Sumeragi rushed toward her friend.
"Grace! I'm so glad to see you!"
The girls froze in each other's embrace. Lichtendal shook Chris's hand.
"You had quite the tour."
"That's putting it mildly. Did you see—?"
"Oh yes. Sumeragi almost threw up."
"Grace… almost did too."
"Your booze?" Ceri asked knowingly.
"Oh yes. The whole supply," the midshipmansighed sadly.
The guys exchanged knowing glances.
***
TH-07 entered the command bridge of his Recusant.
"Squadron, prepare for jump. Coordinates A-4-4-E-3-I-7-6."
"Roger Roger, Commander," the captain reported. "Estimated flight time: sixteen hours, seven minutes, and thirty-one seconds."
Zero-Seven took his usual place in front of the captain's chair.
After the Republic's daring raids deep into CIS-controlled territory, Zero-Seven had been withdrawn from the front lines to defend key planets. However, no new attacks followed, and TX-07 was temporarily out of action. Thecommand quickly recovered from the shock and resumed active operations.
He was now assigned a new task: to recapture a fuel plant in a system controlled by the Republic. The objective was to destroy the base on the surface of Donovia — the bags of meat created a well-fortified outpost. To achieve this, he was given six Lucrehulks, which carried the invasion force: one million combat droids. Seventeen Munificent-class frigates provided cover for the transports.
Unfortunately, orbital bombardment was not an option. The Republic base possessed a powerful anti-aircraft and space defense system; in addition, it was protected by a deflector shield. A ground operation seemed to be the only viable approach.
Four brand-new T-series tactical droids were assigned to command the ground forces, while Zero-Seven would remain in orbit, providing support and cover.
The Republic fleet had recently been reinforcedwith new ships, and now it attacked more often than it retreated.
The Republicans would be crushed. All of Zero-Seven's calculations confirmed it: the Republic's chance of victory was sixteen percent, while his plan had an eighty-four percent probability of success.
***
Rinaun stood on the bridge of his flagship. The squadron hovered in orbit around one of the planets in the Rearkyu Cluster. Only a few hours ago, another battle had raged here. The Republic fleet had destroyed four enemy ships, whose wreckage was now slowly descending into the planet's atmosphere.
"Commander, we just received a message from Donovia. Droid reconnaissance units have been spotted," one of the clone operators reported, handing the commander a datapad.
Reconnaissance? That spells trouble. Small units don't conduct recon unless something big is coming.
"Send a reply — we'll arrive to assist within twenty-four hours. Let's try to get there before the Separatists and prepare an unpleasant surprise for them."
***
Riyo Chuchi leaned back wearily in her seat aboard the interstellar passenger ship. The Assembly had requested her report, and now she was returning to her homeworld. Soon she would have to listen to all those dissatisfied officials — again.
But she was doing everything she could!
Although she had managed to meet with the Chancellor and discuss the defense of Pantora, he lamented that there were no spare resources available at the moment. Still, he had assured her that as soon as the opportunity arose, the Republic would help Pantora.
However, Chuchi had almost lost hope.
True, that Jedi had promised to help… but she believed in his promise even less.
***
The four ships slowly lifted off and headed for orbit, where the Gozanti-class transports would embark on an eleven-day flight to Pantora.
The initial idea of equipping them with purely droid crews was quickly dismissed. In the end, by gathering some of the available and lightly wounded clones, as well as several "horseless" members of the vehicle crews, a team of eight clones per ship was formed. One hundred and twelve B-1 battle droids were loaded into the holds as a boarding and inspection detachment.
Appointing a clone lieutenant from the naval specialists as commander, I tasked him with flying to Pantora, contacting Senator Chuchi or the Assembly, and then patrolling the moon's orbit. In my message to the Pantorans, I noted that the aid had arrived at the request of Senator Chuchi and asked that the clones be provided with necessary supplies and food.
Although I initially doubted that I could pull it off, no one questioned my words. After all, the Grand Army was not only under the command of the Jedi Order — it was owned by it. So, a few words invoking the Order, and the clones silently obeyed.
Still, something tells me I'll get my comeuppance later — don't worry, Mom. Okay, the Force won't give me away, and the sarlacc won't eat me.
***
Asajj Ventress slowly stepped aside. The Jedi's body fell onto the frozen ground of the planet.
His padawan, clutching his lightsaber convulsively, stood frozen like an ice sculpture.
Dathomiri twirled the double-bladed sword she had assembled to replace her lost weapon.
"I sense your fear," the witch said, clouds of steam escaping her mouth with each word. "And also your anger. You want revenge, don't you?"
The insectoid let out a wild chirp and lunged at her. The woman's lips curved into a smile. How simple.
A minute later, she stepped over his body...