Telona 32nd, 59 ABY
Dathomir System
Aboard the Nantz
Well, I suppose our new friends weren't lying. Thern reluctantly conceded while observing the carnage unfold. Seeing twenty enemy capital ships, led by a Pius Dea Cathedral warship in the center of the enemy formation, bombarding the shielded planet below, he knew the Alliance of Light would once again have its work cut out for them.
With only three Nebula-class Destroyers, a Galactic-class Battle Cruiser, two MC90 Capital Ships, and thirteen support ships still comprising the Galactic Alliance's diminished force, they would be at a severe disadvantage, especially with the lingering wounds the repair crews couldn't fix. Even with the Mandalorian Protectors sending three heavy cruisers, a troop transport, and a wing of Bes'uliiks, Vyrhawk fighter-bombers, and Aggressor assault fighters under Colonel Wren's direct command to reinforce the GA and Jedi, and the two fighter wings, three light warships, and seven frigates granted to them from Vinsoth's Imperial garrison, this would be an all but certain victory for the Sith when facing their superior numbers, greater firepower, and well-established strategic position.
The only chance the Alliance of Light had to triumph here was for their combined force to keep the enemy off-balance and diverted until sufficient reinforcements could arrive in time, even as numerous and powerful as this "Paladin Lieutenant Tirall" claimed them to be.
Honestly, these Force users, with all their countless secrets, it was almost enough to drive most insane.
Almost on cue with Thern's thoughts, Jaina, observing alongside him in the command center, interrupted, anxiously urging him, "We need to attack immediately. Launch everything we have at Zorra's forces. I'll be leading the attack in my StealthX."
Picking up on Jaina's uncharacteristic fear, the lieutenant colonel asked, "What do you know?"
Glancing up at Thern with dreadful eyes, Jaina detailed, "Dathomir's troubles are much worse than an orbital bombardment. The Sith, I don't know how, but they're doing something else, something far more dangerous than-"
"Sirs, we're picking up major tectonic activity from Dathomir!" A communications officer reported. "Earthquakes of about 7.6 magnitude striking eight regions along a hundred-mile radius."
"The epicenters of these attacks?" Jaina brusquely asked, preventing Thern from voicing any doubts.
"Data's coming in now. But it looks five are major population centers, and the rest are Jedi outposts and planetary shield generators." Pulling up a planetary hologram with the affected areas highlighted in yellow, the military mind in Thern recognized this was no coincidence, even as he balked at the implications of what was transpiring.
Turning to Jaina, Thern agreed, "I'll prepare all ships for an immediate charge."
"Sir, we're getting a priority transmission from the Allya Mountains." The same communications officer warned. "It's coming from Darth Krayt, and he's warning us of a few more possible deserters in his ranks."
"Put him on audio only." Thern irately ordered the officer. If there were even more traitors wreaking havoc now, then many heads were going to roll for this. And he was hoping they would be Sith heads.
Quickly creating a secure audio link, Jaina spoke first, and she angrily asked, "We got your message. I'm guessing you know who betrayed you this time?"
"I do." Krayt's hard voice filtered through. "I will deal with them personally, but I would advise you to reinforce security across your shield generator installations across Dathomir. And you'd best move quickly to attack Zorra's fleet before the cataclysms he's creating destroy all life on the surface."
Refraining from asking the rhetorical question if Zorra could truly accomplish this terrifying feat, Jaina grunted, "I'll do what I can. Just take down your traitors quickly."
"Good hunting, Master Jedi." Krayt respectfully signed off, leaving Thern to relay orders to his fleet and allies, while Jaina rushed to the command turbolift to hurry to the ship's hangar. Knowing the Jedi Master would lead the Alliance of Light's starfighter complements against the True Sith, that left him with the difficult task of coordinating suicidal attack on Zorra's position.
Still, he knew his duty, and if he had to lay down his life to save a planet, then that was a trade he would willingly make. He only hoped everyone else in this flotilla felt the same way, and that the decision would be taken out of their hands before it came to that point.
