Captain Koro Williams hurried toward the observation bridge of section G-23. A few minutes earlier, a message had arrived on his datapad informing him that a "buyer" had arrived at the station—that was the local colloquial term for those who came here for new ships and starfighters, infantry, and cargo. Often, they were Jedi, but Koro didn't care who he fought under. Outwardly calm, he was jubilant inside. Soon he would go to war. And he would be able to avenge… his father.
His father was Antidar Williams, a pilot and officer of the Judicial Forces. After volunteering for fleet duty, Williams fought bravely in several engagements at Troiken and was later accepted into the Judicial Forces proper. After several years of service, Antidar was promoted to lieutenant and became the pilot of a Consular-class corvette named Acceptance. At the helm of his ship, Williams fought for the Republic in the Battle of Galidraan and during the Yinchorri Uprising. As a child, Koro loved listening to his stories. After losing the Acceptance to the Yinchorri, Williams began piloting passenger shuttles. It was then that the Williams family experienced the happiest period of their lives.
When Koro was fourteen, his father returned to service. And in that same year, he died… or rather, he was killed—treacherously.
The Jedi had hoped to negotiate peacefully with the Trade Federation, which had imposed a blockade on the peaceful planet of Naboo. But... the mission ended with the deaths of Lieutenant Williams and Captain Madakor, when the Trade Federation destroyed their ship, the Radiant VII.
Koro remembered Maoi Madakor well—she had been a frequent guest in their home. A young, smiling woman… and then they were gone. Killed. And the killers were never held accountable. That was when Koro made his decision—he would take revenge. He would destroy those damned Neimoidians.
Despite his mother's protests, after completing his primary education, he followed in his father's footsteps and became a pilot. Then came the Academy, followed by routine service in the backwaters of the galaxy. And then the war broke out. And Koro—Midshipman Koro—realized that this was his chance. He threw all his skill and determination into pursuing that goal, and his efforts were rewarded.
Now, six months later, he was the captain of one of the most powerful ships currently in service with the Republic fleet. At a glance, it resembled an Acclamator, but it was not. Two additional reactors took their place in the landing bays, consuming most of the available space. The troop complement was reduced from sixteen thousand to just over three thousand, and the hangar could now accommodate only sixteen aircraft. On the other hand, the ship was far more heavily armed. Instead of twelve quad turbolaser batteries, the Persuasive mounted twenty-four such batteries, and the number of rapid-fire artillery emplacements had increased to forty-eight. The ship could now fight on equal terms with any other CIS vessel. Koro gave the ship a new name — Resolute — as a sign of his intentions…
Stepping out of the turbolift, the captain noticed a group of sentient beings standing some distance away. In front of them stood the local administrator, Prefect Marcus D'Jack, explaining something animatedly. These must be our "buyers," Koro thought as he headed toward them. Other officers followed him out of the turbolifts—naval officers, pilots, militiamen, and others—all moving in the same direction.
Approaching and saluting, Koro let out a silent whistle. Judging by the reactions of the other officers, they were just as surprised. The "customers" turned out to be a rather interesting group.
Two Jedi—a Master and a Padawan, most likely—a young man with a combative, menacing air (his prosthetic left arm, extending up to the shoulder, was particularly striking), and a Togruta girl at his side—his Padawan. It was practically impossible to mistake Jedi for anyone else. Beside them stood four officers, all quite young—roughly Koro's age—and two clones: one a line commander, the other of indeterminate role, with a distinctly independent look about him. And as a final touch, standing nearby was a B-1 battle droid painted in Republic colors—white and red. Altogether, the group made a strong impression.
They look like fighters, Koro noted. Their uniforms are still the old pattern, their insignia too. That means they've just come off the front and are being thrown straight back into battle. That means they're good. They'll do.
The Jedi turned toward the Rodian colonel, who nodded silently. The man stepped forward.
"Now that everyone is here, let's begin. I am Mikore Vikt, Jedi General. This is Jedi Commander Ahsoka Tano. The men behind me are my officers: First Lieutenants Li Noriega and Cerri, and Second Lieutenants Mirro and O'Connor. These fellows are Marshal Commander Blam and Captain Puck. This pile of scrap metal is Tinman, my adjutant. And now, as for you— from this moment on, you—your ships, fighters, and squadrons—are under my command."
The Jedi studied them expectantly, and Koro stepped forward.
"Sir, allow me to introduce myself: Captain Koro Williams, commanding officer of the assault ship Resolute."
The others began to introduce themselves after him…