After finishing our shopping, we stopped at a small restaurant for a bite to eat. Once we returned to the ship, I went straight to the armory to adjust my armor and give the repair crew instructions to install a comlink and tactical datapad similar to those used in clonecommanders' armor. The built-in auto-doc'smedical kit also needed to be restocked with fresher supplies.
The Togruta, having expropriated a roll of woven armor, vanished into her cabin, muttering that she would do everything herself: "You don't understand anything about fashion, Master."
I completely agreed with her. If you do something wrong, they'll remember it for the rest of your life. Ugh.
Ahsoka and I were sitting in one of the Marat's dining rooms, enjoying an early breakfast—if you could call this crap breakfast, let alone enjoyable—when a clone from the ship's crew, a lieutenant, entered with a brisk step. Approachingour table, he saluted smartly.
"General!"
"Yes, Lieutenant?"
"You are urgently requested at headquarters, sir!"
"What, have they got communications working again?"
"Yes, sir! The Jedi Council is awaiting your report. It will be your turn shortly."
"Damn… All right, get the shuttle ready."
"It's ready, General. Second hangar!"
I sighed heavily, looking down at the remains of my breakfast. It's slop food, but it's my breakfast. And now it's gone to waste.
"Let's go, Snips!"
"Yes, Master!" the Togruta replied cheerfully, as always.
"And mind you, Padawan—don't embarrass me in front of the Council."
"When have I ever embarrass you? … Are you joking again?!"
"Eh, that's no fun at all."
"Master! Come up with something new!"
"Okay, you win," I chuckled, continuing down the corridor. Second hangar… that means turn left and take the turbolift down.
***
Chancellor Palpatine, together with Master Windu and Senator Amidala, was discussing the situation. Gradually, the other members of the Jedi Council joined the conversation, and soon they were all gathered—in hologram form, of course—in one of the many conference rooms located within the Senate building.
"Jabiim is located in territory controlled by the Separatists.It would be quite risky to conduct such an operation right under their noses."
"When has that ever stopped us?" Eeth Koth shrugged. "Besides, on one side the sector borders Hutt Space, which remains neutral for now."
"This territory falls under the jurisdiction of the Twelfth Sector Army," Yoda announced. "The forces of that sector will have to solve thisproblem."
"I hope the Council will assign several Jedi?" Palpatine asked smoothly.
"Undoubtedly, Chancellor," Master Ki-Adi-Mundi nodded. "We cannot allow all these resources and minerals to fall into Separatist hands."
"Furthermore," Amidala added firmly, "as far as we know from intelligence reports, part of the population remains loyal to the Republic and is even waging an armed struggle against the Alto Stratus Nationalists—who do not shy away from outright genocide. There is a civil war on the planet. We simply must intervene."
"However, the situation is tense right now," Ki-Adi-Mundi replied, "and we won't be able to gather two dozen Jedi for at least another two or three weeks."
"We can't wait that long," Even Piell objected, glancing at the information on his datapad. "The first CIS cargo ships are already preparing to jump into the system to deliver industrial equipment—and fill their holds with ore and minerals in return."
"I think there is something we can do after all."
Everyone turned to Master Shaak Ti.
"What do you mean, Master Ti—" Plo Koon began, but suddenly fell silent, nodding slowly.
Shaak Ti, like the Lannik Master, was reading a report intently.
"Are you referring to Jedi Knight Mikore Vikt?" the Kel Dor asked.
"You are correct, Master Plo. According to the latest report from Lantilles, his squad is currently stationed on the planet. After the loss of the fuel plant and the battle for Donovia, the general's troops suffered significant losses, and he could use some new tech. His ships also require repairs. Still, this is the only viable option."
Oppo Rancisis perked up.
"It seems that a convoy with reinforcements and equipment from Kuat and Rothana—including experimental gear—will soon arrive in the sector. I believe it would be quite reasonable to provide the general with everything he requires and grant him broader authority so he can replenish his troops and march on Jabiim without delay."
"We'll immediately send a message to Sector Headquarters. Knight Vikt should be there right now."
The meeting continued…