Falleen
Lajinda Outskirts
Aboard the Mon Adapyne
"It makes no sense." Haxim griped, went over the last few minutes of data from the Horus garrison's self-detonation. "My father might be an egotistical fool and power-hungry maniac, but even he must see how he's being played by Phobar and his supporters."
Learning from Malleus of how a military base near the capital city was destroyed not six hours ago, the exiled prince and Alliance of Light leaders swore they were not involved in any way with this destructive act. And the Krayt-loyal Sith had accounted for virtually all people under his command, leaving few suspects left for this terrorist act. But one thing everyone agreed on was that someone wanted hostilities to resume, and they had a pretty good idea of who was behind it all.
"Unfortunately, this isn't a war or enemy any of us are familiar with. The rules as we know them are gone, and if we aren't careful, Phobar and his people might yet slip through our grasp." Keyan sadly reminded the exiled prince, knowing their imminent truce with the Sith would be a lethal double-edged sword, especially once word got out to the galaxy of this mad deal.
He just knew how most citizens, soldiers, and leaders would call for blood against any supporters of this alliance, which meant everyone else had to ensure the coalition remembered what it was truly fighting for in this experimental pact.
If the Alliance of Light ever lost focus or clarity for even an instant, they would end up continuing the Olpakan Hegemony or True Sith's evil instead of trying to end their scourges on the galaxy.
"Well, simply talking about this battle's outcome isn't going to get us what we want." Garazeb sternly reminded his two fellow generals. Turning to Malleus, he insightfully pointed out, "You wouldn't be reaching out to us with this information if you didn't have suspects, or a plan to expose them."
"How astute of you, General Orellios." Malleus complimented. "My agent in Phobar's camp has a lead on him, but we need to tread carefully here. And, much as it disgusts me, I need your help to prove his treason to the rest of my forces."
"Then you'd better prepare a good diversion to keep Phobar occupied." Mirta pointed out, acting as Thornton's agent for this meeting while he helped ready the Mandalorians for any surprise attacks.
"I never thought I'd see the day a Mandalorian would shy away from a worthy battle." Noah insultingly remarked. "I suppose your people aren't what they once were under Fenn Shysa in more ways than one."
"Don't insult my people's honor so easily, General." Mirta ardently defended herself from the Ailon. "I might enjoy a good fight, but I prefer it on my terms and when we're not about to walk right into the Tuk'ata den a second time. Besides, if we want to keep the Phobar and Redhan off-balance and ensure our victory, that means we're going to need a blasted good distraction to expose their treason."
"Which is I'm going to force Redhan's hand and announce me surrendering him and his forces to you." Malleus stated. Seeing everyone stare at him in bewilderment, he elaborated, "My people will be ready to put down the insurrection that follows, and you'll get your opening to infiltrate the palace and uncover the proof you need."
"What about Ship?" Leia carefully asked. "If Phobar is working for the Rhandites, then they might be able to forcibly control the vessel away from you and use it to strike our lines. We need to be prepared for any unwarranted surprises."
"Then, might I make a… radical suggestion in ensuring a sufficient distraction for Ship and its would-be handlers." Keyan apprehensively admitted, gaining everyone' attention at his reluctant tone before turning specifically to Leia. "One hour ago, one of your Jedi Knights came to me with a proposal that is highly dangerous but holds immense strategic value for us. I would be indebted to all your counsel on coming to a decision on her idea, or if we should discipline her for such a reckless plan."
Near Port Nowhere
Aboard the Avenging Angel
Sariss didn't want to listen to anything Ferren had to say. After he electrocuted and sedated her for imprisonment for the Jedi, she thought he'd let her rot in prison or send her before a firing squad. And that would have been fine with her if it meant she would never again see that horned traitor.
But something long buried, whether it was their old bond of love, memories of all they had accomplished together, or sentimental weakness, it made her relent and allowed him to say his piece. And hearing all that he claimed, it was enough to practically shatter all her beliefs and leave her open to new possibilities.
Learning that the One Sith, through their Iteration of Kam Solusar, that alone was enough to rock the foundations of her allegiance to the dark side, even if she was still enraged at the Jedi for not being able to realize the truth of this deception. But how many other prospective did the sleeper agent ruin in fulfilling his programming, or what countless acts of sabotage did it commit for Darth Krayt?
