These were difficult days for the Jedi High Council. It had been a very, very long time since the Jedi had commanded operations on such a scale. The Council members, now bearing the burden of leadership, hardly ever left their posts, taking only brief breaks for sleep and meditation. And not all of them were present in person — four of the twelve appeared only as holograms, balancing their Council duties with direct command of troops on the ground.
There was a shortage of everything: soldiers, ships, equipment, medicine, and hospital centers. Problems with food supplies were also emerging, and the GAR's logistics service was still in its infancy, forcing the Masters to manage almost all supply operations manually. The reinforcements supplied by Kamino barely had time to reach the reserves before they were thrown in to plug countless holes in the defense. The Confederacy of Independent Systems, taking advantage of its nearly hundredfold superiority in both fleet and army numbers, attacked on all fronts. Only with great difficulty and heavy losses were the Jedi able to halt the enemy breakthroughs.
Meanwhile, the demagogues in the Senate — under the guise of important debate — had spent days arguing over whether or not to allocate funds for new batches of clones, ships, and equipment. Senator Padme Amidala particularly stood out with her pacifist ideals, ardently supported by Senator Bail Organa and a sizable faction of sympathizers. As a result, the decision was being delayed far too long.
And now another Jedi general was on the line, once again requesting reinforcements — ships, troops, anything.
Yes, the losses were tremendous. None of the Jedi had prior experience commanding large-scale armies. A few performed admirably, but most proved poor strategists. In truth, such capable commanders could be counted on the fingers of one hand across the entire galaxy — and even those had never faced a conflict of this magnitude. Perhaps only this fact prevented the situation from collapsing entirely, for while the Republic's army was led by former diplomats who at least knew how to fight — albeit individually — the CIS command structure consisted almost entirely of clerks and accountants who, only a month ago, had been sitting in the offices of the Trade Federation, the Banking Clan, or the Techno Union. As a result, the Grand Army of the Republic not only managed to hold its ground but, in some sectors, even pressed the enemy back.
"Hmm. Help we will send… when we can," Yoda concluded the latest transmission, ending the call.
The projector flickered, and a new hologram appeared before the Council. However, this time, the image surprised several of the Masters — all except the hologram of Shaak Ti, who clearly recognized the knight.
"General Mikore Vikt reporting. The Council's mission has been accomplished. The planet Donovia and the fuel production station along the Parlemian Trade Route are under our complete control. Construction of a fortified base on the planet is nearing completion, and peace has been established with the local natives. Fuel deliveries to the fleet and army headquarters on Lantilles have already begun."
"Not a bad result," Windu acknowledged approvingly, folding his fingers together before his chest.
"What are your losses?" asked Even Piell, glancing keenly at the Jedi's hologram.
"As a result of three days of fighting for the system, we lost several starfighters, one Consular-class light cruiser, a regiment of clones, and some equipment. The full report is included in the attached file. I've also added a few of my own recommendations for improving the combat effectiveness of our forces."
The Council members exchanged brief, silent glances.
"We are listening carefully, General," Windu said, deciding to take charge of the discussion — at least for now.
"We face an acute shortage of battleships and, in general, vessels suitable for fleet combat," Vikt began. "The Consular-class light cruisers are useful only for transport and cover from enemy sterfighter; they are completely incapable of countering the Separatists' heavy ships. While it's currently impossible to rapidly increase the number of large battleships, I see a solution for auxiliary ships — the purchase of Marauder-class corvettes manufactured by the Sienar company."
The Jedi's hologram was replaced by a projection of a flat, aerodynamic ship with wing-like fins at the stern, from which two formidable cannons extended.
"This corvette carries exceptionally powerful armament for its class — eight twin-barreled turbolaser cannons. In addition, it mounts three tractor beam projectors and, most importantly, includes a hangar capable of housing one to three squadrons of fighters and two to four cargo shuttles, depending on the configuration. The ship was originally designed for the Justice Department, but due to funding issues, the supply contract was terminated. I recommend reopening the issue and acquiring them for the fleet as soon as possible." The Jedi's image reappeared beside the rotating model of the corvette.
"Thank you, Knight Vikt. We were unaware of this option, and your proposal is very timely," Windu said, nodding to the others. "Anything else?"
"Yes," Vikt continued. "We also lack bombers and attack craft. However, there already exists a suitable — and rather capable — model: the H-6 Scurrg heavy fighter-bomber, manufactured by Naboo."
The hologram shifted again, now showing a sleek, oval-shaped starship.
"The H-6 is equipped with a deflector shield, a Class 2 hyperdrive, and a backup Class 10 hyperdrive. In atmospheric flight, it reaches speeds of up to 1,000 kilometers per hour. In addition to a bomb launcher, it carries six laser cannons and a single laser turret. It can operate independently for up to two weeks and transport up to ten tons of cargo. The ship can serve equally well as a bomber or as a long-range heavy fighter."
"Why wasn't such an excellent machine ever adopted for service?" Adi Gallia asked in puzzlement.
"As far as I know, the Queen of Naboo deemed it 'overarmed' at the time," the general replied, trying to hide his irritation, though a trace of irony crept into his tone. "So instead, they purchased Nubian N-1s." The Jedi's expression twitched slightly at the words, betraying his true opinion of that decision.
"Hmm," Master Ki-Adi-Mundi mused, joining the conversation. "Your suggestions seem quite reasonable, but I'm afraid action on this matter may be delayed. Though Chancellor Palpatine now holds emergency powers, it's still the Senate that controls the budget."
"Oh, the Senate," the young Jedi muttered, grimacing.
Master Yoda raised his hand, signaling an end to the discussion.
"New task for you there is. Support General Squater's attack on planet Diado you must. Two ships will be sent to you — under your command these Acclamators shall come. Help General capture the system, you must."
"Understood, Master Yoda. Your orders will be carried out," the general said, bowing his head before ending the transmission.
"What was that?" Oppo Rancisis finally asked, voicing the general surprise.
"A Jedi Knight," Shaak Ti replied calmly.
"He's… a bit strange, don't you think?" Adi Gallia said, glancing toward Windu.
"In any case," the dark-skinned Master replied after a moment's thought, "he seems to be in the right place."