The clearing was alive again with activity. Grav-platforms moved supplies, medical units tended the wounded, and Ahsoka — Dust — hovered near, observing everything with that sharp gaze she always wore in battle.
Two J-1s lumbered forward with ponderous dignity, their armor plating catching the sunlight like small fortresses on legs.
Kinaun, who had remained silent since the Zabrak's arrival, finally spoke, bewilderment coloring his tone:
"General, why in the galaxy do you need this… junk?"
I grinned faintly, gesturing toward the towering droids.
"Oh, if I had at least four more of these," I said, pointing to the ground, "I'd put them right here—and take down all these Acclamators"—I gestured toward the cluster of ships overhead—"in ten minutes."
"They have that much firepower?" Captain Ragnos asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
"Yes," I replied. "They look clumsy, but they're dangerous even to fighters and bombers. And devastating against large ships and fixed targets. Honestly, we were fortunate the CIS command, instead of integrating them into a proper space defense system, decided to throw them at infantry. They delivered them straight into our hands."
Rinaun studied me carefully, a flicker of respect crossing his features.
"I've never seen their kind before, but now I understand," he said. "You know quite a bit about Separatist weaponry."
"I've had some experience," I replied vaguely, leaning back slightly. "What else could I say?"
Ahsoka, of course, couldn't resist.
"My teacher commanded troops in the very first battle on Geonosis!" she interjected, a gleam of pride in her eyes.
"Well… not exactly commanded, but yes, I was there," I admitted with a wry smirk. I could already see the flood of questions forming in the other commanders' minds.
Rinaun, eager to understand, leaned forward.
"General, would you mind sharing the details? We've only heard rumors. We'd like to hear more."
I exhaled slowly and began recounting the campaign, the assaults, the precision strikes, the risk calculations, and the moments when lives hung by the thinnest thread. Ethan hovered near the comm console, occasionally interjecting tactical data I had requested: ranges, effectiveness of ordnance, fire suppression fields, and the results of the *Terminus'* energy output simulations.
Ragnos, watching the J-1s move, added thoughtfully, "Deploying them in this formation? You'll cover both the ground approaches and protect against orbital bombardment. Their kinetic output alone is a game-changer."
"Exactly," I said. "They aren't just heavy hitters. They stabilize the front line. And their modular mounts make them versatile."
Ahsoka leaned closer, voice lowered with a hint of awe.
"Everyone calls him the mystery hero," Ragnos murmured, glancing at me. "He protected the Jedi and actually won the battle. Other Republic commanders saw it too. They confirmed it. But… the Order didn't acknowledge it. The Chancellor didn't even notice."
Rinaun frowned slightly. "They remained silent?"
"Not because of failure," I said. "Because they didn't pay attention. Politics and protocol blind them more than any Separatist fleet."
He nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of that.
Meanwhile, the transfer of ships was underway. Four Consulars, seventy V-19 Torrent starfighters, and the rescued Acclamator were reassigned to my command, while the remainder of the fleet went with Kinaun for consolidation and defensive posture.
"Ethan, plot the approach vector for the V-19 deployment and match the Consulars' jump coordinates," I instructed.
"Already calculated, sir," Ethan replied. "We can deploy all assets within thirty standard minutes and maintain orbital coverage until the next hyperspace entry."
I gave a curt nod, satisfied. "Good. Keep Ragnos advised. His experience in battle coordination may save us a few lives."
"Understood," Ethan confirmed, fingers moving across the holopad as if conducting an invisible symphony of starships.
Rinaun finally allowed a small, approving smile.
"You and your methods… unconventional, but effective," he said. "I will admit, I am impressed."
"Effectiveness," I corrected lightly, "trumps convention when survival is at stake."
Dust, standing nearby, gave a small, proud smile — finally allowing herself a hint of relief.
"Let's make sure the next engagement is worth the effort," I said, turning my gaze to the horizon where the fleet was now aligning.
Above us, the *Terminus* remained in orbit, silent but ready — the kyber reactor humming with latent power, a promise of controlled devastation should the battle demand it.
And for once, the Republic commanders at my side weren't questioning it. They were watching, and for now, that was enough.