Anakin stepped under the canopy, silently nodding to the assembled Jedi. There weren't as many of them as last time. Far fewer. Anakin thought this battle was dragging on a bit. All their previous missions had been quicker and more successful. And then there was this damn rain…
The situation was extremely serious. Obi-Wan was talking quietly with Master Leska aboutsomething, while Sirrus was speaking with Gillmun. Several clones standing next to the tactical table were making adjustments, moving markers and shifting squad indicators.
"Anakin, you're late," Kenobi said disapprovingly.
"I'm sorry, Master."
The man sighed heavily.
"Now that we're all here, let's begin the briefing. As you know, we've suffered a setback. The enemy has managed to halt the advance of our troops, and we're stuck in this position. So—what are our losses?"
"We've lost eight Jedi, at least 130,000 clones, and a considerable amount of military equipment. The ring around Choal has been broken, and we'll have to start all over again. In short, our forces have been halved since the landing, and we haven't even completed half of the original plan," said Norcuna, standing directly opposite Anakin.
Kenobi frowned. Anakin sensed he was weighing some kind of decision inside.
"Then it's time to move on to a new plan. A few hours ago, we detected a distress signal coming from the area where Master Jis-Ilova's troops were last seen. Anakin and I are going there. It's here, near the city of Zilad, on the mainland of Arlessar. We'll cross the isthmus south of the capital. We need to reach this area as soon as possible," Kenobi said, tracing one of the marked zones on the map with his finger, "and provide support to Master Jis-Ilova."
"How do you plan to reach this place quickly? It's at least 1,700 kilometers away," asked Master Sirrus.
"I've already thought about that. Knight Vikt—"
"Yes, Master Kenobi?" he replied, looking intently at Obi-Wan.
"Your squad has been here for quite some time and has suffered significant losses… so I think you should take a short respite. The Shelter base will be under your responsibility. We will distribute your equipment, including the wheeled armored vehicles, among my squad and the squads of Masters Leska, Sirrus, and Norcuna. After the vehicle deliver you to your new position, it will take the former garrison of the base onboard and return here."
"Um, Kenobi, have you lo—"
"This is not up for discussion, Knight Vikt."
Anakin crossed his arms over his chest. It seems Vikt doesn't like this decision… Although… I understand him—sitting in the rear, at the base, while others are advancing…
"Something tells me this isn't all the good news?" Vikt asked.
Instead of Obi-Wan, Dara Leska spoke.
"Yes. We are also taking your Padawan squad. They will receive a unit of clones and take part in the capture of the capital."
"They're not ready to command. Not yet…" Vikt shook his head.
"First and foremost, they are Jedi, and it is their duty to lead the clones. We have no other Jedi—many have fallen, and the Padawans are sitting idle with you. This way, they will be of real use," Dara replied.
"Is that also an order?" Vikt asked coldly.
"Yes," Leska replied.
Anakin watched the Jedi closely. For a few moments, he thought the man was about to object—Anakin could clearly sense his irritation. He himself sometimes succumbed to his emotions, but this was the first time he had encountered such an unrestrained reaction from another Jedi. Vikt's gaze, fixed on the woman, was practically burning. Yet unexpectedly, he exhaled quietly and said:
"Fine. Then I wash my hands of it. The only thing is, Zule Xiss has not yet recovered from her wounds. Or—"
"Let her finish her treatment. When she's ready, send her to me," Leska replied.
Kenobi hastened to continue.
"Now let's move on to the plan to storm the capital. According to information provided by Captain Gillmun, Alto Stratus is currently in the capital. Master Norcuna, you will begin the main offensive from the east, concentrating fifty thousand clones on that sector. Master Leska, you will attack the entire remaining front, except for the northern side. Although your strike will serve more as a distraction than a full assault, if you achieve success, develop it immediately. You will have one hundred thousand clones at your disposal. The Padawans will take command of the clone units in Master Leska's squad."
"Master Sirrus, you will be responsible for the northern sector, and you must also assist the clone detachment defending the city of Daireen. They are currently under attack, and the city is surrounded. Anakin and I will take ten thousand clones and move out according to plan to assist Jis-Ilova. Now… Orlis, we will need your help. How many fighters can you field?"
Gillmun sighed heavily.
"Seventy thousand. If you provide weapons, we can raise another twenty to twenty-five thousand."
"Excellent. Then your forces will join Masters Norcuna and Leska. We will need guides, and we certainly won't refuse your help in battle."
"We're ready for anything, as long as we can get rid of that usurper Stratus," said the Jabiimi.
"Excellent. Is the plan clear to everyone?"
"Yes," Sirrus nodded.
"Perhaps, in that case, we will succeed," said the Twi'lek.
Anakin heard a note of doubt in his voice.