Horuset System
Ashes of Korr Debris Belt
Aboard the Retribution
Zorra listened intently as Belok delivered his battlefield report to him, even as he directed his energies towards coordinate the True Sith attack force. He heard how the groundside force had left death and devastation in its wake, destroying or capturing all who stood in their way, and ransacked every tomb and mausoleum in its vicinity.
The Sith acolyte ravished the darkness that saturated Korriban, how its ancient energies empowered and allowed him to undermine the enemy's resolve. Whether in space or on the ground, the esoteric fleet used the Force and its blatant disregard for its lives to maintain their hold over the planet. Whether it was through inducing madness in the enemy fleet commanders or creating Force storms and earthquakes across the world's surface to stymie their foes' defenses, the True Sith gave as much death as they were delivered. The Rakata, at least, the select few of their number that were imbued with the Dark's blessings and undoing Mnggal-Mnggal's parasitical curse, they were proving to be more than a match for most of the One Sith's warriors.
But those accursed Aquilians and Silentium, well versed in countering the True Sith's abilities, they were a nuisance that couldn't be destroyed with the numbers at Zorra's disposal. Even worse, the Edaan-Iteration wasn't captured or killed like his masters wanted of him, having been imbued with Niphal's remnants of her power and knowledge mere hours ago. The influx of light side energy was so great, it briefly diminished their foes' advantage and allowed the Alliance of Light and One Sith to counterattack.
Driving back the True Sith, hitting the enemy at their most vulnerable points and decimating the Neo Hidden Chain fleet, they found themselves outnumbered and slowly losing ground. At this rate, the joint force would have to withdraw before this battle turned into a slaughter for them. And Zorra would never forgive himself if he failed the Lich Kings and their dark gods twice in one week.
Do not fear, Keldo. Rictus's raspy voice echoed throughout the Sith's mind. You have not failed the Way of the Dark, nor its servants. Eliminating Tau Palpatine was Belok Rhal's responsibility, and it was not the only reason we called you out here.
Filling Zorra's mind with a series of images, Rictus instructed him on the Rakata's covert efforts across the Horuset System. He saw how seven of the One Sith's asteroid facilities being pillaged by the True Sith, capturing well over four hundred children held by the false Sith order, along with a few Jedi and Alliance of Light forces that were incarcerated alongside the kids, and it relieved him how the battle was not a total loss.
Tau Palpatine and his new powers notwithstanding, Zorra realized it would take time for him to learn how to master these abilities. Meanwhile, the True Sith would be very busy executing their plans and preparing for the return of the Father of Shadows and his fellow gods. And those young, tormented souls, they would be invaluable Pawns or Acolytes for the Sorcerers of Rhand and the Nihil Retreat, their power put to exceptional use in the hands of the galaxy's rightful overlords.
Satisfied that this day was a victory for the True Sith, even if it was costly, Zorra banished his regrets and commanded his acolytes, "Recall all forces. It's time for us to begin our withdrawal and start our journey to the Nihil Retreat."
Coruscant
Coco District
Inside the Jettster's Diner's Basement
"We have a few new leads on the fugitives." Garik immediately alerted Kajin. Knowing from the comm frequency the head of Galactic Alliance Security was utilizing for this communication, the Chief of State avoided wasting time with needless questions.
"Excellent. Where are they now?"
"Hiding in the Great Western Sea, using Mr. Solomon Brasmin's estate as a front for their work. Or at least they were, before they destroyed their own headquarters to cover their tracks." Garik answered. "One of our patrols got lucky and intercepted an unauthorized data feed transmitted there from deep inside the Industrial District, and they looked a bit deeper into it. Someone's been letting a lot of probe droids snoop around the area. It looks like they're looking for something or someone out there."
"What could they want out there?" Kajin rubbed his chin, confused at the unforeseen detail.
"Well, I have a strong hunch on what they might be looking for." Garik grimly began. "It's one of the two last leftover legacies from my unofficial assets' efforts in expunging the Lecersen Conspiracy's leaders from inside the Galactic Alliance."
Inwardly paling at the implications, Kajin shakily asked, "Are you telling me that we have three of the most notorious and dangerous traitors to the Galactic Alliance hidden away on the planet they planned their coup, and in the same vicinity as each other?"
