A battle was raging in the orbit of Jabiim. Nearly a hundred ships were engaged in combat. The Republic forces outnumbered their opponents, but the CIS maintained superiority in fighters and bombers. For several hours, the situation hung in the balance, tilting first one way, then the other. The Republic and the Separatists lost ship after ship, fighter after fighter. The landing operation on the planet itself remained in doubt, but at some point, everything shifted, and a precariousstatus quo formed between the parties to the conflict. The Separatist ships moved to the far side of the planet, where reinforcements werecontinually arriving. A group of Republic landing ships, covered by two squadrons, began a landing operation.
The ships simultaneously launched torpedoeswith special warheads. They slipped into the planet's atmosphere in order to spray a chemical reagent there a few seconds later. Large gaps began to open in the otherwise continuous cloud cover.
Obi-Wan and Shaak Ti closely monitored the progress of the operation. The plan Obi-Wan had developed had to be urgently revised due to the situation. The far side of the planet—the southern hemisphere—became inaccessible for landing, so all four groups of ships descended into thenorthern hemisphere.
Admiral Arkani approached the Jedi.
"Generals. We managed to contact General Vikt's detachment. The session was brief—there was heavy interference—but we managed to receive General Vikt's report and informed him of the operation plan."
"Tell us."
"So, the general reported that he has about twenty thousand clones and roughly two hundred units of military equipment remaining under his command. The base he established here"—the officer pointed to a spot on the map—"was lost four days ago. The general advises against going there. I quote: 'You will find nothing there but melted stone.' Currently, the general's unit is moving across this plain. We advised him to move to point two, where General Leska's squad is landing. The rendezvous is to take place at this point, where one of the new bases is planned. Its code name is Shelter. The general also asked us to prepare for the arrival of the wounded. Their number is around two thousand."
Obi-Wan nodded.
"Yes. Is Sirrus's squad also landing there?"
"That's right, sir."
"Master Sirrus's Padawan is young, but she already has healing experience and shows great promise. Her help will be useful."
"How many troops have already landed?"
"More than sixty percent."
"Well, Master Ti, it's time for me to go to thesurface."
"Good luck, Master Kenobi. And may the Force be with you."
***
It had been four hours since Zule first stepped onto the surface of Jabiim with her Master, Jeb Glaive, and the other Jedi. Republic troops had occupied a large portion of the plateau, taking control of more than twenty square kilometers of terrain. Defensive structures were being erected at a rapid pace. Technicians were layingcommunication lines, powering buildings and defensive towers. The headquarters was already operational. Clones bustled about on the first floor, finishing equipment calibration, while Jedi and Padawans gathered in an open area covered by a wide, sturdy awning.
In addition, an hour earlier, the head of the local Loyalists, Orliss Gillmunn, had arrived at the camp with an impressive detachment of fighters loyal to the Republic—almost two thousand reasonably well-armed men.
Obi-Wan Kenobi nodded with satisfaction.
"What's the news?"
"We stumbled upon a small group of local Nationalists. They were, to be honest, right where we landed." Sirrus nodded toward the nearby canopy. "Several are wounded and have beentaken prisoner. The medics are treating them, but they're quite hostile toward us."
Anakin Skywalker, Master Kenobi's Padawan, added:
"The prisoners are afraid of us. I can feel it. One of them told me I eat children!"
"Anakin," Obi-Wan said, "you must understand that the Republic includes more than a million inhabited worlds. There aren't that many of us Jedi—a few thousand Knights, a couple hundredMasters… Billions of beings have never seen a Jedi. Millions have never even heard of the Jedi Order or the Force. And then we show up, and to them, we look like invaders and murderers."
"And also like healers," Master Sirrus objected, nodding toward Aubrey, who was bent overanother wounded Jabiimi. "By the way, I read the report, but… is it always this damp on Jabiim?"
"Unfortunately, yes, Buck. Since the 'windows' above our heads closed, it's been raining nonstop. They won't even be able to evacuate us in case of emergency or send reinforcements. The supply of reagents is exhausted, and it's unknown when more will be delivered—it's a rather raresubstance."
The Jedi turned to Orliss.
"Tell us about your civil war."
The man nodded and placed a small projector on the edge of the table. It activated, displaying the hologram of another man. A shield and bladeimmediately caught the eye.
"The leader of the Jabiim Nationalists and a lapdog of the Separatists, Alto Stratus. Last year, he staged a coup and killed most of the members of Congress. Fortunately, some of us managed to escape. Much has changed since then. Thefamilies of those who continued to support the Republic have been persecuted. We are hunted by assassins. Alto Stratus is a tyrant who replaced the law with his own will and does whatever he wants. His collusion with the Separatists is a betrayal of the Jabiim people."
A voice rang out from the crowd of Jabiimi:
"Captain Gillmunn was the only one who dared to stand up to Stratus. But… we have a question: why didn't your troops, who arrived earlier, eliminateStratus? He is the main threat!"
"We don't engage in political assassinations," Kenobi cut him off.
A clone commander with distinctive insignia ran up to them. Saluting, he handed Master DaraLeska a datapad. She quickly scanned the message.
"Excellent," Leska said, brushing raindrops from her face. "The perimeter has been established, and the clones have begun constructingfortifications. Communication with the other groups has already been established. Master Sirrus, your units have begun preparations for deployment."
The commander turned to leave, but paused, touching his helmet.
"Generals, speeders are approaching. Clone Alpha-Seventeen is on the line. He says it's the advance guard of General Vikt's column."
"Excellent. Let them through," Obi-Wan commanded.
Soon, three speeders pulled up to the command post. Two clones in dirty green armor remained near the bikes, while the third headed for the canopy.
"Generals," the clone said as he approached, wearing rather unusual armor with blue stripes. Additional gear was mounted on his helmet. "You've finally deigned to arrive."
Glancing at the group of Jabiimites, he looked to the side.
"And who are these people?" He pointed to the four Nationalists being escorted by two clones. The Jabiimites were clearly wounded.
"They're wounded. They'll be treated now—" Kenobi began, but the clone ignored him and strode toward the tent. The wounded had already reached the awning, and one of them was helping the others lie down on low couches.
The Jedi followed the clone with interest. Falleen kept pace with them.
Aubrie leaned over one of the wounded Nationalists.
"Are you a medic?" the clone said, poking her in the shoulder.
"Yes," Aubrey answered, startled.
"Then get ready. Our wounded will be arriving soon."
"I'll finish with these ones, and—"
"I'll take care of them," the clone interrupted.
Before anyone could react, the clone lifted his blaster and delivered four precise shots to the heads of the wounded men lying on the couches. The Jedi froze, stunned by what they had just witnessed. Meanwhile, the clone moved into the corner of the tent where the remaining wounded were resting. A few seconds later, it was done.
Leska lunged toward the clone, grabbing him by the shoulder.
"What are you doing, clone? They're wounded! I order you to surrender your weapon! You're under arrest!"
"First of all, my name is Puck. Second, my commander is General Vikt, and I don't give a shit about your orders. Third, these Separatistscumbags destroyed the hospital with our wounded. So we don't take prisoners. And we sure as hell don't treat them."
Leska recoiled in shock. Meanwhile, the clone calmly slung his blaster over his shoulder and left the tent.
"What's wrong with them?" Zule whispered in astonishment.
"I don't know," her Master replied. "But I think we'll soon find out from Vikt himself."
***
Puck shook his head sadly. Hutt, it seems I've grown too accustomed to the general's sanity, and when I met the other Jedi, I was disappointed. Why can't they all be like that man? I hope the general won't have any problems because of this. He's smart—he'll figure it out.