from slipping back into comfortable isolation, your path as a Jedi will only grow harder. But take heart, for you are not alone in this struggle, and when you are at your lowest, those you love will be there to help you back up, and you will inspire them in turn."
Fighting back tears, Allana bowed her head and allowed the Grand Master to place her robe's hood over her head and take her place alongside the newly promoted Jedi Knights. That left just one Apprentice to speak to.
Kyle, allowing a little pride to enter his voice, used the Force to carry his voice throughout the mountains, calling out, "Edaan Palpatine!" Seeing his pupil slowly walk up the stone path, each footstep carrying both humility and anxious anticipation, the Grand Master knew the wait's intended effect was slowly taking root inside his thickheaded mind.
Knowing they would have to privately talk later, Kyle placed a hand over Edaan's shoulder, and gratefully told him, "Your path is the one I never doubted, for your soul, even when touched by darkness as it has been, was always destined to live in the Light. And your light will continue to reach countless others for decades as long as you remain true to yourself, trust in others as much as you do for your training, and never give up the fight for protecting all life." Rising the hood over the young man's head, the Grand Master, his joy shining through the Force and beaming from his face, Kyle gratefully ordered him, "Take your place amongst your fellow Knights. For it is time for you all to begin the next phases of your lives and service to the Force."
Once Edaan stepped to the end of the line, each standing perfectly still and awaiting the final bit of the ceremony, Kyle instructed them, "Draw your lightsabers," he said, "for the first time as Jedi Knights!"
The familiar sound of twenty-five igniting lightsabers hissed through the air, captivating all with a sight many had never seen and would treasure the rest of their lives and remind the rest of a time when the Jedi were accepted by the galaxy, filling them with hope that the days of the Jedi working alongside the galaxy as equals would soon return. Kyle turned to face all the newly minted Jedi Knights and drew his own lightsaber, as the rest of the Jedi attending ceremoniously drew and ignited theirs.
"We salute you for the first time as colleagues," he said, and he and the council members performed a ritual salute with their lightsabers.
"Face front," he said, turning toward the audience, "and recite with us the Jedi Code."
"There is no emotion; there is peace," Every Jedi said as one. "There is no ignorance; there is knowledge. There is no passion; there is serenity. There is no chaos; there is harmony. There is no death; there is the Force."
Right after the words were chanted, applause blanketed the area before the ceremony moved inside the mountain temple, with refreshments and conversation of many types began. But not long into the celebrations, a dire tragedy occurred in the Jedi stronghold that immediately sapped everyone's joy.
Welona 15th, 58 ABY
Hyperspace, On Route to Shedu Maad
Aboard the Dragon Queen II
Edaan awoke as suddenly as he collapsed, but he found himself in a very different and sterile environment than anywhere he ever visited on Kesh. He wasn't even sure he was on the planet anymore, given the vibrant hum of a ship's active engines and hyperdrive. Turning his weary head to examine the area, he allowed his eyes a few moments to adjust to the bright but dimming lights, making him realize he was once again in a medical cabin. And judging by the IV unit feeding him nutrients into his bloodstream and oxygen tubes attached to his nose, he must have been unconscious for a long time.
Suddenly remembering the visions that he saw just after the Jedi Order promoted its most promising Apprentices to the rank of Jedi Knight, how he collapsed from the poisoning and deaths of dozens of worlds and countless innocents at the Sith's hands, it brought back the pall he had spent years trying to defeat. But interrupting his dark ruminations was the door opening, with Kyle walking in with a 2-1B medical droid escorting him. The Grand Master, stopping to sit in a seat right by his former student, gratefully put his hand over the young man's and told him, his voice full of relief, "Welcome back to the realm of the living, old friend."
Swallowing to moisten his throat, Edaan slowly acknowledged, "Good to be back. How long was I out this time, and where am I?"
"About five days, and you're aboard Tenel Ka's personal flagship on the way back to Shedu Maad." Kyle answered, before ordering the medical droid, "Bring in my two guests. I think they'd like to see Edaan right now as much as I would."