And hearing how Grand Master Katarn and Krayt had agreed to join forces against evils that General Lando Calrissian and his son uncovered, it was something out of a fever dream from conspiracy theorists. Learning of myths and long-presumed extinct enemies that were preparing to obliterate all life to unleash their so-called gods, all centered around a "True Sith Empire" that controlled most of the Unknown Regions, the concept was too much for Sariss to comprehend. Add that together with Daala and her new cohorts in a Force-hating society, it was a volcano ready to erupt and incinerate everyone in its path.
All throughout this explanation, Sariss searched Ferren's eyes for a hint of deception or omission, but she found nothing but the truth in his weary and hopeful gaze. And after the four hours he spent explaining this wild story, all she could say in response, the only thing she could utter, was a simple, "Well, that would explain a lot, wouldn't it?"
"Yeah, it would." Ferren tiredly agreed. Looking down in nervousness, he continued, "I didn't come here just to tell you what's going on, Verla. I came to give you an opportunity to be released from prison."
"The Alliance of Light is offering me, Phasma, Vestara, conditional pardons for our cooperation, and they're willing to give the same to you if you agree to work with us." Ferren quickly elaborated. "If we survive this war and prove our sincere repentance, then we'll be free to rejoin the Jedi or any other free organization we wish."
"And the rest of the One Sith?" Sariss skeptically reminded him. "I don't think most of them will be so eager to enter a permanent truce with the Jedi."
"We'll face that obstacle when we come to it." Ferren promised. "But we need your answer soon, I'm afraid. There's trouble brewing across the Outer Rim, and you won't have more than a week to decide if you'll be remanded to our custody."
"And if I refuse?" Sariss casually asked. "What if I don't want to join this crusade and want to stay loyal to the One Sith, just like Nashtah does?"
"Then you will be released to Krayt's care, while Nashtah is kept in isolation in a secure facility to await trial for all her crimes." Ferren grimly answered. "I don't think either order wants to risk her joining the Rhandites after her decades of a vendetta against the Jedi and free powers."
"But I don't think you want that, Verla. Because if you do return to the One Sith, then we'll both one day face each other in battle, and we'll both die, and I know you don't want to lose me anymore than I want to lose you." Prepared to walk away, Ferren told Sariss, "You have five days to decide which path you'll take. But know this, no matter what you choose, I will always love you, and I'll do all that I can to help you find redemption."
Seeing the guards usher Ferren out of her cell chamber, Sariss felt an overwhelming torrent of emotions rage within, and she found herself as lost as when she and her love were expelled from the Jedi Order. Only this time, she was more terrified than ever before, and now, because of her past sins, she was alone in a prison of her own making.
But the man who inadvertently led her into darkness was now throwing a lifeline back into the light, and it touched her more than any simple gesture could do. And she owed it to not just him, not only to all those she ever killed or wronged, but for the young woman she once forsook to try and find her way back.
The next time she saw Ferren. Darth Sariss would be no more, and Verla Kaer would be a Jedi again to seek her own redemption.
Shedu Maad
Jedi Temple
Within the Intensive Care Medical Facility
Finally, we have a bit of good news to deliver in our work! Taselda silently rejoiced after she and her peers finished examining their latest batch of data. If the provided readings were accurate, then the tumors growth, at least, the precious few that the medics had been able to remove from Luke's abdomen, had completely been halted by the diverse assembly of Force schools and their combined pool of knowledge.
Between the Blackguard, Luka Sene, Dagoyan Masters, Theran Listeners, and the elite scholars within Church of the Force, they had combed through countless records and tried dozens of techniques on the cancers and were able to make a breakthrough the Jedi alone would not have been able to accomplish.
Now, if the same practice applied to the remaining abominations embedded in the Jedi Master's flesh, then the Skywalker elder would soon be on the mend. They just needed about a day to assemble their equipment and prepare for the surgery that would require their entire focus and every bit of energy at their disposal to keep Celestial-related injuries at bay.
