As soon as the *Terminus* settled into orbit above Lantilles, a priority transmission came through.
Commander Kinaun appeared on the holoprojector.
"General Marek, report to sector headquarters immediately."
I exhaled quietly. "Understood, Commander. We're on our way."
The projection faded.
"Well," I muttered, "if we must, we must. At least we'll learn what High Command wants from us now."
I turned.
"Captain Ragnos!"
"Yes, General?"
"Will the new recruits manage loading the remaining salvage containers?"
"They'll handle it, sir."
"Good. Maintain oversight."
I glanced toward my Padawan.
"Ahsoka, are you coming?"
She straightened instantly. "Yes, Master. How could I miss this?"
---
### Sector Headquarters
We boarded a shuttle and descended toward the orbital command complex. Kinaun's transport had already arrived. He and Dittmar waited near the entrance, and together we entered the main tactical chamber.
The room fell quiet.
Several naval officers stood at attention. At the center table were three Jedi—two Masters and a Knight.
Obi-Wan Kenobi studied a sector map with calm focus.
Beside him stood his Padawan, Anakin Skywalker, arms folded, observing everything with sharp intensity.
Near them, Adi Gallia spoke quietly with Moff Terbon.
All eyes turned as we entered.
Three naval officers.
A Zabrak captain.
A Jedi Knight in blue armor partially concealed beneath his cloak.
And a young Togruta Padawan at his side.
We approached the central table. Officers saluted; the Jedi offered restrained nods.
Moff Terbon did not waste time.
"Commander Kinaun. Report."
Kinaun exchanged a brief glance with Dittmar and me before speaking.
"Sir. Upon arrival in Togoria's orbit, General Marek assisted Commander Dittmar in destroying the primary CIS fleet. My squadron intercepted and eliminated incoming reinforcements attempting to outnumber them. The salvage vessels you dispatched have secured priority materials and should be returning shortly."
Terbon nodded once.
"Casualties?"
"Acceptable," Dittmar replied firmly. "Fifty fighters from Southeast Squadron. No capital ships lost."
The Moff's gaze shifted to me.
"General Marek. Anything to add?"
I cleared my throat lightly.
"Yes. I made a tactical decision independent of the initial operational outline. I captured the ruler who orchestrated the coup on Togoria. He is currently detained aboard the *Terminus*. I advise immediate transfer to Coruscant for formal prosecution."
A slight stir moved through the room.
"Without centralized leadership," I continued evenly, "the likelihood of further CIS reinforcement is significantly reduced. I recommend we allow the political situation on Togoria to destabilize naturally before committing additional ground forces. At present, we should not need to respond to further Separatist fleets there."
Moff Terbon studied me for a long moment.
"Bold," he said at last. "Decisive. Removing the head rather than cutting at the limbs. Sector Command commends your initiative, General."
Before the approval could settle, Obi-Wan spoke—voice calm, but firm.
"Decisive actions are admirable," Kenobi said, hands folded within his sleeves. "However, capturing a planetary leader without Council authorization risks serious political consequences. The Jedi Order prefers solutions that do not inflame already volatile systems."
His gaze rested on me—not hostile, but clearly disapproving.
I inclined my head slightly. "Understood, Master Kenobi. In this case, the alternative was prolonged engagement and additional casualties."
Anakin's eyes flickered between us, interest unmistakable.
Terbon cleared his throat.
"We will address the political ramifications separately. Continue."
---
I gestured to the tactical officer.
"Display the infocrystal."
The projection shifted.
A new warship materialized in blue light above the table.
"This vessel served as the enemy flagship," I explained. "Its structural composition and internal layout strongly suggest design elements derived from Mon Calamari engineering. Whether acquired legally or stolen remains unknown."
The officers exchanged uneasy glances.
"It possesses shielding and hull integrity capable of matching an Acclamator-class assault ship," I continued. "We engaged it directly. Its firepower output was considerable."
Adi Gallia leaned forward.
"Do we have specifications on its weapon systems?"
"Preliminary estimates only," I admitted. "We did not have the luxury of prolonged study. Portions of the wreckage are still descending into Togoria's atmosphere. However, based on firing patterns, I estimate reinforced heavy turbolaser arrays and improved reactor distribution."
A staff officer frowned. "Meaning future encounters may not be as favorable."
"Correct," I said simply.
Questions followed—shield harmonics, propulsion profiles, possible production origins.
As the discussion deepened, I felt the subtle shift in the room's dynamic.
The war was evolving.
New ships.
New tactics.
New risks.
And judging by the look in Anakin Skywalker's eyes—
He was eager for all of it.