"As you wish, Master Jedi. The Chume'da and Ambassador Thayn will be glad to see their friend again." The droid acknowledged, leaving Kyle and Edaan alone before Allana and Adari were allowed in, with the latter struggling to control herself from rushing to hug her boyfriend. Instead, she settled for a gentle kiss on his forehead and a grateful smile.
Allana, being the more composed woman, settled on asking, "How are you feeling, Edaan?"
"Better with each passing second I'm awake." Edaan said, his voice stronger than before. Seeing the worry in each of their eyes, he resolved, "You need to know what happened just before I fainted."
"Edaan-" Kyle tried, willing to let him rest a few days before bringing that topic up, but he beat the Grand Master to the point,
"I need to tell people I trust what I saw in my visions while the insights are still fresh in my mind." Edaan interjected. "And it has everything to do with my quest to save Vestara and our war with the One Sith, because I'll need to set out soon to start searching for her."
He told them everything, how the One Sith, led by the dark man who aided Luke Skywalker in destroying Abeloth in Beyond Shadows, took over the galaxy alongside a stronger and reinvented Galactic Empire, how the Jedi were once again subjected to a galactic Purge, and the Sith more numerous and stronger than they had been in millennia. But there was more to his premonitions that became clearer now, with him seeing the seas of many ocean worlds choke on the poisoned blood of countless innocents, how a fleet of civilians and the Sith's enemies worked together to evacuate those they could save from the doomed world of Dac in time, and how far worse threats were waiting in the galaxy's darkest corners, preparing to strike and claim all creation for their wicked cause and horrific manners.
And all that stood in these evil's way from galactic domination, who held the Shatterpoint for the salvation of all sapient life and their worlds, rested in the woman he had dedicated his life to saving. It was perfectly clear to him now on what he had to do.
Vestara Khai had to be redeemed and reunited with Ben Skywalker, and the enemy had to be preempted before they could finish advancing their diabolical goals, which meant his time to depart the Jedi and call upon his many friends was about to come.
A credit to everyone's training and understanding, no one present challenged or doubted Edaan for his prophetic warnings or bold resolution. They all knew how determined he was to save Vestara, no matter what she called herself now, and how he felt saving the galaxy rested on his shoulders alone. And if the Force granted him these visions about the One Sith ruling the galaxy and destroying entire worlds, they needed to take heed and learn all they could of these revelations before they could come to pass.
But still, Kyle wouldn't thrust all the responsibility onto his former student, and he would let him know just that. However, Allana beat him to the punch, sternly warning Edaan, "Don't be so willing to throw yourself into the abyss alone, old friend, not unless you want to repeat my father's sins and fall to the Dark Side just like him."
"You're not the only one with an interest in stopping the rest of the Sith and redeeming Vestara Khai." Allana paused, a forlorn glean in her eyes before amending, "And Ben, as damaged as he is right now, he can still help save her. For karking sake, Edaan, he should be trying to reach her and help her atone!"
"If she and her friends hadn't tried to forcibly turn him, he'd still be looking to redeem her. But now, he's… he's just a shadow of himself." Adari reluctantly added. "And to think, I was finally starting to respect and trust that crazy Jedi."
"Don't count him out yet, Adari." Kyle reminded her. "Once he recovers and regains his lost memories, he'll be ready to get back into the fight." Turning his attention back to Edaan, reminding him, "This isn't your fight alone, Edaan. Don't forget that you've got so many friends in and outside the Jedi Order that will be able and ready to help you when the moment comes, so you won't need to do this all by yourself."
"I know, Mas- Kyle." Edaan assured the Grand Master. "I already know what I need to do, including putting a team together to help me." Sighing, he elaborated, "All those missions I went on, the favors and contacts I've been assembling, I undertook them not just for the Jedi, but to help me when this day finally came. And I've already selected my partners and friends to aid me."
"Once we get back to Shedu Maad and I'm back on my feet, I'll run everything by our group and see if there's any fine tuning that might be done for my plans." Edaan then yawned, exhaustively asking Adari, "But, if you're up for it, I'd like you to help me by being a part of my team."
