Jasmill Selanno was one of many designers and representatives of Kuat Shipyards who had been sent to all corners of the galaxy to compile reports on the performance of ships and equipment that Kuat and its subsidiary, Rothana Engineering, produced for the needs of the Grand Army of the Republic.
The history of Kuat Shipyards stretched back to the dawn of the Republic. At first, it had consisted of a few planetary factories, then the first shipyard in orbit... and now Kuat was surrounded by a vast ring-shaped shipyard, where millions of workers and engineers labored. It was capable of producing hundreds of massive vessels each month. Dozens of subsidiaries operated across the galaxy. The pinnacle of the company's activity came nine years ago, when it received a classified order to design and manufacture a diverse range of ships and military equipment for a secretly created Army. The Kuat had handled the task brilliantly — no one had even guessed what their factories were building. Now, thousands of ships, hundreds of thousands of combat walkers, and countless other machines of war were in service — and new orders kept coming in.
On the one hand, this was quite flattering. On the other, it carried enormous responsibility — any mistake could bring a storm of complaints and fines from the Senate, or worse, see contracts transferred to their competitors. The people from Sienar, for instance, dreamed of becoming the Republic's main suppliers — and, of course, with such generous payments for ships and equipment, who wouldn't?
Standing near the exit of the hall, she noticed one of the Jedi who served as generals in the new army. He was just leaving the meeting. Jasmill mentally rubbed her hands together. Feedback from clone officers was valuable, but feedback from a Jedi — that was something her superiors would truly appreciate. Enthusiasm like that could turn into dividends… or even a bonus and a promotion.
"General Vikt, may I have a moment of your time?"
He turned around, and the woman caught a spark of delight in his eyes, which surprised and flattered her at once. At thirty-five, she was no beauty, but she could be called attractive. And it had taken her no small effort to maintain that…
The Jedi said something to his companion — his Padawan, as Selanno understood. The young Togruta nodded and walked off down the corridor. Meanwhile, Jasmill approached the Jedi, who had stopped to wait.
"My name is Jasmill Selanno," she began, offering a polite smile. "I represent Kuat Shipyards. I'd like to hear your opinion of our combat equipment. Our company prides itself on producing the most reliable machinery in the galaxy, but we need to know how it performs in the field, so to speak."
"Oh, I have plenty to tell you," the Jedi said, his expression brightening. "May I ask how you knew my name?"
"I made a few inquiries," the woman replied with a small, knowing smile. "Come with me."
Inside one of the empty offices, Jasmill activated the recorder and turned toward the Jedi.
"So, General," she said. "We're interested in your feedback on our military designs."
"Hm. Actually, I have quite a few complaints," he began. "First: insufficient anti-air coverage on the Acclamator-class military assault ship, especially in the rear hemisphere. A dozen or two light twin laser cannons would solve the issue. The same problem exists in your new project as well."
Jasmill stiffened slightly, glancing around instinctively.
"Where did you—"
"From there," the Jedi interrupted calmly. "In addition, the anti-air defenses of the main hangar leave much to be desired — on both ships, especially the lower hemisphere. It's armored, yes, but a couple of gun turrets wouldn't hurt there either.
"Second, the AT-TE walker's cockpit needs modification. It's the most vulnerable part of the machine. You might also consider replacing the main gun with missile systems.
"Next: the AT-RT is certainly good, but I'd recommend replacing it with your experimental AT-XT. Its enclosed cockpit and proton grenade launchers are excellent."
"But that's still an experimental model — not everything's been refined yet…"
"Doesn't matter," the Jedi said simply. "It already meets our requirements."
"Oh! I nearly forgot — we urgently need a bomber, any bomber."
"I believe the Koensayr factory was supposed to have already delivered the BTL-B fighter-bombers to the troops…"
"Strange. We haven't seen them yet. Perhaps production should be transferred to you? I'd strongly recommend it — we need those machines desperately."
"Are you sure?"
"More than sure. I've already raised the issue with the Jedi Council, but nothing's changed. Maybe your report will help break the deadlock."
"That was… quite unexpected," Jasmill admitted, looking at the young man with renewed respect. "I didn't expect such a detailed response from you."
"Well, there are some things we can do," the Jedi replied with a smile. "And I can provide you with my notes." He reached into a pocket on his belt and produced an infocrystal.
"These are my observations on improving combat performance."
"Ah…"
"Don't worry, it's a copy," he said reassuringly. "I'd be happy to discuss this further, but unfortunately, I don't have the time right now."
"I understand. War leaves no one idle," Jasmill said with a nod. "I'll make sure your reports reach my superiors."
***
"El, do you see what I see?"
"Yes, Greg, your eyes aren't deceiving you."
The commander and deputy commander of the Brave Boys regiment stood in awe, taking in the bustling inner workings of the ship. The massive hangar of the Acclamator was nothing short of astonishing — hundreds of bustling clones and droids, stacks of crates and containers, and neatly lined rows of vehicles. Overhead, dozens of gunships and starfighters hung suspended from a network of maintenance rails.
Whatever people said in the headquarters or corridors of Lantilles, the clones' weapons and combat equipment far surpassed anything their regiment possessed. And their regiment was smaller too — not four battalions, but three. Marie-Noir was particularly impressed by the hundreds of droids of all types — including the reprogrammed B-1 combat units.
Their regiment had been quartered in the barracks, and they were now looking for the Jedi, who had vanished somewhere aboard. However, they soon found his Padawan instead.
"Commander Tano?"
"Yes?"
"I'm Elizabeth Marie-Noir, deputy commander of the Brave Boys regiment, and this is the commander himself, Gregory El Johnson."
"Nice to meet you." Ahsoka nodded in greeting.
"Any news about our next mission?" El Johnson cut in.
"No idea," the Togruta replied with a casual wave of her hand. "In any case, you're unlikely to be deployed before we reach Donovia. When my Master arrives, he'll give you the briefing."
"Hmm," Elizabeth smiled. "I heard you were involved in that meat grinder over Torgoria's orbit…"
"Yes," Ahsoka said dryly, "it got a bit heated."
(End of Chapter)
Bonus chapter for 600 Power Stones. Thank you for your support!