And speaking of gathering every bit of necessary energy, it would only help their cause if all of Master Cilghal's elite students were brought into this operation. In fact, they should probably recruit the rest of the Jedi stationed at their headquarters to pool their powers into a single point. If they hoped to heal Abeloth's horrific echoes, it would take every bit of strength this diverse group of Force Users could assemble for their surgery.
Once Master Skywalker was cured of his afflictions, hopefully the rest of his family would be able to spare a little time to look after their own. After sacrificing and losing so much to protect the galaxy for so many years and helping to win countless battles for the Light, their friends and allies could afford to give them at least a week, even during a galactic war of this magnitude, to let them care for a wounded loved one.
And without forgetting the bigger and more strategic picture of this war, no one in their right mind wanted to lose the man who almost single handedly revived the Jedi Order from near extinction, especially during a turbulent time that his wisdom would be sorely needed by all to win one final war.
Dathomir
Allya Mountains
Jedi Praxeum
Within the Communications Center
"Masters, we've just lost contact with the Great Desert outpost." An apprentice anxiously informed Taron and Streen. "None of our backup comm channels are working, and the fortress's shield generator has been knocked offline."
"The earthquakes?" Streen grimly asked. Knowing the renegade One Sith in orbit was trying to launch an orbital blockade over the planet's northern hemisphere, that alone was enough of a threat to Dathomir without the seismic activity blanketing much of the world and few of Krayt's traitors on a rampage.
"Most likely. Either way, the planetary shields are down to seventy percent maximum strength, and they're still bleeding energy!" An aide warned the two leading Jedi. "We don't have enough working generators to keep all our defenses up for more than another twelve hours. If I redirect power from uninhabited sectors, we might be able to stretch it out for another eight hours at most. But it'll still be putting countless people at risk."
"I think it's our only option at this point." Taron sadly ordered the generator team, who reluctantly followed his orders. As much as he wanted to protect all the planet from the Sith's invasion, this decision would be the only viable option to ensure his homeworld and this vital Jedi academy, a beacon of freedom and stability across this region of space, would not be obliterated from the ensuing orbital bombardment. Keeping them at bay for the last six hours alone was a monumental challenge, and he knew they couldn't keep this desperate strategy going for much longer.
The forests would grow back, and empty villages and cities could be rebuilt, but the people inhabiting them could never truly be replaced, which meant they needed to make a few sacrifices for the greater good. And if the Sith armada avoided the more populated centers long enough, then, Force willing, a miracle could occur.
"What about our comms blackout?" Adari addressed her husband while he tried to help the Praxeum's technicians while they still attempted to slice through the enemy's jamming signals. Despite knowing the Order and Alliance now had a fleet in orbit to keep the Sith's spacefaring forces occupied, if they had no communications, then they had no coordination between space and ground forces. Without a working comm network, neither could mount any kind of effective counterattack on Krayt and his allies, never mind call for help.
"We haven't made any progress on that front." Edaan wearily shook his head. "Every time we're just about to crack their encryption, the Sith change their coding and switch it to another ship and network. Whoever's in charge of this network knows what they're doing."
Sighing, he shakily added, "Honestly, I've got a feeling that it'll probably all be up to Master Solo Fel and whatever fleet she came with to knock out the jamming signals."
Then she'd better take care of the job quickly, before Zorra's army or rituals can kill us all. Taron gravely mused as he observed one set of defenses after another systematically be destroyed, and the Dathomirian hybrid Jedi Master knew that they had little time left before everyone here stared right into oblivion at the True Sith war band leader's hands.
Falleen
100 Kilometers from the Capital City
Aboard the Phoenix Whirlwind
"Not that I'm complaining about being a part of the action, Allana, even in an infiltration mission, but why did General Farlander want me on your team for this task?" Vestara confusingly asked the young Jedi Knight she once tried to kill on the Lost Tribe's behalf. "I don't exactly have a good track record with you or most of your family."
"And I'm a Solo, which means we've been known to defy logic and well-founded reason for daring heroics, so what's your point?" Allana conversationally reminded her before getting serious. "I wanted to show all the doubters out there that I'm willing to trust you, even when you cost me so much and turned me into a killer.