"We've kept them apart and in solitary confinement since their incarceration in the Grungeon Block." Garik clarified. "Only about a hundred prisoners are officially on the list, and Treen, Thaal, and Maddeus are kept secret from all but twelve guards and wardens in the detention facility. So, as far as we know, they have no knowledge of the others' presence there."
"But right now, we have more important questions to ask: Why would Fyor Rodan, a man who once prided himself as a model citizen, man of honor, and principled leader, along with his associates want to break out three power-hungry galactic criminals of such amorality that could rival the Sith?"
Catching on to Garik's unfinished question, Kajin solemnly answered, "Because Natasi Daala and her Knights of Olpaka are preparing for a new war against the rest of the galaxy, and they're trying to gather up every leader and bit of intelligence on the Galactic Alliance to use against us. And this gives us even more reason to catch Rodan's people right away, before they can get who and what they came here for. Especially since the True ith struck at Coruscant and have the populace in a frenzy."
"I'll work on bolstering the prison's security with all the best from every department." Garik agreed. "And meanwhile, we'll settle you and Mister Jettster in a safer haven until this crisis blows over. No sense in taking any chances with so many rogues and enemies running amok on the GA's capital world."
"Good luck trying to pry Pong from his hard-built establishment. I'm going to stay out of that little war." Kajin amusingly warned, before resuming a serious expression, "What is the situation at the Jedi Temple?"
"Stabilized for now, but still far too precarious for reentry." Garik regrettably answered. "The closer Master Solusar's team gets toward the ruins, the more pain they experience and unstable their mental states become. We've detected no movement from the temple, but I'm prepared to send teams of droids to assess the damage and salvage what materials we can from the surrounding districts."
"I'll get you the materials and experts to survey the region. In the meantime, work with the rest of the Chiefs in cordoning off the area until I can address the public on this disaster." Kajin ordered. As bad as this war was now, he instinctively knew it would only get infinitely more precarious and deadly before all was said and done.
Falleen
Capital City
Royal Palace
Command Center
"You took your sweet time reporting in." Haxim grumbled at Allana, before noticing her scorched shoulder and battered armor.
"Sorry, but it turns out the palace isn't as secure as everyone would like to believe." Allana exhaustively apologized. "There's still a few battle droids and plenty of enemy commandos roaming the building."
Biting out a curse, Haxim asked Tesar, "Master Sebatyne, I know you've done plenty for us already, but we could use your help in eliminating the remaining enemy combatants."
"This one would be honored to be of service." Tesar thumped a hand over his chest before following one of Haxim's commanders for the full briefing, walking right past an anxious Leia as she came to the resistance leader with a datapad.
"Well, if that's out of the way, can someone please tell us why our fleets' are destroying themselves?!" Allana incredulously asked. "We have enough on our hands already with the rogue Sith fleeing here and the disasters of Dathomir and Korriban, and we don't need another massacre and a destroyed city on our hands."
Suspicious eyes hovering on Allana after the disclosure, Leia and several other Jedi were prepared to wring the answers out of her before she explained, "Vestara gave me the basics from her bond with Ship before she passed out. We can get the rest of the report from her later. But first things first, what is happening to our fleets?"
"We were hoping Vestara might have any insight to share with us on that regard, since it seems Phobar and my father left a virus behind for us that infected all ships within a radius of ten kilometers." Haxim answered before he handed the Jedi Chume'da the datapad, who quickly scanned through its contents.
"I don't think she can help you much on this one. From what I know, she wasn't on good terms with Phobar, and undoing a computer virus like this wasn't her forte, or mine, for that matter." Allana regretfully admitted. "What about Phasma? She was Dician's final apprentice, and she made sure all her apprentices were well-rounded in their training to prepare for any scenario."
"She's aboard the Mon Adapyne, and that's one of the twenty of our capital ships affected by this virus." Haxim answered, before ruefully adding, "Along with ten One Sith warships, along with the Dominance, Rude Awakening, and a few escort craft, which means we need a solution right away if we hope to save the city and our friends."
Paling at the immense danger her grandfather and all her friends were now in, Allana gulped before advising, "First off, we figure out everything that we know for certain about this virus and keep it from affecting any other ships. We know the signal came from the palace and is broadcasting to all unfriendly warships that meet its criteria of a certain size and transponder code.
"That means we should be able to use a few of our smaller craft to ferry the antivirus to the afflicted ships once we work up a prototype or use half our shuttles and corvettes to evacuate the crews if the main warships cannot be saved, while using the rest of our corvettes to evacuate those we can of the city's population."
