**Palpatine** watched the discussion unfold with careful attention, though inwardly he grimaced.
What had begun as a minor situation threatened to grow into something far more troublesome.
Admittedly, **Padmé Amidala** had performed exactly as he expected. The moment she heard about the "suffering of peaceful citizens" and the "trampling of democracy," the Naboo senator immediately urged the **Jedi Council** to intervene.
Still, Palpatine could not help feeling disappointed.
The Council seemed to place humanitarian concerns above the far more significant matter—the **mountain of ore** waiting on **Jabiim**.
What could a single Jedi accomplish there?
Even with an entire clone corps.
There were over **a million Nationalists** on the planet alone. And no one truly knew how many battle droids the Separatists had deployed.
"Is there anything else we can do?" Palpatine asked thoughtfully.
"At the moment," **Shaak Ti** replied, "General Marek's forces are the closest available units in the sector. They are also among the most experienced."
She paused.
"However, within a few weeks we should be able to send additional Jedi reinforcements. Most likely **Obi-Wan Kenobi** and the young **Anakin Skywalker**."
"What about the elite clone units?" **Mace Windu** asked. "We intended to distribute them across the sectors."
"Yes," Shaak Ti nodded. "Some of them should already have reached **Coruscant**."
"Then send them with the fastest available transport," suggested **Kit Fisto**. "They could reach Lantilles within a day. I doubt Knight Marek will finish the campaign before then."
Before anyone could respond, a new hologram flickered into existence.
A clone officer appeared and saluted.
"Chancellor. Masters. General Dagon has arrived at Sector Headquarters."
"Excellent," Palpatine said smoothly.
"Connect him immediately."
---
A new hologram appeared beside the others.
The man who materialized looked no older than twenty-five, yet carried himself with a confidence that far exceeded his years.
Standing beside him was a young Togruta—clearly his Padawan.
Palpatine studied him closely.
*Strange…*
The Sith Lord possessed an extraordinary memory, yet he could not recall ever meeting this Jedi before.
The armor was even more intriguing.
Black with sections of white plating.
Ancient **Jedi symbols** were engraved into its surface—yet the overall design resembled the armor once worn by **Sith Marauders**.
The Council Masters clearly noticed the same thing.
None of them commented.
All except Windu.
Meanwhile the Jedi's gaze swept across the assembled holograms.
When his eyes reached the Chancellor, he paused for a brief moment before speaking.
"Chancellor. Honorable Council. I have prepared a report regarding—"
"General," Windu interrupted sharply, "that will not be necessary."
The Korun Master folded his arms.
"You have a new assignment that cannot be delayed."
"We will send the relevant orders to Sector Headquarters. You are granted broad authority to replenish your troops with recruits and equipment."
Dagon tilted his head slightly.
"And where exactly are we being sent?"
"Jabiim," replied **Plo Koon**.
The Jedi froze for a moment.
"Jabiim…"
Then he burst into a furious tirade in **Huttese**.
Palpatine easily translated the phrase in his mind.
*"Fucking Toydarian asshole. I'll skewer him on a central pin."*
Judging from the Council's reactions, the words had not gone unnoticed.
Dagon quickly switched back to Galactic Basic.
"Are you seriously planning to send us into that hole?"
"Why call it a hole?" asked **Ki-Adi-Mundi**, clearly surprised.
"Are you kidding?" Dagon replied.
"With ion storms ripping through the atmosphere it'll be a miracle if we don't lose a ship during landing. And air support? Forget it."
He gestured dismissively—and Palpatine noticed that his **left hand was a prosthetic**.
"Then there's the constant rain and mud," the Jedi continued. "Half our equipment will sink before we even deploy it. The only stable ground is on the plateaus—and there are barely a handful of those."
He continued without pause.
"And if I recall correctly, there's a full-scale civil war happening down there."
Dagon spread his hands.
"Are we absolutely sure it's worth sending us to that planet?"
"And yet, General," Windu replied coldly, "it is an order."
Shaak Ti cast him a brief disapproving glance.
"Jabiim contains massive deposits of strategic minerals," Windu continued. "The planet is currently under Separatist control. I trust I don't need to explain the consequences of that."
Dagon snorted.
Palpatine almost smiled.
"Oh, wonderful," the Jedi said dryly.
'Clones die for metal.' That changes everything."
At that moment Senator Amidala stepped forward.
"Knight Marek, as a Jedi you have a duty to intervene. The people of Jabiim are suffering. It is your responsibility to help them."
"With all due respect, Senator," Dagon replied, emphasizing the final word, "you may understand politics."
He tilted his head slightly.
"But I have serious doubts about your understanding of **military strategy**."
His tone dripped with sarcasm.
"And besides," he added, flexing the fingers of his prosthetic hand, "intervening in a civil war usually leads to… complications."
Padmé shot him a sharp glare.
"Is it not the duty of a Jedi to protect the defenseless citizens of the Republic?"
"Defenseless?" Dagon replied.
"Where exactly do you see defenseless people on Jabiim?"
He shrugged.
"It's one of the harshest planets in the Outer Rim. Only the strongest survive there."
Palpatine leaned back slightly.
*Interesting.*
*Very interesting.*
"You seem unusually well informed about the situation on the planet," he said casually.
He carefully watched the reactions of the Council.
Windu was frowning.
Shaak Ti and Plo Koon appeared sympathetic.
The others remained neutral.
And **Yoda**, as always, revealed nothing.
"Oh, I've picked up a few things here and there," Dagon replied.
"My former teacher mentioned some things. I learned the rest on my own."
"Knight Marek," Windu said firmly, "will you carry out the Council's orders?"
"Of course," Dagon replied calmly.
"I'll begin preparations immediately. I'll need at least a day to organize the fleet."
He paused.
Then added casually:
"Though frankly, a long campaign on Jabiim would be a waste of time."
The room grew quiet.
"If what we want is **Alto Stratus**," Dagon continued, "then the solution is simple."
"Capture him."
Several Council members leaned forward.
"If I capture Stratus and the senior members of his regime and bring them to **Coruscant** alive to stand trial," the Jedi continued, "then I request something in return."
Windu's expression darkened.
"And what exactly would that be?"
Dagon shrugged.
"A seat as **High Jedi General**."
The room erupted.
"That is outrageous!" Windu snapped.
Padmé looked equally shocked.
"You cannot seriously—"
Dagon continued calmly.
"A position that allows me to override certain Jedi commanders."
He gave the Council a pointed look.
"Some of them are… less useful than they believe."
Windu's anger was immediate.
Several other Masters looked deeply displeased.
But others remained silent.
Watching.
Judging.
Palpatine, however…
Found the entire situation **deeply amusing**.
A Jedi openly challenging the Council.
Demanding authority.
And showing absolutely no fear.
The Sith Lord leaned forward slightly.
"Well," the Chancellor said thoughtfully.
"If General Marek believes he can end the conflict that quickly… perhaps we should allow him to try."
Windu turned sharply toward him.
"Chancellor—"
Palpatine smiled gently.
"A wager, perhaps."
He looked directly at Dagon.
"Capture Alto Stratus and deliver him to Coruscant… and we shall discuss your promotion."
Silence filled the chamber.
The game had suddenly become far more interesting.