I know what you're thinking, recruit. You want to know how the story ended. You want to know how the 'excursion' went. Did we successfully rescue Kira Carsen? Was it a trap? Was it a trick? Who was behind it all? Did the Alliance take any losses in the fight? Maybe if, Force help us, you're a romantic, you want to know if the Commander and Kira lived 'happily ever after'?

Sorry, recruit. You won't get those answers today because they weren't the purpose of my story. The purpose wasn't even that those companions were willing to drop everything to join the Commander on what he still insists was 'a personal matter'.

The reason I've told you all of this is that the Alliance isn't about the end results. It is about what we choose to fight for. Yes, most of its members originally joined up because they believed that the Commander could win against the Eternal Empire. But it was more important that they recognized that he was willing to risk everything for a cause that they believed in. They knew that no matter what happened, he would never just roll over and accept the Zakuul's subjugation of the galaxy. And they stayed after the war was over because they believed that whatever threats emerged in the future, the Commander and the Alliance would be there to meet them. Ultimately, there was no one they trusted more.

So, if you came here to be a hero, recruit, be certain about what you are getting yourself into. The Commander was willing to take the single most important part of his life and put it completely to the side so he could do what he needed to do to save the galaxy. There was no closure or respite for him. He couldn't mourn. He couldn't do any of the things most people would do in that situation.

But even with all of that, he never compromised his ideals. He never turned his back on those who fought by his side. He never risked the lives of the civilians of Zakuul as collateral damage. He even forgave his greatest enemy, Arcann, and made him an ally. All the while, he buried his pain.

And when it was time, he would have sooner died than risked the Alliance to ease that pain.

Think about that. And think about what you're willing to sacrifice for your ideals. Plenty of men and women have sacrificed their ideals for everything else.

Now, then. That's more than enough chatter for the first day, recruit. It's time for you to show me what you're made of. Drop your gear and give me ten laps around the base perimeter. I'm timing you.

THE END

Author's Notes: This was by far the hardest single writing project I've ever undertaken, which is why it took my so long. It forced me to confront some of my limitations as a writer, but hopefully I improved from it as well.

Something that bothered me about some of the patch releases from War for Iokath onward; you keep running off to one dangerous planet or another with one to two companions; tops. Usually in a small, poorly armed shuttle. No Eternal Fleet. No Gravestone. No contingent of troops. Nothing. And this while you're supposedly the most important figure in the galaxy? Tsk tsk. Lana Beniko should not approve.

I broke some of my own rules in this story. I usually try not to alter an existing character more than necessary. As I said at the top, Rusk is an under-developed character within the context of the game. To many fans, he is largely considered one-dimensional, dull and boring. (Indeed, he once lost a Facebook popularity poll to Lieutenant Pierce from the Sith Warrior story!) But I thought to myself 'Why should that be the case? Certainly, Rusk has an established belief system he is committed to, and a demeanor in how he expresses himself to others. But I like to think there's more to the story. What if he were actually hyper-observant and thoughtful, but few pick up on this because Rusk himself only speaks up when he has something to say? Imagine a version of Sherlock Holmes who didn't feel the need to impress other people with how clever he was?

Speaking of the Sith Warrior, I am absolutely a fan of Vette as a companion to that class, regardless of the gender of the protagonist, the nature of their relationship, and all other factors. It just so happens that in this story, the SW from Vette's backstory was unromanced and probably very 'dark side', to the point where their rapport with Vette wasn't as developed as it might have been from Vette's perspective. Moreover, I was inspired by Vette's 'thank you' note in Knights of the Eternal Throne to the Outlander, assuming they save her in Chapter Eight. In my head-canon, she's grown close to our protagonist, though strictly in a 'big brother / little sister' kind of way. At one point, I was also going to establish that Vette and Kira would have known each other back when they were both growing up on Nar Shaddaa, but that would have sent my story onto a tangent I didn't care for.

For the record, my main is a male human (mostly) light-side Jedi Knight, and yes, they did wear the white Veda Force expert's vestments before moving on to Thexan's armor after completing KOTET. Yes, I am now aware that the vestments make him look a little like the protagonists from the Assassin's Creed franchise. No, that thought did not occur to me at the time; I just thought the white hooded cloak ensemble looked cool and distinctive, especially when your character goes into so many dark places.

One thing that bothered me about the recent returning companions is that in many cases, there's no explanation for why they haven't heard of your return and sought you out. In my head-canon, it is inconceivable that Kira wouldn't seek out the Jedi Knight Outlander without a very good reason. A potential conversation with Choza Raabat, the Star Fortress contact on Alderaan, indicates that the Jedi Knight can't feel Kira through the Force, even though they should be able to do so. To me, this sounds exactly like Kira's letter to you in KOTFE. I feel my solution here is sound, if not completely unoriginal.

I was originally going to include Jorgen in the story, but I decided his perspective would be somewhat redundant here. So instead I inserted Ranos, because I wanted to help the Jedi Knight Outlander confront the fact that he's violated an oath that was once very important to him, even if Ranos herself is basically 'over' it. Also, for the purposes of this piece, I am ignoring the Darth Hexid conversations, as they seem to contradict the talks you have with Master Ranos.

Koth was also supposed to have a larger role, but I decided he was best used sparingly here. I know many find that character irritating, but I like that he's sort of an "everyman" with a conscience in a game filled with Force-using demi-gods and super soldiers. His actions are very much determined by your choices far more so than most other companions. This is something I intend to explore in the future.

Enaq appears briefly in the Jedi Knight class story when you accompany Kira to Nar Shaddaa to deliver supplies to the refugees. He seemed like an ideal plot-trigger here; with his devotion to Kira. Discerning readers may also notice the mention of Bowdarr and the "private medical facility" on Nar Shaddaa. This is obviously a reference to the place where you meet Nok Drayen after he is freed from carbonite at the end of Chapter One of the Smuggler storyline. I thought including it here was rather clever myself. Likewise, the 'Orgus Din Proving Grounds' were another Easter egg.

I dropped a cute reference in to the movies for those who missed it. The name Exogorth comes from the species of the giant space slug that tried to eat the Millennium Falcon in The Empire Strikes Back. (Mynock was already taken.) I think everybody catches "I have a very bad feeling about this." Pretty quickly these days. Discerning readers might also spot a reference to The Last Jedi. Bonus points to those who can find it.

In another slight divergence with the game's main story, I've made references to the Jedi Knight Outlander meeting Theron sometime before the Forged Alliances story arc. This is something I'd like to further explore at some point. Likewise, the character of Lord Kael is my own creation, and if I ever do a retelling of the Shadow of Revan arc, he will certainly be expanded upon.

Regarding Lana's reaction to Kira, when I played through the game on my main I went out of my way to make sure Kira was never my active companion whenever I interacted with Lana from the Forged Alliances through the Rise of the Emperor releases. After all, other Force Sensitives, like the corrupted Leeha Narezz, can pick up on the male Jedi Knight's feelings for a romanced Kira in the game. (Scourge, strangely enough, never says anything about it, despite the fact he's living with you!)

Finally, the title of this piece is in part a reference to the classic anthologies of the '90s: Tales from the New Republic, Tales from Jabba's Palace, etc. The stories weren't always great, but they certainly expanded the Star Wars universe at a time when the franchise had become dormant. I'm planning on doing more with that in the future.

As usual, reviews and feedback are always most welcome.

Thank you again, and may the Force be with you.