"Or we just blow the palace sky-high and cut off the source of the virus. I never did like its debauchery." Haxim grimly proposed.
Throwing Haxim a chastising look, Leia told Allana, "We tracked the comm signal to where the virus is transmitting, but it's inside Redhan's personal vaults."
"And it's locked tighter than an Aargau bank, right?" Allana dejectedly surmised.
"Try 'it needs several biometric readings from my father and a password our hackers can't pull off any from the palace's databanks', not to mention how the vault is protected by ten layers of durasteel doors and security systems." Haxim reluctantly clarified. "We're combing through his personal chambers to see if we get the genetic samples, and we're interrogating his advisors and counselors for the passcode, but none of them are proving cooperative."
Slamming a hand on the console, Haxim implored Allana, "If you or anyone else has any proposals on how to solve this problem, I'm all ears."
"I have one idea, but it's a long shot." Allana cautiously began. "If we can't convince Redhan's followers to willingly divulge what they know, maybe we can trick them into doing so."
Within the Kharmort's Miasma Nebula
Aboard the Cal Omas
Witnessing the combined enemy force forming up and readying themselves for a counterattack, with the Nikardun and refurbished Grysk ships at the vanguard, the Sorcerers of Rhand aboard each flagship in the center, with the Ssi-Ruuk and Ebruchi guarding both flanks, and the Vagaari picking up the rear, Kral knew the real battle between the vast array of fleets was about to begin in earnest.
With the Alliance of Light, Chiss, and Empire of the Hand coalition having destroyed only twelve warships of the True Sith armada and made another seven too damaged to keep fighting, the remaining seventy-nine enemy capital ships were ready to deliver a terrible vengeance on their still outnumbered adversaries. With only thirty-three combat ready warships and forty support ships still available to the free powers, it was time for a new strategy to hold the enemy back.
Well, the trio of an allied force was nothing if not resilient and clever. If they could not defeat the Sith-flotilla in a straight up fight, then they would have to launch a bait and switch campaign until the Chiss and their friends could get their remaining fighters here.
And there were still a few advantages the Jedi-backed alliance held over their enemies. With the military genius of Vurawn and several other master war veterans that could anticipate the dark coalition's moves, they could counter the Sorcerers of Rhand and render their precognitive abilities ineffective. And with the bulk of the Jedi-allied reinforcements were only a couple sectors away, it would not be long before the tide turned in their favor.
"Sir, we're receiving a transmission from the Errant Venture. Captain Terrik Horn wishes to speak with you. She seems rather jubilant right now." A comms officer cautiously informed Kral.
"Put her on." The Quarren vice admiral instructed before seeing a projection of Mirax, sternly addressing her, "I seem to recall your people were deployed to help the Chiss hunt for their traitors. Am I correct to assume you are breaking those orders?"
"Actually, I have authorization to return in light of new circumstances." Mirax conversationally answered. "You might want to look out at the nebula's outskirts. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the gift I'm bringing everyone."
Face tentacles twitching in impatience, he sighed before pulling up a tactical monitor and saw a new influx of capital ships flood into the battlefield, with the total at least thirty all together.
Along with the red-coated Errant Venture and its five-ship flotilla, the remaining new arrivals belonged to designs and peoples he did not expect to see here: five Chiss and three Imperial Star Destroyers bearing the Empire of the Hand's emblem, six orblike adult Silentium, and ten other warships of three various configurations Kral didn't recognize. But what he did recognize was the symbol the last ten ships bore, the insignia used by both the Dai Bendu and Je'daii Order.
Realizing the Unknown Regions held more friends than initial reports assumed, Kral gratefully acknowledged Mirax, "Give my thanks to the Olpakan Resolute for sending a fleet to assist us."
"You'll be able to thank them yourself after the battle ends. I'm sure the military representatives for the Garwian Unity, Vak Combine, and Paccian Governance would be more than willing to learn more of their new allies." Mirax gladly concluded before she signed off.
His mind buzzing with countless questions but knew now was not the time to get answers, he curtly nodded and instructed his officers, "Inform all Alliance of Light commands that these new arrivals are on our side. Give them all combat data we've gathered on the enemy fleets."
Now, the odds were starting to tilt in the free galaxy's favor in this largely untamed corner of the galaxy. Hopefully, they would stay that way throughout this war.