"You proved your sincerity in efforts at Port Nowhere, and I felt it best to return the favor with a bit of trust, even if my grandparents don't approve of the gambit. That's why I was the one to ask for your help on being part of the diversion for Phobar and the monarchy's defenders." Allana emphatically clarified for a surprised Vestara.
"Besides, I'm hardly alone on this mission, and if you do decide to fall back to your old roots, I'm sure that I've got enough training and protection to take you down. But I'd hardly want to be the one to have to kill Cousin Ben's lover." She finished, smirking when she felt Vestara's embarrassment creep over her face in a fiery red blush and through the Force, openly laughing moments later at her rising discomfort. "Oh, don't be like that. If you wanted to avoid the embarrassing gossip, you both should've waited until marriage to make love to each other."
Deciding to go along with Allana's teasing, Vestara playfully warned, "Careful who you tell all that to, Allana. I'd hate for you to have any more enemies for consorting with a notorious war criminal like me." Showing a bit more steel, she rebuked her, "And what I do or don't do with Ben is our business, and ours alone."
"I know. I'm just giving you a hard time." Allana chuckled. "Besides, I think I can handle a few more unrepentant souls, corrupt nobles, and warmongering Sith for making friends with you."
Growing serious, Vestara warned her new and unexpected friend, "Maybe so, but you know I still have an old bond with Ship, and with Phobar possibly trying to take command of him, there's no telling how much of a menace those two will be for the Alliance, or if they'll be able to figure out our intentions."
"Which is why everything's on a need-to-know basis with everyone. Remember, even I don't know the plan's full scope." Allana reminded before reassuring her, "But I'll let you know when we have to do a bit of our renowned improvisation."
Carefully gauging Vestara, Allana promised, "Don't worry. Ben's going to be fine. He's been through worse battles, and you are not going to fall this time. I've got faith in both of you, and I know Edaan's work won't be a waste. If I know my old friend, he's always known for pulling miracles out of disasters."
Deciding to offer Vestara some words of Jedi wisdom, Allana added, "And don't worry about what you can't control or let your fears take hold. They'll just distract you and make you more prone to making a mistake. Just focus on the here and now by doing your part for the mission."
Taking those words to heart, Vestara took a few calming breaths before nodding, "Thank you Allana." Wanting to ask for more bits of well-honed advice, the older woman decided to wait and instead offered, "How about after we finish this fight and can get some downtime, we can have some girls talk and share a few stories? I'm sure we both have plenty of exciting missions to talk about, and I bet Mirta can add plenty of excitement to our discussions."
"Deal." Allana wholeheartedly agreed, getting a feeling that this would be the start of a good friendship between them. Though the emotional wounds Vestara inflicted on her still lingered, Allana knew Bazel would want her to let him go after he gave his life to protect her and would not want his name tainted with revenge. And besides, after she was able to forgive her father for all his atrocities as Darth Caedus, how could she not extend the same offer to Ben's repentant love?
For all their sakes, she would live and follow the example her friends and family set for her, no matter who or what tried to stand in her way. She just hoped the enemies rising against the Jedi and their friends would not take anyone else from her, as faint a hope like that would be.
Refocusing on the coming battle, Allana noticed the Phoenix Whirlwind was starting to fall behind the rest of the diversionary force. Increasing power to the Shriek bomber's engines, she felt the ship vibrate a little louder and knew that her grandfather had made a few extra 'special modifications' to make this ship feel a little more like the Millennium Falcon.
Flying in tight formation alongside the Rude Awakening, Dominance, along with the Mon Adapyne and twelve other capital warships and their fighter complements, the diversionary force was ready to begin their part for the mission once Malleus announced his surrender. And with two dozen Jedi and Phasma ready to counter whatever machinations the True Sith might have prepared for them, hopefully the Columi schemer and renegade, along with his royal pawns and their dwindling army, would be occupied enough for when their real assault began.
Hopefully, Ferren, Ben, and all their fellow infiltrators would be ready to do their part and shorten this battle exponentially. Otherwise, the casualties would surely be staggering for the diverse force and weaken their resolve for the impending war, an outcome none of the allied powers wanted or needed.
