### **Scene 1: Ryloth – Cham Syndulla's Hidden Base**
The dim glow of the base's tactical room reflected off the walls as Cham Syndulla and Ethan stood over a holographic projection of Ryloth's surface. Swirling orange dust and green scrublands illuminated the landscape, dotted with defensive emplacements and hangars.
Ethan pointed toward a cluster of symbols. "These are the Baratok-class gunships General Marek has authorized for transfer. They're reinforced for planetary defense, with heavier armor plating than your standard troop transports and equipped with dual heavy laser turrets and proton cannons."
Cham's eyes narrowed as he studied the projection. "That's a lot of firepower… but I need more than hardware. My people—my fighters—they're good, but they need real training to get the most out of these ships. You're telling me your men are experienced?"
Ethan nodded. "Exactly. That's part of the deal. We provide instructors—veteran pilots and gunnery officers from Marek's fleet—to train your soldiers in gunnery, defensive formations, and small-unit boarding operations. In exchange, your recruits get hands-on experience with the Baratok gunships before they're fully operational."
Cham exhaled, leaning back against the console. "Alright. What about maintenance and supplies? We can't exactly run these off scavenged parts."
"We've arranged for a supply line to bring essential components and ammunition. Everything else—the base infrastructure, repairs, and crew quarters—will be your responsibility," Ethan said matter-of-factly. "General Marek approved the terms. He wants a fully functional defensive unit here, with no excuses."
Cham considered, then smiled faintly. "It's ambitious, but doable. Training my people on these ships will give us a real fighting chance against any Separatist raiding parties."
"Good. Then the gunships are yours. The instructors arrive tomorrow, and we can begin rotations immediately," Ethan confirmed.
"Agreed. Let's make sure Ryloth can defend itself—and maybe give the Republic a surprise when the time comes."
Ethan nodded. "Exactly. General Marek wants results, not excuses."
---
### **Scene 2: Myakpo – Denkard Sato, Commander of the Defense Force**
Across the galaxy, Denkard Sato stood in a fortified command post atop Myakpo's capital. He watched as technicians ran simulations of orbital defense grids and planetary turrets.
The communications console beeped, and a secure channel opened. Ethan's hologram flickered to life.
"Commander Sato, I'm Ethan. General Dagon Marek authorized the transfer of Baratok-class gunships to your forces. We're here to coordinate delivery and defensive integration."
Sato folded his arms. "Baratok-class, you say? I've read the schematics. Heavy laser turrets, reinforced hull… not bad. What's Marek expecting from us?"
"Full operational readiness. The ships will arrive with a minimal crew. Marek wants your pilots trained, your maintenance teams familiarized, and your orbital turrets integrated with the new vessels. This is not just a delivery—it's a full upgrade to your defensive capabilities," Ethan explained.
Sato's brow furrowed. "And in exchange?"
"General Marek requires experienced soldiers from your ranks to assist with the training. They'll serve as instructors for local forces, teaching tactics, gunnery, and defensive formations while familiarizing themselves with the Baratok-class systems," Ethan replied.
Sato exhaled slowly, then nodded. "Very well. We'll provide the instructors, integrate the turrets, and maintain operational security. Marek's terms are acceptable, but my priority remains Myakpo's defense."
"Understood, Commander. Marek expects nothing less," Ethan said.
"Then it's settled. I'll prepare the crews for immediate deployment and integration," Sato confirmed.
The hologram flickered out, leaving Sato staring at the planet's defenses. With the Baratok gunships arriving, Myakpo's outer sectors would be much harder for the Separatists to breach.