Falleen Orbit
Aboard the Howlrunner
Shakily taking in deep breaths to try and calm her raging mind, the woman who once called herself Elscol Loro recalled all the battles she took part in throughout her long and storied life. She bitterly recalled all those she abandoned and the principles she forsook to save this mad galaxy from itself, and she wondered how her long-dead husband and oldest friends, both living and deceased, would judge her if they saw what she had become.
Starting out as leader of a local anti-Imperial resistance on her homeworld in the Colonies, Elscol grew in fame and notoriety when she joined Rogue Squadron in the chaos surrounding the first few months after the Battle of Endor.
Known as a maverick among rebels who had a penchant for killing Imperials and disobeying orders to satisfy her unending vendetta for the murders of both her husband and best friend before her insubordinate nature led her to be dishonorably discharged from the squadron, she quickly started over again by joining with disaffected Imperial Special Forces commandos to in fighting the Empire on their terms, building local resistance networks, and liberating Imperial strongholds over the years. And in a twist of fate or the Will of the Force, she would eventually fight alongside the Rogues again to topple the Imperial-backed government of Thyferra and end the Bacta Wars, but not without testing their alliance by attempting more extreme actions than the Rogues condoned.
This pattern continued for years until the official end of the First Galactic Civil War. After the Pellaeon-Gavrisom Treaty, Elscol and her teammates tried to settle down into a life of peace, but those six brief years of tranquility were shattered by the arrival of the Yuuzhan Vong. Among the first to fight the extragalactic invaders, oftentimes bereft of official New Republic support by its incompetent political and military leadership, the ragtag army of guerilla fighters found itself facing severe casualties after virtually every battle.
With each defeat the free galaxy suffered, and every battle the Jedi and government they allied with refused to use their full might to protect those they swore to serve, it only heightened everyone's sense of betrayal and made them more willing to fight the Yuuzhan Vong by using their own brutality against them. But shortly before the war's second year concluded, when Elscol's remnants of an army were resupplying in Bilbringi's asteroid shipyards before a mysterious man contacted them, with an offer to ally and plan a new insurgency campaign against the marauders, predicting the New Republic was about to collapse from pressure from all angles, both internal and external.
Suspecting a trap but unable to turn down the chance of striking back against the Yuuzhan Vong, Elscol and the last of her forces met with the strange group, only to be captured by the fledgling One Sith and taken to their strongholds on Korriban. Brought before the order's founder, Darth Krayt, he slowly helped her see that the New Republic, due to its rampant corruption and vaunted principles, was doomed to lose this war. And even if the survivors rebuilt their precious government after they carried the day, the cycle of war would only continue unless a strong hand could take up the reins of ruling the galaxy.
But even more importantly, Krayt helped Elscol see that many of her victories, her miraculous strokes of survival and incredible victories, much of the credit belonged not simply to her leadership and experience in war, but to her strong but untapped connection to the Force. Convinced that the only way to truly help the galaxy's people, she agreed to learn the ways of the Dark Side, a decision made easier when the Galactic Alliance and its Jedi puppet masters allowed the Yuuzhan Vong to live in exile on a seedling world of their ancient home, safe in the Unknown Regions. Such a decision, an unprecedented and treasonous act of mercy after all the scars of war the race inflicted on the galaxy, it only enraged her and her followers and convinced them the necessity of the Sith, allowing her to fully join the Sith as Darth Irola. The next twelve years only helped to further cement that belief after the Swarm War and Second Galactic Civil War were triggered by two rogue members of Luke Skywalker's Jedi Order.
Helping to build the One Sith's armies and training dozens of insurgent groups to destabilize Jedi-friendly regimes across the Outer Rim and undermine the Galactic Alliance's tenuous hold over the outlying worlds, she and her loyal retinue built up an impressive army of contacts, militias, and rogues that served as the Sith's version of the Jedi Order's Great River project, aiding the Grand Design while preparing a network of bolt holes and refuges if this war turned against them.
But now, learning how the One Sith were now preparing to ally with the Jedi, how Krayt's order was compromised by the Sorcerers of Rhand subverting its members, and how there were enemies out there that demanded the Dread Lord's full attention over his former brethren, it terrified Irola more than any past setback she experienced. The military pragmatist in her understood the necessity of seeking allies to fight their mutual foes, and the betrayals she and her peers experienced demanded harsh and swift justice.
