How long has this been known?" The Rodian, Salan, stared questioningly at the Masters.
"About two weeks ago. Since then, we have been preparing for a major offensive. We have been provided with a small reserve of ships, and additional vessels have been brought in from other Sectors where the situation is less complicated. Specifically, ships are arriving from the First and Third Sectors, as well as from the Fifth. In addition, two squadrons from the Third Sector will secure our passage to the planet via the Parlemian Trade Route—the shortest and fastest route. Twenty-seven Acclamator and fourteen corvettes have been allocated for the landing operation. Twenty more Acclamator from the Third Sector Army will provide cover for the convoy and break through the enemy blockade. According to our data, there are currently ten Lucrehulks and about twenty frigates in orbit around the planet."
"How many clones are under our command?"
"More than three hundred and fifty thousand clones, along with a large amount of military equipment. The plan is as follows: as soon as we break through the planet's blockade, we'll immediately attempt a surface landing, though that will depend on the weather conditions. We've been promised special anti-cloud charges, but I doubt their effect will last long. Masters Norcuna, Sirrus, Leska, and Jis-Ilova will take command of four groups of ships. Your targets will be three cities, including the capital of Jabiim, as well as a cluster of mines in the southern hemisphere—right here. First, you must land at these points; they are the most suitable for establishingstrongholds. From there, you will advance on your assigned targets. The remaining Jedi will be distributed among your units. In this way, we ensure a simultaneous attack, granting us a significant advantage. In addition, we are counting on the help of both the Loyalists and the Republic troops already on the planet."
"Obi-Wan," Sirrus looked at the Master in surprise. "We'll be ready to take off in at least a couple of days, right? Plus flight time—at least two days from Coruscant. Was it wise to send troops to the planet now, especially given that the CIS forces are so… enormous?"
"Um," Anakin clearly sensed his Master's confusion. "Actually, the troops were deployed to the planet a long time ago…"
"How many are there? How long have they been on the planet? And who is in command of this unit?" Leska asked.
"A full corps of clones with heavy equipment. They've been there for almost two weeks. Thecorps is commanded by Knight Mikore Vikt."
"Two weeks? I doubt they'll last until we arrive. At best, there's now a handful of soldiers without command and equipment. Who came up with this reckless plan?"
Shaak Ti crossed her arms.
"The information came from Chancellor Palpatineand the Intelligence Bureau. The Chancellor himself was present at that council meeting, along with Senator Amidala. It was decided to send the available forces under the command of a Jedi as soon as possible. I recommended Jedi KnightMikore Vikt for this mission. He has been involved in combat since the beginning of the war; he was one of the twenty Jedi who passed through the Petranaki Arena. After that, he commanded first a legion and then a corps, successfully completing several Council assignments. I hope Knight Vikt will handle this task as well. He is a fairlysuccessful commander."
Master Sana Jis-Ilova, a member of the Sephi race, was studying something on her datapad.
"Hmm. Even if he's not successful, he's certainly not lacking in insolence," she said.
"What do you mean, Master?" Norcuna asked.
"Yes-yes, enlighten us—what led you to that conclusion?" Obi-Wan struck his favorite pose, propping his chin with one hand while the other supported his elbow.
"Take a look at the emblem worn by the clones of this corps," replied the Sephi Master, displaying the image on the screen. "It appears on theirbattle banners as well."
"What's wrong with it?" Anakin asked in surprise.
"Actually, young Padawan," Jis-Ilova smiled, "it's the emblem of Revan's Empire. Slightly modified, but unmistakably it."
"And indeed it is. Star Forge," Aubrie Win exhaled in surprise. "If you remove this—and this…"
Master Glaive slammed his hand against the edge of the table.
"Isn't that the Jedi who lost his arm in that battle with the Sith? The one who was on the Holonet for a while?"
"Yes, that's precisely him," Shaak Ti confirmed.
"It will be interesting to meet him. You know, when we arrive in orbit, I think I'll go with my squad to help him." Glaive nodded to himself. "Is that all, Kenobi?"
"Yes. You have all the information you need."
Suddenly, a young Jedi rushed into the room, his clothing indicating that he belonged to the Service Corps.
"Master Ti," the young man bowed. "Master Plo Koon asked me to give this to you and said it was a message from Jabiim." With those words, he handed the Togruta a holodisk.
"Well, yes, yes. Communication through normal channels is impossible," Sirrus nodded. "A very reasonable move."
"He probably reached us through the Jabiim Loyalists—they must have established channels of communication with the outside world," Kenobi suggested.
Shaak Ti inserted the holodisk into the receiver. A hologram of Mikore Vikt appeared before them.
Skywalker grinned. Oh, he has new armor.
"Honorable Council. Reporting. The landing on Jabiim was carried out in the shortest possible time. Two ships were lost, and the fate of three others is unknown. The corps is under attack from the droid army and local Nationalists. Clone casualties have reached four thousand, with another fifteen hundred wounded. Supplies are sufficient for now, and most of the equipment is in working order, but we are expecting the arrival of large reinforcements from the CIS, so you shouldhurry if you want to find us alive. The combat report is in a separate file. I advise you to pay special attention to the file on combat equipment. That is all."
"Not a very positive report," Norcuna remarked. "However, it should be studied—the general'sexperience may prove useful."
"Master Kenobi, is that all?" Leska asked.
"I believe so. You now have all the necessary information."
"Then allow us to withdraw so we can prepare for this mission."
"As soon as the ships are ready, I will notify you immediately," the Jedi Master said with a nod.