The decisive forces—fate and death—rarely approach a person without warning.
(folk saying).
***
Four young officers gathered in one of the ship's many cabins. For the first time during the entire flight, the friends had managed to find time to meet — each of them free from watch duty or other assignments.
"We don't get to see each other very often, Sumeragi."
"Grace, we're still lucky — we could've been scattered across the galaxy."
"Yeah. We're on the same ship, it's almost like a vacation." Chris smiled and leaned back in his chair. "And the service is interesting."
"So, what do you think of our boss?" asked the Zeltron.
"The captain?" Lichtendal raised an eyebrow.
"No, I mean the general. Sumeragi, what do you think?" Grace nudged her friend with her elbow.
"Why me?"
"Well, I can see the way he looks at you. Come on, friend!"
"Uh, Grace, you don't understand... it's not like that... anyway—" Li Noriega stammered.
"Oh, just look at her — she's blushing!" Grace laughed.
"I heard," Chris hurried to change the subject, "that a few hours ago, the Jedi Council contacted the general."
"Now that's serious," Lichtendal muttered.
"What do you mean?"
"I asked around — if the Jedi Council is contacting us, it means we have work to do."
"I see..."
Their conversation was interrupted by a message on the ship's comm system:
"All officers report to the tactical room for a briefing. I repeat, all officers report..."
"There you go, I told you so."
***
To be honest, they managed to surprise me a little. After my conversation with the Jedi Council, several files arrived — with a slight delay. The first concerned my immediate assignment, the second contained orders from sector headquarters, and the third was a summary of combat operations.
Wow, it hasn't even been a month. Although, perhaps they only started reaching me now, and others received them earlier?
Alright, the assignments can wait — let's look at the summary.
What do we have here? I quickly skimmed through the multi-page document. Nothing particularly new — the CIS still holds the Republic under pressure wherever it wants, but the situation is slowly stabilizing. The Separatists are being forced to divert massive forces from their "legitimate" territories to other sectors, and therefore the "overall temperature in the hospital" is quite tolerable.
Having secured their success in the Outer Rim, the Separatists began pushing toward the core worlds, while the Republic launched targeted strikes to undermine the CIS's production capabilities.
Kenobi's name came up. He and Skywalker had successfully evacuated the garrison from Rhen Var. The Separatists deployed four Lucrehulks against two Acclamators and ten CR-20 troop carriers. As a result, the Republic lost more than three thousand clones. The Separatists lost some ground equipment and thousands of droids, but they remained in control of the battlefield.
As far as I recall, our brave Jedi have now gone to Raxus Prime, where the evil Dooku has unearthed one of the main components of the Dark Reaper. I remember a forum discussion where we argued about that moment — whether it was Dooku's own initiative to use this weapon against the Republic (though I personally doubted he could hide that from Darth Sidious), or whether it was a multi-step scheme orchestrated by Sidious himself, culminating in Skywalker communicating with the spirit—or hologram—of... what was his name again? Kel-Droab... Quel Thalas... ah, right — Qel Droma.
It seems that after his long conversation with that ancient Jedi, our Chosen One, already far too self-assured, became filled with pride beyond measure. Still, I'm satisfied with either version — I have no desire to experience the "Dark Reaper's" effects firsthand.
I skimmed through the reports on the actions of some of the Jedi. No, they weren't particularly detailed — just a few lines — but even that was telling: very few Jedi were performing effectively. Their inadequate training clearly showed. Still, there were a few talented ones. Unfortunately, the casualty statistics were... depressing. We lost 187 Jedi on Geonosis, and 63 more within a month of fighting. In addition, nearly 700 sentient beings had left the Order altogether. Cheerful numbers.
Adi Gallia and her squadron, who came to the aid of Commander Tirimaki, managed to drive the Trandoshans and the Separatists out of Kashyyyk's orbit after two days of fighting. Ground troops, together with the Wookiees, finished off the remaining occupation forces. However, the battle in the orbit of Trandosha itself resulted in heavy losses on both sides, and in the end, it ended in a draw. Although the Separatists could confidently claim victory — they still held the orbit, while the Republic fleet was forced to retreat. The numerical superiority was simply too great.
Oh — our sector received reinforcements. That's good news, though this time it's more modest: ten Acclamators and two dozen smaller ships, mostly brand-new Peltas in various configurations. In addition, Master Luminara Unduli and her Padawan Barriss Offee, as well as Master Plo Koon, have been sent to us. I don't like all this commotion around our sector. Not one bit...
Alright, what's next on the list?
Headquarters also brought us good news — our section of the trade route has been transferred to the Rinaun Squadron, which finally received reinforcements to near-nominal strength. Now, under his command, there are eleven Acclamators and twelve corvettes. Other squadrons have also replenished their ranks with new ships.
We've been ordered to return and strengthen the defense of Donovia. I just hope I'll be able to return from my upcoming trip before the Separatists attack my planet.
Yeah, right — "my" planet. Although... I do feel a certain responsibility for it. I won't give it up. I've put too much effort into it — into the base on the surface and everything else.
Alright, I need to think through a plan for the upcoming operation. The Force tells me something's not right here — that we're in for serious trouble. Which means we need to prepare thoroughly.
It's tempting to use the Marat, but that wouldn't be understood — neither by the senators nor by the Randons. Showing up to peace talks aboard a warship? That's a bit too much even for me... though I'd feel safer that way. Maybe later — but not now.
Still, I'm not flying there in an unarmed tub either. No way.
Gradually, a plan began to form in my mind. We'll take the Consular-class corvette. The galaxy is used to seeing such ships on diplomatic missions, so even the fact that it's armed shouldn't raise alarms. It also has cabins that won't offend the senators' sense of dignity. Plus, it's fast — both in normal space and hyperspace.
Since I trust my intuition completely, I'll take two squads of clone commandos — eight troopers. In addition, ten more marines will provide heavy fire support. More simply won't fit.
As for the hold... I'll probably cram a battalion of B-1 droids in there — about four hundred and fifty units. They don't need comfort, and if anything goes wrong, they can launch a zerg rush, buying us time to make a run for it.
Well, Ahsoka and I are the last resort, so to speak.
Hmm... what else? I think we should bring a couple of interns along. Let it be that uniquely talented communication guy Mirro and the charming O'Connor. Something tells me they might come in handy.
Alright then — time to go brief my subordinates.