Still, as she safely observed the carnage underway on Falleen from her Lancer cruiser, seeing the Jedi and One Sith fleets going at each other, the anxiety she felt only increased in strength. If both orders couldn't put aside their differences to stop the True Sith and Olpakan Hegemony, then they would be destroyed. And with traitors in both orders' ranks revealing themselves, they would have to be more cautious than ever in how far they trusted their allies. Darth Phobar and his sabotage was key proof of that, especially since he had just finished escaping the planet, even with the Jedi and One Sith dogging him every step of the way.
But the Jedi and One Sith's problems and new enemies weren't the only reasons she was afraid. No, the true reason for Irola's fears was the inevitable result of the impending unity. Knowing how her old friends from the New Republic would never sit idly by while the galaxy faced utter annihilation, she instinctively realized she would have to work alongside Wedge Antilles, Tycho Celchu, and the rest of their fellow veterans and all their relatives. She knew how they thought and operated better than anyone else in the One Sith, and she could use her understanding to clandestinely benefit her order at everyone else's expense.
But although Irola renounced the New Republic and its weak principles, she still held a great deal of admiration for her old friends, and didn't want to do them any harm. Whether it was foolish sentimentality, respect for their accomplishments and great honor, or a desire to recruit them for the One Sith, she knew it was a dangerous fault she needed to address before anyone else figured it out. Any form of weakness was intolerable for a Sith, and she couldn't afford to let anyone get the better of her.
Returning her attention to the slaughter underway, Irola received a transmission from the palace, and read the message intently. Seeing Haxim's request, she was grateful for the distraction from her treasonous thoughts. Typing her response, she then ordered her XO, "Get us back to the palace. We have a new assignment down in the capital city, and we need to act quickly before our… new allies and Malleus's forces destroy each other."
"Yes, my lady." The officer obeyed before quietly reporting, "What of Lady Nashtah? Should I take her off the sedatives you put her on?"
The decision not even worth considering, Irola answered, "Not just yet. We don't need her interfering or messing up our plans. This situation requires more finesse and diplomacy than she is capable off." Seeing a crack of a smirk appear on the XO's face, she sternly warned her subordinate, "Be careful in how you express yourself. Not everyone in the One Sith is as patient with our soldiers as me."
Shedu Maad
Jedi Temple Medical Wing
"How's he looking?" Kyle asked Cilghal after gazing upon the bedridden and writhing form of Luke.
"If this is some type of ill-timed sarcasm or humor, I don't want to hear it, Kyle, and neither does anyone else here. We simply don't have the time or energy to waste on this kind of idle prattle." The Mon Calamari Jedi Council Member warned her longtime friend while she directed her apprentices.
But seeing the grave expression on the Grand Master's face, she realized how he was just as worried for Luke as everyone else and did not want to risk losing any other friends to this war. His expression was even darker than usual when she recalled how worried he was for everyone now trapped in deadly battles across the galaxy and likely wanted this opportunity to do some good while being trapped in the Jedi's headquarters.
Knowing the truth could not be denied here, she honestly told Kyle, "We won't have long to operate on Master Skywalker. The tumors have adapted to our friends' efforts, and they're spreading again with an increased fervor. Which means we'll need every bit of energy and time all our fellow Jedi can give us."
"Then all our preparations are in place?" Kyle pressed. Remembering how many Alliance of Light personnel were still convalescing here from their previous battles, and with the their allied Force schools sending more support to help the wounded and pool their Force energies for Luke's surgery, the once-peaceful Jedi Temple had become a bustling hive of activity for war and healing.
"Yes." Cilghal nodded. "Every person here, Jedi, Alliance, and support staff has helped us with delivering medical supplies and the energy we need to beat back this darkness. We'll start immediately."
"All right. May the Force be with Master Skywalker in this pivotal moment." Kyle solemnly vowed.
Coruscant
Senate District
Galactic Alliance Navy Command Complex
Deep within the nerve center for the Galactic Alliance Defense Fleet's command structure, Kajin Bar Yimmon, subconsciously wrung his hands while examining each of the five Joint Chiefs and the Jedi and Alliance of Light representatives, all in attendance either in person or via hologram. Each of the admirals and generals who led the GA's brave defenders, they all shared the Chief of State and Jedi's dread at each of their bitter losses at the True Sith's hands.
