I received a notification alongside my latest intelligence briefing that I was to promote Captain Faxe Strom to the Senior Captaincy of the 347th Outer Rim Section and promote Lieutenant Commander Mi-Kus to Junior Captain of the Little Revenge, The officers badges had apparently arrived with me, but the orders had been slightly delayed after and argument about who was actually the most senior Captain in the Section. I was incredibly happy. It meant I wouldn’t have to do as much paperwork and that I could officially delegate more of the day to day running of both commands. I quickly notify both of them and inform them that they would be receiving the benefits of the full ceremony, even if it was without the officers’ ball, reception and family members.

  I had part of the hangar cleared out on the Little Revenge, which annoyed the new technicians and the fighter pilots, but they kept quiet when I informed them of the purpose and a promise of extended rest for all but an unlucky few after the ceremony finished.

  R4 received a deep cleaning that morning, since I had set aside the day for the ceremony and following celebration. Finally I assemble my uniform, everything well polished and cleaned. When I march down to the hangar to make last minute adjustments I found the entire room clean and with a small stage already assembled. I congratulate a couple officers for their excellent work and adjust my gloves while admiring the area.

  Strom’s shuttle docks with the Little Revenge and he receives the questionable honor of being lead down to the hangar by R4 and a clone trooper escort while Mi-Kus was lead down to the hangar by Captain Chain and another escort of clones. The both of them arrive around the same time to find part of the hangar filled with crew members, clones and arms-men in parade formation at either side of the primary elevator. I stood opposite the elevator with Lieutenant Rio, from the Little Revenge's arms-men detachment, on my left holding the case with their rank badges.

  The two officers approach in a march while R4 puts on Glory to the Navy. The two men finish climbing the few stairs onto the platform by the time the tune has petered out. The two men salute me and I return the gesture.

  “Congratulations. I have the explicit honor of promoting you two to the rank of Senior Captain and Junior Captain respectively on behalf of the Navy and Republic. Are there any objections?” I wait a moment before continuing, “Excellent.”

  I remove the badge from Strom, then Mi-Kus, placing them below the new badges in the case the Lieutenant is holding. I remove the Senior Captain’s badge and pin it to Strom’s uniform, give him a salute and shake his hand before turning around and repeating the motions with Mi-Kus.

  “Thank, you for the honor of promoting you two. May the Maker preserve you and may the Navy keep you in her cold embrace. LONG LIVE THE REPUBLIC!” I finish with a joyous shout to the crowd.

  “LONG LIVE THE REPUBLIC!” Comes the returning chorus and I don’t think anything could have wiped the smile off of my face at that moment.

  Discipline breaks down barely three seconds later with the more senior officers swarming to congratulate the recently promoted while the crew not so sneakily break out the definitely contraband bottles of technicians’ moonshine and technically permitted bottles of beer. I had informed the officers to turn a blind eye to it today. A good celebration was a wonderful tool to improve morale after all. I wouldn’t be surprised if at least half the ship had hangovers next rotation.

  I myself remove myself from the officers after a few minutes and start to move among the crew. I grab a half empty bottle of technicians’ moonshine someone had dropped and began drinking something with the taste of ration bar mixed with ethanol. It was disgusting, I loved it. I pass the bottle to a disgruntled looking ensign and continue moseying around the gaggles of crew enjoying the impromptu celebration.

  I pass along a couple crew egging on a Clone arm wrestling an arms-man over a crate of fuel cells while a different crate is being used for a game of Sabacc with a mix of alcohol and credits being used for bets. A very unlucky Clone was about to loose his horde on his current hand and was seemingly oblivious to it. This was why I stopped gambling fairly, too many damn risks unless you stacked the deck. Though I suppose being in the Navy is usually riskier. I scoff at the thought, it may not be safe, but I had a lot more control over naval operations than in a game of Sabacc.

  I continue to the crowded fighters and LAATs. One pilot was happily painting a large bottle-naid on the side of his LAAT with the current date while taking a swig from a bottle of moonshine. I admire the paint-job the pilot is doing as I continue through the fighters. An R5 astromech is also enjoying a new paint-job from two clones I think I can recognize as Sergeants Crash and Teight. I laugh to myself as I return to the officers. Times like these would be remembered fondly, even when everything turned to shit.

  My first guess was right. I had avoided most of the alcohol and woke up with only a mild hangover. Most of the crew were less lucky I saw at least a couple men either forgetting to salute me while I was marching up to the bridge or doing so sloppily. I simply smile at the bunch and finish walking to the bridge. Mi-Kus is standing there still riding the high of his promotion or slightly drunk, at this point I can’t tell.

  “I did arrive with new orders, Captain.” I say to grab the man’s attention, “We are to begin preparations for further advances towards the World of Iego and to recapture Sy Myrth from Separatist occupation. I will want an advisory briefing on my desk tomorrow, I’ll work on the updated logistical request after I’ve received your report while making adjustments for Jedi General Koth’s Standfast and the 243rd Battalion.”

