Rinaun stepped outside, breathing in the cool night air of Lantilles. He had just finished his report on the battle for the Roche asteroid cluster. The fighting had been fierce—most of the ships were damaged—but he had managed to drive off the enemy and destroy several CIS frigates. Another squadron had taken his place, and he himself had headed to the fleet base. The ships needed repairs and resupply. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed two young officers following him.
"Lieutenants, you seem to be from General Vikt's group?"
"Yes, Commander. I am Lichtendal Cerri, and this is Grace O'Connor."
"And where is Vikt himself? I didn't see him at headquarters. Oh, right: where did Ragnos go?"
"So you don't know yet…?" Cerri exchanged a quick glance with his companion. "We were sent to Jabiim. We dropped the general's corps onto the surface, but we were ambushed during takeoff. One Acclamator was shot down almostimmediately—a damaged corvette crashed into it. Two of our other ships engaged the Separatists, but in the end we had to retreat due to extensive damage. The captain's ship's hyperdrives were disabled, and he covered our withdrawal until the end."
"That's sad to hear. Ntor Ragnos was a good commander."
"Yes, sir."
"Are the ships being repaired?"
"Yes, Commander. We're stuck here for at least a month."
"We'll have to find out what headquarters has to say about this. Perhaps units from our Sector will be called in for the operation?"
"We tried to find out, but our access level is a bit… low."
"If I learn anything, I'll send you a message."
"Thank you very much, Commander." The officers saluted and hurried toward the speeder parking lot.
Rinaun watched them go. Hmm. The generaltrained them well—and they care about their commander. Turning around, Rinaun walked toward the headquarters entrance.
***
Alto looked at the people gathered in the square, framed by trees and stone houses. The capital of Jabiim, Choal, was rightly considered the pearl of the planet. The people who lived here loved their city and cared for it. Now it was time to care for the future.
In the center stood the soldiers of the eliteNimbus—the pride of both Stratus and Jabiim. On either side of them were soldiers of the National Militia, and around them were many thousands of ordinary citizens. And before them all, on the ground, lay a neat row of coffins. On top of each was a wreath of withered Jabiim aglaia flowers. The families of the deceased stood beside their sons, husbands, and brothers.
Stepping forward, Stratus raised his sword, holding his shield in his other hand. It was a family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation. Some said the sword and shield were more than ten thousand years old. No weapon could pierce the shield, and the sword never needed sharpening—the vibroblade, though ancient, still functioned perfectly. He had proven that almost a year ago, slaying the corrupt spineless creatures from Congress with this very blade.
"We are gathered here today to honor thememory of our brothers who died fighting the damned Republicans! Our planet—your home—is drowning in blood! For three thousand years, we have remained loyal to the Republic! But what help did it offer when the plague struck Jabiim? Where was the Republic when Trandoshan slave traders invaded and captured many of our friends and relatives?! Where were the Jedi when the Lythian pirates killed your—and my—parents?!
"The Republic ignored all our pleas for aid! There were those who agreed to help, and we breathed a sigh of relief, looking confidently to the future! And now, when the Republic has learned that there is a vast amount of ore beneath our soil, it wants to take it from us! They don't want us trading with the Confederacy of Independent Systems—they want all the profit for themselves, leaving us poor and starving!"
The crowd erupted in shouts of approval, shaking their fists angrily. Soldiers raised their hands, brandishing their weapons.
"Let the Republic know—we will fight for our planet, for our homeland, for the future of our children! We will send them all back to Coruscant… in coffins!" Stratus nearly shouted the last words, lifting his face to the slanting rain.
A roar of hundreds of thousands of voices rolled over the city.
"Death to the Jedi! Death to the Republic! We will avenge the dead!"
***
Skywalker rushed into the room, heading for Obi-Wan Kenobi, who was standing near a large tactical table. Master Ti stood beside him, surrounded by several dozen Jedi. Anakin stepped forward, with his faithful R2-D2 rolling behind him.
"Obi-Wan!"
"Oh, Anakin. You're back already?"
"Yes. Pa—er, Senator Amidala has returned from Rodia. Congratulations, Master!"
"Don't mention it. I can't take credit for that."
"Come on. You deserve the title of Council member more than anyone."
"Honestly, you're embarrassing me," Kenobichuckled. "Anyway, let's get back to business. You're just in time."
"A new assignment?" Anakin asked, glancing around. They wouldn't gather so many Jedi for something trivial.
"Yes. But first, let me introduce you to the others." Obi-Wan began pointing them out one by one. "This is Master Buck Sirrus and his Padawan, Aubrie Win; Master Pak Norcuna; Master Dara Leska; Master Sana-Jis Ilova; KnightsRailcema Bylissura and Dalnus Cam; Master Jeb Glaive and his Padawan, Zule Xiss; Knight Nico Diath with his Padawan, Tae Diath; Knights Odbull Stadlober, Ikarus Salan, Platt Fel, and Kai Enneb. And these are the Padawans Un Vaabesh, Kass Tod, Mack Lotor, Windo Nend, and Elora Sund. Well, you already know Master Shaak Ti."
"Kenobi," Glaive's rough bass rolled over the room, drowning out all other sounds. The man was truly enormous; his muscles bulged beneath his standard Jedi robe. "We've been here quite a while, but we still don't know what's going on."
"Yes," Norcuna agreed, shaking his lekku.
"Why were we pulled from the front lines? And in such numbers?"
"All right." Obi-Wan tapped a few keys. A hologram of a planet shimmered to life before theassembled group. "As you know, the Separatists lost a great many of their warships in the Battle of Kamino, and now they are desperately trying to regain their advantage. This is Jabiim, in the Outer Rim. Vast deposits of minerals and metals have been discovered there. The local leader, Alto Stratus, supports the CIS and has already granted them full rights to develop these resources. The Republic cannot allow this; besides, part of the population remains loyal to the Republic. All the data is in front of you."