With the True Sith's armies surging from defections in Darth Krayt's ranks, everyone undoubtedly grasped how the Rhandites held the clear advantage in this war. Even if the GA's leaders resented having to ally with the One Sith, everyone understood the perilous danger the galaxy faced, and how desperate measures would be needed for the tribulations ahead.
But to even hope to shatter the True Sith Empire and its servants, everyone needed to devote their full efforts to this conflict. There was no room for doubt or error, and with Fyor Rodan and his Olpakan conspirators still embedded Coruscant, it would be impossible to deliver the Galactic Alliance's full strength to the war about to erupt in the Unknown Regions.
Which was why this emergency conference was well underway, with the holograms of Tionne Solusar, Taryn Zel, and Desha Dorvan attending at the Chief of State's request to best coordinate the Galactic Alliance's next move and assist the Alliance of Light.
Gazing out at the cityscape, observing the countless airborne vehicles flying at a fair distance from the military headquarters, Kajin, broke into the conversation by questioning Tionne, "Are you certain you can maintain a vigil over your old temple with only ten other Jedi and your friends under your authority? With the Sith's old shrine open, I'm sure many wicked minds will want to take advantage of all its energies and long buried secrets. And that's all assuming Grand Master Katarn doesn't recall you all to Shedu Maad for redeployment to Chiss territory to face the Olpakans and True Sith."
"Are you all right, Sir?" Desha concernedly asked the Chief of State. "Master Solusar and Director Slane already went over this detail. The remaining Jedi will be supplemented by half of the present Blackguard and Jensaarai in keeping the shrine's energies contained, while the Hapan detachment will work with us in apprehending Rodan and his collaborators."
"Hmm?" Kajin grunted before the memory resurfaced, and wearily acknowledged, "Ah, yes. Forgive me, but these last few days- no, these last few months and years- they've taken a terrible toll on me in many ways. Rather like you all, I imagine."
Tionne, now worried for the normally calm and composed Cerean politician, deduced, "You're worried about the people you swore to protect, aren't you? If the True Sith can strike at the Jedi in their old home and force us to destroy it, what can they do to the rest of the populace."
Glancing at the Jedi Council member with a mournful nod, Kajin added, "It's more than that. I gave up everything to help my people and the galaxy prosper after one devastating war after another, and now all our efforts are coming undone from all sides, both within and without. If we lose this war, or if we even win, I fear the Galactic Alliance will not be strong enough to weather the next crisis. "
"Sir." Nek sympathetically spoke. "We all understand how you feel. But you cannot think to shoulder the entire burden of this war on your shoulders. Saving the galaxy is not your responsibility. Your job is to lead and guide the Galactic Alliance while upholding its founding principles and protecting its citizens. And you cannot falter now in your role, not when so many are looking to you as a pillar of strength."
Sighing, Kajin ruefully considered if this was how so many other leaders felt after decades of selfless service to the galaxy, and why they willingly stepped down to lead their own lives and help others in smaller ways. After giving so much to protect the people he loved so dearly, he somehow knew the time to follow in the galaxy's greatest leaders and heroic figures was growing near. But that time had not yet arrived, not when the galaxy depended on decisive leadership and individuals with great integrity to carry them through these dark times.
Opening one eye towards Nek, Kajin amusingly noted, "If that's your idea of an inspirational speech meant to reinvigorate me, it'll need a lot of work."
Turning to the rest of the Joint Chiefs, Kajin ordered Garik, "General Loran, I'll want you to deliver a list of ten possible worlds to relocate the prisoners from Grungeon Block to me by the end of next week. We need to move the Olpakans' quarry out of their reach before they try a direct attack."
Glancing to Judder, he added, "General Page, I need you to work with Admiral Darklighter in bolstering the Mothma prison until we can move our traitors offworld. And we need to see if we can spare any resources and soldiers for the war in the Unknown Regions. But until then, we'll just have to count on the people we already have out there to hold the line."
"Perhaps I could be of assistance, Sir." Garik suggested to Kajin. "I've been working with many of my old friends, and we might have figured out a way to lure Rodan and his cohorts out of hiding and get the public on our side and more involved in this war."
Eyeing the director of Galactic Alliance Security, Kajin advised the aged human, "If you and your Rogues' Gallery have a plan, I'll hear it out. Whether you can convince me of such a strategy's merits will be another matter altogether."