Surprised by the sudden offer, Adari was unable to respond, leaving Allana to sympathetically answer, "Edaan, she can't join you because of her role as liaison with the Jedi. How do you think it'll look if Kesh's first ambassador for the galaxy abandons her role to go off galivanting on a personal crusade with her boyfriend, no matter how noble it is?"
"We'll figure something out, but I believe it would be a good idea for Adari to go with Edaan." Kyle interceded, surprising all with his affirmation of support for Edaan's proposal. "For now, though, we'd best let our good friend rest at least a few more hours before we arrive back to Shedu Maad. Once we return and get everyone situated, we'll be quite busy the next few weeks with many crucial war preparations and outreaches before we can have another meeting between us again."
Eyeing Edaan, Kyle roguishly grinned, "And once you're back to full strength, you'll be spending your first few weeks as a Jedi Knight teaching the Initiates and instructing the Apprentices in the tactics the Coalition used against the Lost Tribe, helping figure out where we could've improved on our strategies and operations. Consider it your punishment for staying behind in the Takara Mountains when you and Adari were supposed to have pulled back with the rest of the strike force."
Seeing Edaan pout, everyone laughed at his immaturity and enjoyed this rare moment of peace and levity, knowing they wouldn't get many of those soon enough.
Welona 25th, 58 ABY
Nihil Retreat, Perann Nebula
On the Planet Rhand
Within the Planet's Catacombs
Inside the Central Ruins
Concealed within the galaxy's darkest recesses and holding horrors few minds could ever comprehend in their most terrible dreams, the Sorcerers of Rhand and their Lich Kings were hard at work, manipulating the galaxy in their never-ending quest of eternal destruction. Across the Nihil Retreat, by utilizing countless alchemical experiments on slaves to perfect their craft for their acolytes, reactivating their foundries in arming their armies and fleets for their endgame, and conducting eldritch rituals to tip the Force deeper towards darkness, the True Sith Empire was preparing for its grand return to the greater galaxy. Having readied for this day after millennia of exile, working in the shadows while manipulating their lesser Sith brethren to weaken the galaxy and break the seals holding their Immortal Gods, everyone was excited for dealing death on all the unworthy and spreading the Way of the Dark.
And one of the True Sith Empire's oldest and most venerable servants, Tor Valum, an orchestrator of countless plots and dedicated to the cause like few others, was hard at work to ensure the order he gave everything to fulfill its ancient edicts. After hearing of the Lost Tribe of the Sith's defeat at the hands of the Jedi Coalition, especially due to a meddlesome Jedi Knight who the Grysk sage had long observed as a potential convert, this unforeseen surprise required him to once peer into the future to uncover Edaan Palpatine's role in this imminent war.
He already anticipated the Kesh-based Sith Order's fall from his agents in the Shapers of Kro Var, an inevitability he expected when learning of the power the Jedi brought to bear against their more numerous adversaries. Even with the One Sith's covert backing and the lovestruck Darth Kitai leading the intrigue-obsessed and superficial culture, those neophytes never stood a chance at prevailing against a war-hardened galaxy. But they still were useful as a distraction for the Rhandites' own designs.
By identifying prospective converts and indirectly eliminating many targets that could impede the Way of the Dark, the Lost Tribe helped allow many of their betters' access to the higher echelons of power in the galactic community and paving the way for the inevitable return of the Father of Shadows and his progeny. The visions he received of their eventual return heartened him beyond measure, even if he dreaded the possibility of succumbing to old age long before their liberation. By using the highly coveted power of Darksight, the ability to not merely see the future but forcibly shift it to whatever outcome the user desired, many bitter would-be defeats for the Dark Side had been turned into decisive victories. And from the gleanings Tor had seen, among them the return of the Rakata as faithful servants of the Dark, to using Mnggal-Mnggal and Abeloth as pawns in their sacred mission, and drawing in countless weaker souls to the cause, their victory would soon be all but assured.
