Three dozen Republic Fleet ships hung in defensive formation in orbit around the planet. Although, from a distance, the squadrons appeared perfectly ordered, a closer look revealed several missing vessels, and those present bore the scars of a recent battle.
In the command center of one of the Acclamators, Anakin stood with his Master and the squadron's command officers, waiting for a communication session with the Jedi Council. While the operators calibrated the equipment, Obi-Wan Kenobi listened closely to Admiral Arkani's report.
"…Forty Munificent-class frigates, three Recusants, and four Lucrehulks participated in the attack. As a result of the engagement, we lost four Acclamators and three frigates of various types. The enemy lost eight frigates and one Recusant-class light destroyer. However, they succeeded in covering the landing of their forces. According to our calculations, up to one hundred seventy C-9979 landing crafts descended to the planet."
"Do you have the landing coordinates?"
"Yes. Midshipman, bring up the map… Right… Here, General. These coordinates."
"Hmm. That's uncomfortably close to both the Cobalt and Shelter bases. In fact, it's less than a hundred kilometers from the latter."
"General Kenobi, we have contact with Coruscant!"
"Excellent. Put it on the main screen," Obi-Wan ordered.
"Master, do you think we'll return to the planet?" Anakin asked quietly.
"Most likely, yes. I intend to request the Council for reinforcements to turn the tide of battle in our favor… Still no contact with the surface?" he asked another operator.
"No, General Kenobi. There's heavy interference."
At last, the images of Masters Yoda and Windu, along with Chancellor Palpatine, appeared before them.
"Hello, Anakin. I am glad to see you safe and sound," Palpatine said warmly.
"Chancellor Palpatine," the young man was glad to see the one he considered his friend.
Obi-Wan also greeted the gathering and then briefly summarized the situation on the planet. After five minutes of briefing, he moved to the main issue.
"Honored Council, I—" Kenobi began, only to be interrupted by Master Windu.
"Master Kenobi. The circumstances are far from ideal, considering that you were forced to leave the planet, but that may, in fact, be advantageous."
"What do you mean?" Obi-Wan asked, surprised.
"We are preparing an offensive on Muunilinst," Windu explained, "and we wish to entrust you with leading the attack on this Separatist world."
"What about Jabiim?" Obi-Wan pressed.
"I believe Masters Sirrus, Leska, and Norcuna can manage the situation," Windu replied. "Your report shows they are performing quite competently in their roles as generals. However, it must be noted that your operation has taken longer than expected. We anticipated a different timetable."
"But I was going to request reinforcements for another landing on the planet…" Obi-Wan began.
"Unfortunately, it is not possible to send new clone troops—every reserves has already been committed to the Muunilinst campaign. And even then, the numbers are lower than anticipated. Moreover, it seems to me that there are more than enough troops already remain on Jabiim to secure control of the planet."
"But why us? Chancellor," Anakin leaned toward the screen, voice tight. "I can't leave my friends there, sir. They'll die!"
"I agree with my Padawan. The Jedi on the surface need our support," Obi-Wan agreed.
"I believe," Palpatine said, "that experienced Jedi such as Obi-Wan Kenobi—and you, Anakin Skywalker—are uniquely suited to lead this offensive. Besides, Anakin, this will also help the troops on Jabiim. The moment you arrive at the Separatists' most vital world,Muunilist, they will immediately rush to reinforce it at all costs. I believe they will lift the blockade of Jabiim and stop sending additional battle droids to the planet. Restoring order on the planet will become far easier for the Republic.
"I understand your concerns perfectly, Obi-Wan Kenobi—this is your first operation as a member of Jedi Council—but as a reasonable man, you must see that this decision is the most acceptable in this situation."
"A reasonable argument," the Korun Master agreed. "Furthermore, the scale of this operation requires the leadership of a Council-level Jedi, and all others are currently occupied with other tasks. Master Kenobi, depart for Coruscant immediately. Here you will join a squad deploying to Ord Mantell. That is where the headquarters of the Eighth Sector Army is located. From there, you will begin this campaign."
"But, perhaps someone else could—" Obi-Wan tried.
"There are no available Masters," the Korun interrupted firmly. "Master Fisto is currently on Dac, and Masters Ki-Adi-Mundi and Shaak Ti are in the Temple, recovering."
"What happened?" Kenobi asked.
"They were ambushed near Hypori. The Republic lost a dozen ships. The culprit behind this tragedy is General Grievous. He has proven far more dangerous than anticipated. We are relying on you, Master Kenobi."
"If that is the will of the Council…" Obi-Wan exhaled, resigned. "But still—is it possible to send the troops aboard the squadron ships to the surface?" Obi-Wan inquired.
"Out of the question. Without specialized aerosols to stabilize the atmospheric gaps, I won't risk sending my ships down. The rifts are too volatile and unpredictable," the admiral replied.
"And when will enough reagents be delivered?"
"In about a week. You see, such substances aren't common on Outer Rim worlds and must be shipped from systems closer to the Core. There is no local demand for them. And the price…" He spread his arms helplessly.
"Well, then. Admiral, prepare the squadron for departure. And inform the commander of the squadron remaining in orbit: establish contact with the surface as soon as possible."
"Yes, General. Will do."
"Master, do you think the Jedi remaining on the planet… will make it?"
"I hope so, but… I have a bad feeling about this."