Coruscant
Jedi Temple
Inside the Main Hangar
"Well, Master Jedi; I take it I have your austere order and your rabble of an 'Alliance of Light' to thank for my welcome reprieve from prison life." Ingo Wavlud, a bald and elderly human, bitterly greeted the assembled group of historians and Jedi while being escorted by a full company of GAS guards off the prison shuttle and bound by a pair of wrist stun-cuffs. "You must be up to your necks in Sith troubles and crazier than a rabid reek if you expect me to help bail you out."
"Charming as ever, Mister Waylud." Tionne dismally rebutted, recalling the tense conversations they had before Ingo was convicted of aiding the Lost Tribe and One Sith through providing them unrestricted access to his extensive knowledge of every Sith incarnation and large transfers of unmarked funds worth tens of millions of credits.
Addressing the GAS Captain, the Jedi Historian gratefully thanked her, "We appreciate you having to bear with these orders, Captain Sayn. We'll make sure it's energy and time well-spent."
"Let's hope that's the case, Master Jedi, since apparently, we'll be under your command for quite some time." The Theelin reluctantly agreed. "My company, along with about ten others, received direct orders from General Loran to serve under your authority for the duration of your assignment here, as well as a small army of construction droids. He said your mission was of the 'utmost importance to the Galactic Alliance's long-term survival.' I don't suppose you can fill us in on some of the specs here?"
"We'll give you all a full briefing in exactly one hour." Tionne promised before lightly smiling, "But first, I think we all ought to have a hearty breakfast before we start our work. After all, there's no sense in scouring the Temple's foundations with an empty belly and without getting to know each other better."
Dathomir Orbit
Aboard the Retribution
Zorra, in all his years of leading military operations and slaughters for the One Sith, had never felt as exhilarated and enthralled with the chaos and dark side as he did right now. With every second this gruesome battle warred, he felt his connection to the Dark and mental hold over his followers strengthening. Every order he gave was executed without question, and his perception of the battle raging across the system grew clearer and more precise with every death he wrought.
Was this the same power Darth Caedus held when he gave himself fully over to the dark side, or did his allegiance to the Lich Kings grant him a greater connection to the endless depths of power it provided? Well, whatever its source might be, he wasn't going to complain or waver now.
Leading the True Sith against the Jedi and One Sith, almost perfectly anticipating and countering each of their maneuvers and attacks, Zorra found most of his followers bloodied from enemy's ferocity and desperation, but not fatally wounded. And the Sith ritual his acolytes were enacting, feeding on the death and darkness of this slaughter to devastate Dathomir with earthquakes and newly formed Force Storms, dividing their foes' focus and further empowering their attacks.
And with the Rhandites' newest converts on the ground further undoing the planet's foundering defenses, Alora and the Nightsisters that gave in to their deepest darkness and rejected Darth Krayt's weakness, the planet would soon be a barren wasteland and perfect staging ground for the True Sith.
Everything was proceeding just as Lord Rictus had promised him, and no one could stop him now. Not even the Sword of the Jedi, the Dread Lord of the One Sith, and each order's prodigies that now tried to stop the inevitable. All that remained was to personally ensure the end came for this vibrant world and its unlikely batch of defenders.
Oh, Zorra could continue his attacks on the planet from above, slowly whittling away the defenders until they were too weak and few to oppose him. But he likely didn't have time for that, not with Calrissian and his new droid friends bound to arrive in no more than a day or two. Besides, truth be told, he wanted to truly test all his new powers against the best this failing galaxy had to offer, so why not kill two birds with one stone this time around?
Almost reaching for his comlink before remembering he no longer had need of it, he telepathically ordered his disciples, Have my shuttle ready for my departure. I wish to deal with our enemies with my own two hands. Feeling their obedience echo through his mind, Zorra departed the chapel he used as a focal point for his dark meditations and prepared to enjoy and his new freedom to the fullest, and no one would stop him this time.
Soon, the Jedi Order's Praxeum on this world would be nothing more than a smoking ruin, just as all those that would try to defend it.