Two Delta-7s were standard Jedi starfighters. Lightweight and highly maneuverable, these fighters perfectly met the needs of the Jedi. Their armament consisted of two medium laser cannons, and each was equipped with an R3-series astromech droid.
Finally, I'll have a fun beepy bucket on wheels.
Attending the Officers' Meeting unexpectedly brought me a bonus—though a rather dubious one: an entire militia regiment and one Dreadnaught-class heavy cruiser. It sounded impressive, but in reality, it was a slow, cumbersome hulk with slightly outdated weapon systems. And a crew of nine thousand—now that was something else. Fortunately, there would be no problems with provisions; the Peltas transporting fuel to Lantilles would bring food back on their return trip. Especially since I didn't plan on chasing this ship anywhere. Let it linger in Donovia's orbit, protecting the system. To take down that resilient beast, you'd need something far more serious than a single enemy vessel.
By some stroke of luck, I also managed to scrape together four graduates from the Justice Depatment Academy. So what if they were green as young grass? Experience comes with time. The main thing is—they're educated specialists. I'm not far ahead of them myself.
In light of recent events, I had to contact Captain Fokker and issue new orders: he was to fly to Donovia. With his slow ship, the journey would take about two days. We needed to strengthen the base's security. The corvette still had to finish loading, after which it would also depart for Donovia. The Militia Regiment was to wait for us at Lantilles. After all, we'd have to return there for the rest of the cargo—and to return the "extra" starfighters.
We took aboard 120 V-19(they can work fast when they want to), which, combined with our four existing squadrons, officially made us an "aircraft carrier." Oh, and two more Jedi starfighters.
By the way, I'll need to get into the simulator during the flight to "refresh" my piloting skills. After all, I'll be more useful there, in battle, than on the ship's bridge. And Ahsoka should brush up as well. Hopefully, with her personality, she's learned to fly by now?
In general, Jedi are far more effective than most pilots—not to mention droids—thanks to their abilities. Well, most of them, anyway. How did Kenobi put it? "Flying is for droids"? We'll see about that.
After completing preparations, we began our ascent from the planet's surface into orbit, where we were to rendezvous with Rinaun's squadron.
***
The blare of the siren jolted the newly minted lieutenant awake. Sumeragi jumped out of bed and hastily began dressing, instinctively ready to rush to her battle station—but she caught herself just in time. The cabin was unfamiliar, and her belongings were still unpacked.
Last night, celebrating the start of her service with friends, Sumeragi had no idea that her duties would begin so abruptly. She smiled as she recalled yesterday's event—one that had already etched itself firmly into her memory.
***
Their cheerful chatter was interrupted by the trill of a call. Ahsoka pulled the comlink from her belt pocket.
"Yes, Master?" she answered, glancing around before waving toward the second floor.
No responses were heard from Togruta's interlocutor, and the officers exchanged glances.
"Oh, how wonderful!" Ahsoka exclaimed brightly. Turning off the comlink, she turned to her new acquaintances.
"So," the girl said, playfully poking a finger at her companions, "General Vikt asked me to tell you to 'pack your bags' and come aboard our ship."
"Oh," Chris managed to say.
"Does that mean we're serving under you now?" Lichtendal asked.
"Yep!" the satisfied Togruta nodded.
***
Shaking her head, Sumeragi focused on packing. After checking her uniform one last time, she stepped into the corridor, where she immediately ran into her classmates—their quarters were nearby. The impeccably groomed "aristocrat" Lichtendal Cerri was a perfect contrast to the yawning Christen Mirro and the slightly disheveled Grace O'Connor.
"Sumeragi, what happened? Are we under attack?"
"I don't know any more than you do."
At the far end of the corridor, one of the clones—clearly a crew member by his uniform—appeared.
"Lieutenant," Sumera addressed him, "what's the reason for the alert?"
"Our ship will be taking part in battle as part of Commander Rinaun's squadron, ma'am. We're currently taking fighters on board, after which we'll head for the planet Togoria. Sorry, ma'am, I'm in a hurry."
The clone saluted and disappeared into a side passage.
"Wow!" Grace exclaimed. "A real battle!"
"Where do you think our new commander is right now?" Chris asked.
"Probably in one of the hangars," Sumeragi replied after a moment's thought.
"Then let's go find him—we need to know where we'll be assigned, what positions we'll hold, and so on," Chris said, waving his hand.
"I agree," Lichtendal nodded.
The four young officers set off in search. I hope we don't get lost, Sumeragi thought. She knew the Consular-class corvette's layout like the back of her hand, but this ship was much larger. And there was no time to study it.
***
Mikore Vikt stood on the ship's bridge, gazing at the surveillance screens that showed the endless depths of space. Soon, the Marat, together with Rinaun's squadron, would make the hyperspace jump.
"Master, are you stargazing again?" the Togruta asked cheerfully.
"The stars are beautiful. They are the only things that remain unchanged—watching us, shining through all eternity. Compared to what they see, our war is nothing."
Uh-oh, he's gone off again,hee hee. Ahsoka glancing at one of the screens.
"Do you think we'll win?" she asked, turning toward the Jedi.
"In any case, we'll try not to lose," he said quietly. "But there are too many unknowns."
After a brief pause, he added,
"We must do everything in our power to achieve that."
Commander Rinaun appeared on one of the surveillance feeds.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes, we have the coordinates," the Jedi confirmed.
"Then let's go!"
The clone operator began the countdown.
The Togruta turned toward the main viewport, where a truly mesmerizing spectacle was about to unfold—and Ahsoka couldn't help but admit it.
***
Seven large ships, accompanied by ten corvettes and frigates, jumped into hyperspace.
A fierce battle awaited them…