  I receive a nod and the man leaves the bridge. I smile while looking at the stars. The view was worth all the stress and fear. I turn to the tactical display and motion for someone to change it to the local galactic level. At this point I would be surprised if anyone in this ship was a traitor and with the relaxed atmosphere today I doubt anyone would write a formal complaint about my slight break in procedure.

  I take a sip of caff while marking planets and systems down in different colors. Red for C.I.S. and blue for Republic. I start adding small cruiser and frigate insignia in the Republic systems followed by the infrastructure. I add two Dreadnought insignia and a handful of frigate insignia in white on Dac for the local Planetary defense force. I then add five red cruisers at Targonn.

  I add a blue arrow from Hutt space for our primary supply line. The red coloring of Ringo Vinda eventually drew my attention. We had only recently lost the world due to the Separatists launching a surprise attack on the shipyard, forcing the local militias to surrender when the primary economic infrastructure of their world was held hostage against them. Whoever controlled the ring controlled the world. That was something to consider for future engagements there.

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  Iego was blank. The Separatists hadn’t bothered returning yet. The many moons could easily be used to hide anti-orbital batteries. Ion cannons would probably be best, disable the ships and let them drift into one of the many moons or get crushed by the asteroid belts. It would be cheaper than a full anti-orbital array, though the planet would likely still need a planetary shield for any debris.

  I suppose I should request more garrisons, especially with so many damn worlds between Dac and Baros not having much of a orbital defense force. Especially a force that could hold off even a proper Separatist cruiser section. I sigh and note that down on my datapad again. At some point the Navy would realize that if it wasn't for me being even slightly competent and scaring the droids we might have lost everything between Lothal and Mantan. Karking Idioten without a single Idee that could actually win this verdammter Krieg.

  I sigh again and return my attention to the tactical display. Sy Myrth allegedly had a large garrison. However according to Republic intelligence there was only five Fantail destroyers and a handful of Munificents there. Hondo had somehow picked up on that and moved to attack the system. He did end up destroying a Munificent there, one of thirteen and almost been ensnared by the additional ten Fantails in system. He had allegedly barged into Luis’ office after requesting permission to dock with the Dagger after returning to collect his bounty and finding out I was not in system. What a karking mess.

  But still, with General Koth we should be able to assemble a proper taskforce of two or three squadrons and from there we should be able to outmaneuver them in system, even if they were further reinforced. It would be costly, but once the Jedi General realized the impossibility of seizing the world we would be able to pull back through Handooine and on through the lightly garrisoned Ash Worlds without too much of a fuss. Even if they reinforced every hyperspace chokepoint within the sector we would be able to deal with it thanks to a likely fighter supremacy and better maneuverability of my ships. I outline the system in a pale purple. Best to make plans early. I needed more ground forces and more ships at this rate. I wonder if I could get some Mon Cala volunteers? Probably not, especially with the special needs of the world's natives.

  Damn why does everything keep coming back to manpower. I sigh and consider the likelihood of getting a regiment or two of volunteer infantry to assist in any military occupations that will inevitably come up. The answer would probably be somewhere between a no and hysterical laughter.

  Honestly the next couple weeks are almost relaxing in the way that returning to a rhythm is. R4 has apparently found the astromech of Sergeant Cash and Teight and also wants a new paint job. I have been putting it off because of the report writing I’ve been doing. The 159th should be returning to Dac in a couple days. I had already sent the Dagger, Falchion and Teardrop to escort them back the rest of the way.

  I was happily sipping a cup of caf early in the rotation when I receive an alert. It would probably be a delay from Senior Captain Hugh. Geonosis had just fallen to Republic forces so it wasn’t unexpected for the new garrison to be requisitioning resources or the invasion forces to resupply from the local supply hubs.

  “I’ll take it here, Sergeant Slas.” I say as I hand the cup to R4 and move towards the edge of the holo display. It takes a moment, but I am greeted by Jedi High General Koon. I snap a quick salute and motion for R4 to grab Captain Mi-Kus.

  “Jedi High General Koon.” I begin, “A pleasure. What can I be of assistance with?”

  “I am afraid to say, Master Eith Koth has recently been defeated by General Grievous. You are being called to a meeting at the Jedi Temple to discuss the next steps.”

  “He’s dead, sir?” I ask. So far only a few Jedi survived Grievous, let alone survived being defeated by the cyborg.

  “We believe, not. Here are the access codes. As Master Koth’s highest ranking subordinate currently available you are to join the meeting.”

  “What of Clone Commander Lock?” I ask.

  “He and the majority of his men have survived the encounter and will be evacuated from the Arda system by my men.”

  I blink in surprise, why the Hells was General Koth in the Arda system? I nod anyway and begin giving my orders: “I want Junior Captain Mi-Kus here now, bring the currently available ships of the squadron to primary readiness, we may be moving out soon. I want all non essential bridge crew dismissed. Sergeant Slas I would like us to be commend into the Jedi Temple within two minutes, if possible.”

  The crew know who I mean and a series of lower officers and supporting crew leave the bridge while Mi-Kus enters, R4 trailing behind him and egging him on with her whistles.