Even so, this did not ensure a quick victory, for there were still many obstacles standing in the True Sith Empire's way, warnings brought to Tor from additional visions the Father of Shadows blessed him with. The Jedi and One Sith, though they were trapped in a bitter struggle for momentary control over the galaxy, if they uncovered incontrovertible evidence of the Rhandites' existence and plans or heeded Professor Hextrophon's last testimony, they might put aside their differences to unite against their shared adversary. Niphal and Eipha did the same when imprisoning Abeloth in the Maw with the help of the Killiks, and that set back Bogan's return by at least fifty millennia. And new fighters were rising to challenge the armies of darkness, one young man repeatedly appearing in the Rhandites' visions.
Edaan Palpatine, the final heir to a powerful and infamous bloodline, rich in the Force and worldly genius dating back to Darth Sidious, but was squandering his talents in a frivolous obsession to "redeem" Kitai and rebuild the galaxy's trust in the Jedi. And the scariest part was that he could very well succeed in both those endeavors. Already, the seeds for salvation for Ben Skywalker's old flame were sown into her very being, and they would only find root in the turmoil wracking in her love-starved heart. And the friends and favors the Jedi Knight had built was amazing for one so young and idealistic, impressing Tor even if he deplored this young human's pathetic and childish dreams.
But far more terrifying to Tor were the gleanings he received on the Palpatine Jedi's future, if he read the portents accurately. For in these few visions that he dared to interpret alone revealed that Edaan and those that followed in his bloodline would, if allowed to remain in the Light, present a danger to the Way of the Dark equal to that of the Skywalkers. Seeing the young human face off against Darth Krayt and Abeloth, possibly swaying them away from their role as pawns for the founder of Bogan, the mere thought terrified the normally stoic Grysk like no one had seen, well, had witnessed and lived to tell the tale.
And there were other glimpses Tor was blessed to see, with Edaan meddling in the Father of Shadows' orchestrations on other worlds within other dimensions, for his master coveted more than just Skyriver, but all realities that the Father of Lights and his weak-willed creations made and let fall into decay. This Jedi, if he remained on his current course, could help doom everything he and his fellow acolytes had spent ages preparing for.
One way or another, Edaan Palpatine needed to fall, and Tor Valum and his fellow Rhandites would see it done before the next year ended. Opening his weary and bloodshot yellow eyes, he prepared to go and address the Lich Kings, urging them to move ahead with their plans and prepare the Nihil Retreat for war, one that would herald the True Sith Empire's great return to the galaxy and defeat of all its opponents.
Welona 28th, 59 ABY
Shedu Maad, Jedi Temple
Within the Grand Master's Chambers
"This plan of yours is… Well, it's certainly not lacking for bravery, Edaan, I'll need to give you that." Kyp Durron anxiously noted after listening to Edaan outline his plan for going after Kitai. And the rest of his fellow Jedi felt similar apprehension at what they had heard, worried for many reasons whether his proposal was worth the risks.
Sitting inside Kyle's personal quarters, the six Jedi Edaan trusted most with his passion patiently listened as he detailed the visions he recently received, and how he came to believe that saving Kitai would be key to stopping the One Sith and preventing the genocides he foresaw. Beside Allana and Kyle, the secret group included veteran Jedi Knight Jaden Korr and Jedi Councilors Saba Sebatyne, Kyp Durron, and Corran Horn, and each was apprehensive at letting their club's central member enact his idea.
They were among those that held Edaan and his convictions in such high regard, that saw him as not only the ultimate redeemer of his family name, but a man who could reunify this broken galaxy and heal the bitter wounds of loss and anger that infected the Jedi Order. But they worried that if he went on this mission, even with the friends and his wonderful girlfriend fighting by his side, it could leave him wounded in ways that might never mend, just as when he lost his family to Abeloth's rampage.
Oh, sure, these fears could easily be summed up to worry over a close friend and student choosing his own path, and that was indeed a great part of it. But added with his incredible power, deep anguish residing within Edaan Palpatine, and the unrelenting darkness and temptations represented by the One Sith, it would test even the most purehearted individual that ever existed throughout the annals of time.
