Well, we sure stirred up trouble… Nearly five hundred pirates had been taken prisoner. The clones performed flawlessly—there were no losses. The base was destroyed, and Ahsoka, barely containing her excitement, enthusiastically talked about how "cool" the Neti was. Masters Tholme and the Dark Woman were now immersed in bacta tanks in the ship's medical bay. Even her vaunted teleportation abilities hadn't helped her—and you can't exactly jump around with a stalactite lodged in your hip. Besides, she would never have abandoned Tholme; that simply wasn't the Jedi way.
The report about the base on the northern slope of the mountain had turned out to be a trap set by Aurra Sing. The mercenary herself was now resting in solitary confinement, bound in heavy shackles. All that remained was to smooth out the details…
We were in the capital of Devaron, inside the palace, negotiating with the planet's ruler. However, Ahsoka and I were present purely for appearances—the actual negotiations were being conducted by Aayla Secura and Tra'Saa. Besides the Jedi, the hall contained an elderly Devaronian woman seated on the throne, a dozen horned guards, and two of them holding a young Devaronian woman whose hands were shackled.
"…Now you must understand why we did not inform you before the raid, Madam President. May I inquire as to your intentions regarding Vien'Sai'Malloc?"
"I am a senator of the Republic! I demand to be tried by senators! It is my right! Don't leave me here!" the traitorous senator screamed, struggling in the grip of two burly Devaronian guards.
"Devaron will deal with Sai'Malloc. She betrayed her people. We have the right and the authority to judge her. You did everything that was necessary, and we will do the same. Agreed?"
"Yes. You are within your rights…" Secura nodded.
"No! No! I demand Republican justice, not a trial on Devaron! Republican justice!" the Devaronian woman shouted as the guards dragged her out of the hall.
"…However, the Republic is concerned about the activities of the Separatists and their agents in this region and on your planet, Madam President. Therefore, we will station a clone garrison here and assign a Jedi," the Twi'lek concluded calmly.
"And what of the mercenary involved in the death of Elsah'Sai'Moro?"
"She is wanted. The Jedi have been searching for her for a long time, so she will be imprisoned in a Republic facility. Life imprisonment—her crimes are far too serious."
The president remained silent. Apparently, that answer satisfied her.
"Thank you. Our forces are insufficient for defense, especially in light of recent events, so I would like to ask for your assistance."
"Yes. We intend to station a garrison on the planet."
"I believe the Temple of Edith would be ideal for your needs. It lies far from the cities, and in the event of an attack, the civilian population will not be endangered…"
***
The Jedi Council listened attentively to the report delivered by Jedi Master Luminara Unduli.
"We have managed to retake the planets Dubrava, Arami, and Altor. At the same time, we lost Tammuz-An, Clantaano, Rinn, and Droxu. A dangerous situation is developing on Nadiem and Aduba. We do not have enough ships and troops," the Mirialan said with a weary sigh. "The scale of the conflict is too great. In addition, General Grievous's squadron is operating in this sector. At the very least, we sighted his flagship."
Adi Gallia leaned forward.
"I request permission to go to Master Unduli's aid."
"Granted," Ki-Adi-Mundi replied. "We cannot ignore the threat posed by Grievous."
"Then I will depart immediately with my squadron!"
"Do we still have any units available?" asked Even Piell.
"I believe Aayla Secura has completed her assignment…" began Saesee Tiin.
"But she is currently engaged in negotiations on Devaron," Plo Koon corrected him.
"Then let her remain there. However, Vikt's squadron is not needed on Devaron at all."
"Contact them we must ," Yoda said.
After several minutes, the Jedi on Devaron answered the call.
"Master Saa, how are matters proceeding?"
"The negotiations are going well."
"We intend to send Vikt's squad to assist Master Luminara. Can you accompany him?"
"No. I will remain on Devaron for some time. I need to monitor the condition of Masters Tholme and the Dark Woman."
"Very well, Master Saa," Mace Windu nodded. "Then Knight Vikt, depart immediately to assist Master Luminara."
The Jedi's hologram nodded in silent acknowledgment.
Notes:P@treon: /SadRaven
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