  “Your droid does not understand the meaning of give me a minute, does it?” He complains.

  “She does not.” I answer, “General Koth has been defeated by Grievous we are being linked to the Jedi Temple to discuss this. Commander Lock, yes the one I mentioned needing a promotion, he got it, is currently pending pick up. I will be doing most of the talking on our end, if you have something important best ask me first.”

  “So usual operations for higher ups.” He snarks.

  “Yes, the usual.” I reply.

  “Broadcasting in three, two, one.” I hear Slas say. I turn to see the holoprojector begin to display a round table alongside a multitude of Jedi Generals. I recognize Master Koon and Master Fisto immediately. Master Kenobi and Knight Skywalker are also easily identifiable, as is Grand Master Yoda and master Windu. The concerning thing is the amount of children I can barely make out in the background.

  “Generals, I am sorry to say I was unaware of the lack of profile for this briefing.” I say waiting for some kind of response on the half a dozen children in their conference hall.

  Master Yoda is the one to respond to my questioning: “Learn the ways of the galaxy somehow, the Younglings must, Commodore.”

  “Of course, sir. My apologies.” I answer back. I think I recognize Master Unduli, Adi Gallia and Ki-Adi-Mundi as well.

  “Play the video, now you should.” The ancient Jedi says and the display of Jedi is exchanged for a red holograph of General Grievous mocking the Jedi Order and using my superior as a prop. I tilt my head to the side, it’s not a very original threat and certainly a poor jest. What is the purpose of this?

  I’m still thinking about why in the nine Hells Grievous would do such a thing let alone send it to the Jedi order when the image returns to the chamber and Master Yoda sends the Younglings away. Maybe it was just gloating? Seems a tad unnecessary, he could just as easily flay the poor bastard alive if he was looking to commit a war crime anyway. He even said he’d make it painful. Why gloat while the target is still alive?

  Skywalker puts the thoughts of the council succinctly: “It’s time someone finally put an end to that monster.”

  “On that agreed we are. How to find him the question remains.” Master Yoda replies.

  I notice Commander Wolffe approaching Master Koon and whispering something to him.

  “After engaging Grievous we lost contact with Master Koth. He could be anywhere.” Kenobi says.

  “Commander Wolffe has found a message in the holotransmission, play back the message.” Master Koon says.

  The message replays with Skywalker pointing out the now obvious handsignals.

  “I admit my skills are rusty, but … Saleucami system. Sector J-19 080529.” Master Kenobi decrypts.

  “Selucami, but intelligence reports Grievous has no ships near that sector.” Master Gallia exclaims.

  “Yes, but so often false, our intelligence is.” Master Yoda says.

  I speak up at that: “Navy Intelligence has recently reported a small task-force returning towards the Separatist heartlands from the Gordian Reach. It would not be too much of a leap of logic to believe they turned at Rhen Var or Felucia and headed further south.”

  Kenobi takes the lead: “I shall go.”

  Skywalker follows up: “So will I.”

  Master Gallia finishes with: “And I”

  “My Squadron is more than willing to support the rescue effort of our superior officer.” I add.

  “We should assemble a taskforce locally if at all possible.” Skywalker starts.

  “I’m sure the locals will be pleased about that.” Kenobi counters.

  I cough slightly at that. Accidentally drawing attention to myself. Mi-Kus is smirking at me from outside of the frame while I speak: “Sirs, unless you intend on fighting a force able to defeat the Standfast alongside two frigates so thoroughly as to board the Standfast, I do not believe the local forces would be even close to enough.”

  “What are you implying, Commodore.” Master Gallia presses.

  “Generals, Jedi High General Koth’s unit were our reinforcements. After my repeated requests to add ships to the local defenses to allow my unit more free range despite our larger defensive duties. We have received a few ships and a few militia units have formed as garrisons, but two Dreadnought class, an Acclamator with only a squadron of fighters and an Arquitens alongside at best four frigates, three corvettes and an additional fighter and bomber squadron will not be enough.” I say demurely.

  “We could pull some ships on our way there.” Kenobi suggests.

  “If you’re gathering strength from the Core you’ll probably want to head along the Perlimian Trade Route. My forces are more than willing to cut off any enemy retreat.” I say.

  “We can’t simply do pitched battle here.” Skywalker says, “We need to make sure Master Koth is secured before the Separatist forces can pull back.”

  “We could use a shuttle to board the vessel during the engagement.” Kenobi proposes and I’ve come to the stark realization that Kenobi and Skywalker are both insane.

  “And use a light cruiser to get the command ship stuck in place.” Skywalker continues.

  “We would require quite a bit of bait. I suppose I will have to do.” Kenobi says with a faux sigh. They really are insane. How have neither of them been wiped out or court-martialed if this is the type of planning they’re doing?

  “We should be able to arrive within the week.” Master Gallia says.

  “Then leave, you should. Haste you should make, save our lost councilor you must.” Master Yoda says and the meeting is definitely over now.