His eyes showing an eagerness rarely seen from the composed spy, Garik elaborated, "I think you'll be pleased by the strategy that Wedge and all of us old geezers have concocted."
Korriban Surface
Near the Valley of the Dark Lords
Amidst the rubble and decrepit ruins of the city of Dreshdae, safe from any stranded Rakata or Neo Hidden Chain forces, Darth Invidious and his acolytes were conducting a final transaction with the One Sith's costly investment. And the sooner this deal concluded, the sooner the Bad Batch, Jaing Skirata, the Aphra family,0-0-0, BT-1, and Tau Palpatine, would be free to journey to the Alliance of Light.
Observing the unconscious Korin Aphra and Tau be loaded into the Ark Angel, Chelli venomously warned Invidious, "If those two don't wake up from whatever coma they're in, I'll make sure you and your whole Sith order answer to me."
His face betraying no amusement or doubts at Chelli's conviction, Invidious stoically promised her, "Your father will awaken soon enough, Miss Aphra. But I must warn you that he will need your help, both you and your mother's, to recover from the scars that serving Lord Krayt inflicted on him."
You mean the lies you used to brainwash him and force him to carry out your evil. Chelli hatefully thought. Much as she wanted to say that out loud, she recognized how it would be detrimental to the blooming alliance between the Jedi and One Sith and held her tongue as Lona finished the discussion with Invidious. And she imagined her father would be shattered when he recalled all the atrocities he committed for Krayt, and he would need all the support possible to help him rebuild his life and resolve.
Helping her father was a task she would carry out with as much fervor as aiding Tau come to terms with his mighty destiny. Being present when Ahsoka spoke to Tau, telling him how he would now be the heir to Niphal's boundless light and remnants of the Celestial's power, it captivated Chelli more than any tale she heard from her parents. Even knowing how he would be forced to cooperate alongside Darth Krayt wasn't enough to dissuade her childlike enthusiasm and eagerness to fight for a noble cause.
But with such great influence and abilities came great risks, and he would need all sorts of people to keep him grounded and tethered to his humanity. She didn't know how, but she somehow realized that she would be key to helping him remember what he would be fighting for, and not to lose himself to the near-limitless power he would soon wield.
Interrupting her ruminations, Prowl flew right up to her and acknowledged, "I will miss your company, Miss Aphra. Things will be quite dreary and dull without you in my life with all these Sith around."
Hearing Beetee twaddle as he boarded the Ark Angel, Prowl snappishly retorted, "Oh, shut it you trigger-happy lunatic. I still have a friend in the One Sith, and I owe it to the man he once was to help him remember that being."
Her mood lightening at the droids' banter and bickering, Chelli patted Prowl's main photoreceptor, admitting, "I'm going to miss you too, buddy. But something tells me that this isn't goodbye for good."
"You got that right, kid!" Wrecker boisterously laughed while he gave Chelli a friendly slap on the back, but with more force than she could bear and nearly fell before she barely corrected herself. "Sorry, sometimes I forget my own strength."
"Don't worry about it." Chelli brushed off after she rebalanced herself. "I'm just glad we're finally leaving this kriffing world behind."
"Yeah, and we're all doing it in style!" Glancing to the military shuttle, an Omnicron-class variant manufactured from the Grand Army of the Republic's contracts with Cygnus Space Workshops, Wrecker wiped away a few stray tears, "Isn't she a beauty? Had her since the War- I mean, our days with the GAR, and I can't believe the Sith kept it in one piece. We call it the Havoc Marauder."
"Glad to see you get to have a few keepsakes from your good old days." Jaing amusingly commented, ensuring the last few crates of supplies were loaded into the Ark Angel. "But you'd better get back to your team before they blow a gasket. I'm sure they don't want to be on Korriban anymore than anyone else in our merry group."
Recognition clicking in Wrecker's mind, he agreed, "You're right about that. They always did say I was the dimmest member of our team." Glancing one more time at Chelli, he sympathetically said, "Take care of Tau and your dad, okay?"
Surprised at the tall clone's maturity and kindness, Chelli nodded and softly said, "Thank you, Wrecker." Forcing herself to appear more confidence, she added with more energy, "I'll see you all soon." Seeing her mother wrap up her talk with Invidious, she made a note to ask her what they spoke about once they made it to safer havens. She was just glad to leave this world for good, and with most of her friends and the treasures they pilfered from the One Sith."