Allana, breaking the uncomfortable silence after carefully appraising her longtime friend, solemnly insisted to the Masters, "We have to let him go." Lacing a little humor into her voice before anyone could question her sanity, she patiently reminded everyone, "He'd only run off anyway to save Vestara Khai when our backs were turned, and then we'd have little to no hope of keeping him honest."
Jaden, the next to speak, concurred, "I know what it's like to be haunted by old ghosts, and the need to settle one's doubts and fears. And though I resolved mine differently than how Edaan plans to, and I hold doubts if Darth Kitai can be saved at this point, I'm more than willing to at least let you give this quest your all. After all you've done for the Jedi Order and the galaxy, putting our trust in you at your greatest hour of need would be the least we can do."
"Same here." Kyp agreed. "I mean, I have no room to talk about someone not being beyond redemption after my stint with the Sith, but I trust that he'll do what's right and just when the moment comes. And if he's willing to risk it all to save the woman who inspired him to become a Jedi in the first place, then we owe it to him to help him in any way we can."
"Wise wordz, Master Durron." Saba amusingly sissed before bobbing her reptilian head. "And this one is confident that Jedi Palpatine will serve our cause far better on the front linez than being relegated to being a Temple instructor."
"Of course, we'll need to make sure everything is prepared for when Edaan and Adari set out for their quest, especially since both are vital members and representatives of the Order and our presence on Kesh." Corran reasonably cautioned before acknowledging, "But I believe that, if our dynamic duo keeps in regular contact with us and stay true to the Jedi Code, we can trust them to follow this different path."
Touched beyond words at the votes of confidence, Edaan silently glanced at Kyle, who could only warmly laugh and jovially admit, "Don't look at me like that, my old friend. I was always going to let you go. I just wanted you to see that you're not alone in this war."
Unable to help tears of relief and joy start pouring down his face at these supportive words, Edaan, feeling a warm hand grip his, turn to Adari and, after seeing her unconditional faith and growing love for him, he slowly wiped his watery eyes and earnestly swore, "I promise you, everyone, I won't let anyone down."
"Just be sure you don't let yourself down, most of all, Edaan." Allana gravely reminded her fellow Jedi Knight and closest friend. "A mission of this, it could break even a man as stalwart and kind as you."
The mood darkening, Kyp quickly interceded, reminding all, "Okay, I think that's enough for now. We stay here much longer, then people are going to start asking questions. There are too many things we all need to do that can be a better use of our time than predicting the worst."
"Wisely stated, Master Durron." Saba concurred. "This one believes we have many preparations to make if we hope to get Jedi Palpatine and Ambassador Thayn ready to begin the hunt in a few weeks, and we all have essential duties to fulfill in the interim." Amusingly sissing, she added, "Edaan especially needs to get back to teaching the younglings on our triumphs and follies while freeing Kesh."
"Sure, punish the wonder boy while you still can." Edaan jokily complained. "Mark my words, you'll all get your comeuppance one day soon for all the times you joked around at my expense."
If only Edaan realized how badly so many of his friends would suffer over the next several months. But that's dramatic irony and tragedy for you. But just think, I've only got two chapters left to write in this great story before getting to Star Wars: Jedi Odyssey VI: Shadows Hunt III: Omega. I can't believe I'm so close to finishing this work, it's very exciting. And to think that I'll have written the complete story in under a year. So, how are you all doing on this warm day of Monday, June 24, 2024? I'm all right, if exhausted from trying to give blood this morning. It didn't go as well as I would've liked, but at least I tried. And I'm reading a good book on the Korean War, so I'm learning much of America's tragically "Forgotten War." And I'm waiting to hear feedback on Ch. 27 from many of my friends, as I want that chapter to be the best I can make before I publish it. But that means I will have to wait a while before releasing these two chapters, which is okay. It'll help me learn patience and allow me time to do lots of other fun stuff. Well, I guess I'd best get this chapter stored away before I forget. May the Lord be with us all in these Dark Times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!