The fleet had returned to Lantilles and, for the first time in days, we had a short break to refuel and resupply.
**Ahsoka Tano** and I were sitting in one of the *Terminus* dining rooms, attempting to enjoy what passed for an early breakfast.
If you could even call this sludge breakfast.
And enjoyable? Not even close.
I poked at the grey mass on my tray with a fork.
"Remind me again why the Republic Navy can build planet-killing warships but can't make decent food?"
Ahsoka grinned.
"Because clones eat anything."
Before I could respond, a clone officer entered the room with quick, purposeful steps. His armor markings identified him as a lieutenant from the ship's crew.
He stopped beside our table and snapped a sharp salute.
"General!"
"Yes, Lieutenant?"
"You are urgently requested at headquarters, sir!"
I frowned slightly.
"What happened? Did they finally restore communications?"
"Yes, sir!" the clone replied. "The **Jedi Council** has reestablished contact. They're waiting for your report. Your turn in the briefing is coming up shortly."
"Damn…" I muttered, glancing down at my half-eaten tray.
My terrible breakfast.
Ruined.
"All right," I said, standing. "Get the shuttle ready."
"It's already prepared, General. Second hangar."
"Good work, Lieutenant."
The clone saluted again before leaving.
I sighed heavily and looked down at my tray.
"It's terrible food," I muttered. "But it was *my* terrible food."
Then I pushed the tray away.
"Come on, Snips."
Ahsoka jumped up immediately.
"Yes, Master!"
"And try not to embarrass me in front of the Council."
She folded her arms and squinted at me.
"When have I *ever* embarrassed you?"
I raised an eyebrow.
"…Are you joking again?!"
I shrugged.
"Eh. That wasn't fun at all."
"Master!"
She groaned dramatically.
"Come up with something new!"
"Fine, fine. You win."
I chuckled as we stepped into the corridor.
"Second hangar…" I muttered. "Left turn, then the turbolift down."
---
## Senate Building – Coruscant
Inside one of the Senate's many conference chambers, **Palpatine**, **Mace Windu**, and **Padmé Amidala** were already deep in discussion.
Gradually, the remaining members of the **Jedi Council** joined via hologram.
Soon the chamber was filled with shimmering blue projections.
The subject was clear.
**Jabiim**.
"Jabiim lies deep within territory controlled by the Separatists," Windu said calmly. "Launching an operation there would be extremely risky."
"When has that ever stopped us?" **Eeth Koth** replied with a shrug.
"Besides," he added, "one side of the sector borders **Hutt Space**, which remains neutral for now."
"This territory falls under the jurisdiction of the **Twelfth Sector Army**," **Yoda** announced.
"The forces of that sector must solve this problem."
Palpatine folded his hands thoughtfully.
"I trust the Council intends to assign several Jedi to this mission?"
"Undoubtedly, Chancellor," **Ki-Adi-Mundi** replied.
"We cannot allow such valuable mineral resources to fall into Separatist hands."
Padmé nodded firmly.
"According to our intelligence, part of the population still supports the Republic," she said.
"They're already fighting against **Alto Stratus** and his nationalist forces. The situation has escalated into a full civil war."
Her voice hardened.
"Stratus' regime is committing atrocities. Entire communities have been wiped out. The Republic cannot ignore this."
"Unfortunately," Ki-Adi-Mundi replied, "the war has stretched our resources thin. We would need at least two or three weeks to assemble enough Jedi for such an operation."
"We don't have that time," **Even Piell** said sharply.
He glanced at the data displayed on his datapad.
"The first CIS cargo convoys are already preparing to jump into the system. They'll deliver industrial equipment and begin shipping the ore immediately."
The room fell silent.
Then **Shaak Ti** spoke.
"I believe we may have a solution."
Several Council members turned toward her.
"What do you mean, Master Ti—" **Plo Koon** began.
Then he paused.
His eyes narrowed slightly as he examined the same report Shaak Ti was reading.
"Ah…"
He nodded slowly.
"You are referring to **Jedi Knight Dagon Marek**."
Shaak Ti inclined her head.
"Correct, Master Plo."
She gestured toward the report.
"According to the latest transmission from **Lantilles**, his squadron is currently stationed there. After the defense of the fuel refinery and the battle of **Va'aart**, his forces have returned to base for resupply following the liberation of **Kashyyyk**."
Several members of the Council exchanged uneasy glances.
The general had taken his fleet to Kashyyyk **without authorization**.
Yet the outcome had been undeniable.
The Wookiees now hailed him as their hero.
And publicly reprimanding him after such a victory would be… politically disastrous.
Still…
The name **Starkiller** echoed uncomfortably in the minds of several Jedi.
It was not a name that suited a Jedi Knight.
**Oppo Rancisis** leaned forward.
"Interesting," the serpentine Jedi murmured.
He studied another data file.
"It appears a convoy from **Kuat** and **Rothana** will soon arrive in the sector."
He tapped the display.
"The shipment includes reinforcements, supplies… and several pieces of experimental equipment."
Rancisis looked up.
"I believe it would be reasonable to grant General Marek the authority and resources necessary to launch an immediate operation on Jabiim."
Mace Windu crossed his arms thoughtfully.
"He's already in position…"
Yoda nodded slowly.
"Hmm. Sense, this makes."
Palpatine smiled faintly.
"Then it appears we have our solution."
Windu activated the communications console.
"We will contact Sector Headquarters immediately."
He glanced toward the incoming transmission list.
"Knight Marek should be arriving for his report right about now."
The meeting continued.
And somewhere in the Lantilles system…
A shuttle carrying the man now known across the Holonet as **Starkiller** descended toward the base.