But before Invidious finished walking past Chelli, he complimented her, "By the way, nice work with your burglaries. Stealing the Mortis Dagger and a copy of the One Sith's databanks was a brilliant move, I almost didn't catch the thefts." Continuing to walk towards his waiting students, he conversationally warned the stunned young Human woman, "But be sure to take good care of Vestara's old pupil. I'm sure she'd be upset if she learnt you failed to protect Belot until she can finally wake up."
Six Hours Later
Nelona 1st, 59 ABY
Dathomir Orbit
Aboard the Turbulent-Class Star Destroyer Razor Fist
What has transpired in my absence, Wyyrlok? Krayt mentally questioned his most loyal and capable disciple, calling to him through the Force and their bond. The Dread Lord, ever a composed individual, prepared himself to learn of whatever terrible losses the One Sith suffered at Korriban by its competitors.
My Lord, I ask for no forgiveness for myself for what news I must deliver. Wyyrlok shamefully started. Our traitors and their new masters, they ransacked dozens of tombs and nearly came within striking distance of our citadel. We lost nearly one hundred full-fledged Sith from their onslaught alone.
Allowing Wyyrlok to show him the mental images seared into his mind, Krayt took a moment of silence to respect those that sacrificed everything for the One Sith. Many met gruesome fates, some even devoured while alive by the Rakata, while others were burnt or buried alive by the Neo Hidden Chain.
The rage about to overcome him, Krayt slowly commanded the former bureaucrat, Who else did we lose?
Hesitating, Wyyrlok regrettably admitted, The enemy, they made off with four-hundred-and-sixty-eight initiates from seven of our facilities. They massacred anyone who tried to stop them.
A shattering disbelief that quickly gave way to an all-encompassing fury, Krayt implored Wyyrlok, And Tau Palpatine and his allies? Did they make it out?
Yes, they did. Wyyrlok answered. The Iteration, we sensed him inherit Niphal's essence, as did everyone else in the system. His team suffered no casualties, and they are on their way to the Aquilians for vetting, just as the Rhandite Sith are withdrawing.
A measure of weighted concern lifted from Krayt's mind, he telepathically assured Wyyrlok, Then continue to oversee our evacuation, and ensure we lose no more of our resources and acolytes to our enemies. We cannot let these setbacks distract us from the pact we must make.
My Lord… Wyyrlok hesitated, regretting the need to voice his next words, Many Sith and our auxiliaries do not believe the Alliance of Light can be trusted, nor that they deserve our help. They feel-
I'm well aware of their misguided sentiments, Lord Wyyrlok. Krayt sternly interceded. But their doubts will soon be quelled by the knowledge I will share with them. Everyone will fall in line or be destroyed. We cannot suffer any more traitors in our ranks, not with the enemies we will soon face. To destroy the Nihil Retreat and ensure our survival, we must move as one body and mind.
As the battered Razor Fist prepared to jump into hyperspace, Krayt commanded Wyyrlok, Continue with our evacuation, and prepare our remaining acolytes for transfer to our redoubts. Once I return, we will reach out to the Alliance of Light with an official offer of a pact. We must move forward with our plans and prepare for the Fourth Cosmic War.
Seeing the compact Star Destroyer enter hyperspace, Krayt ended his communication with Wyyrlok, and nearly allowed his exhaustion to overwhelm him. Ordering Sorzus to accompany him off the bridge, the Dread Lord barely made it to the medical chambers before he fell onto his knees, hacking up blood and nearly losing consciousness.
Sorzus realized what afflicted Krayt and guided the medics and Sith to quickly remove the Dread Lord's armor to conduct an emergency operation on their master. The battle with Zorra and the True Sith, depleting his strength, left him vulnerable to the Yuuzhan Vong's coral seeds cancerous growth. Seeing grey spikes splattered across his hardened skin, with blood oozing out of several pores, the One Sith recognized time was critically short.
Drifting out of consciousness, Krayt could barely make out the forms of Sorzus and the doctors hurrying an operation table to stabilize his condition. But one being that was clear to his vision was a pale-skinned humanoid, with red eyes and red markings on his face, tight black suit, and a sinister aura that surrounded him.
His mind drifting away, the last thing Krayt heard was Eipha's gloating voice, Seems your plans for galactic domination aren't going as smoothly as you thought they would be.