Chapter 2

Jedi Master Cilghal sighed at the report of the defenses above Byss. It was only three days since she substituted General Dolhall to command the defenses of the planet. Put it simply, categorizing the General as an incompetent is a great understatement. Not only does the formation of defenses inefficient, he has been slacking in showing a commanding presence. The nerves! How could someone like him be entrusted to defend a planet, let alone hold the rank of General? Politics is at play here, a game which she has left many years ago. But alas, musing and bickering over the past is not a Jedi way. These three days has not been easy on her; with the Force almost constantly nagging her danger senses, she has been stiff and restless for a long time.

It was a time of great peace for the New Republic. With the horrors of war long past, people has been slacking off, not excepted those in charge of the military. Admiral Ackbar has finally retired, after a long career full of incredible service. Cilghal could bet with certainty that her uncle is currently enjoying a good debate with a student from the Coruscant Admiralty Academy. It was actually a good thing, because he would go absolutely nuts if he's told to 'enjoy' his old age catching fishes on the shores of Mon Calamari. Ah, good days indeed.

Some would see Cilghal's life as bland, living a monastic Jedi life. But it was far from it; a Jedi's life is always full of adventure, and it always brought about amazing lessons for those fortunate enough to be granted sensitivity in the Force. Those adventure, in turn, brought about the much-needed experience in times of war, and those wartime horrors are what made Cilghal what she was; an excellent Jedi Master, a budding Commander. She has been forced into a commanding role more than she can count, how could she not be, as a Jedi living in a galaxy rife with conflict. The Emperor's evil has not been fully quashed after his death after all.

But those very experiences are what made Cilghal who she is; a Jedi Master capable of commanding forces; a formidable foe for even the best commanders. While she did not inherit the tactical brilliance of her late uncle, she is still a Mon Calamari; hailed as one of the finest species capable of highly skilled tactical abilities. What she lacked in the skills of command, she made up with the Force. Imagine a tactical brilliance almost rivaling that of Ackbar, with a nearly accurate future premonitions. Even Grand Admiral Thrawn would have pissed his pants off!

Ah, alas, those thoughts are really unbecoming of a Jedi Master and ex-senator. True, a little joke here and there is acceptable, but one must not do so under every circumstances. Unfortunately, this particular circumstance calls for a serious mind.

Aboard the Golan III Defense Armament 'The Viscount'

"Master Jedi, the Golan defense armaments has successfully been repositioned. As for now, there are no further complications, and nearly all of our other armaments are in position. Any further orders?" a human male with a Commander insignia reported.

"Thank you, Commander. Prepare all of the armaments to charge up our shields, and after that, turn on our long-range sensor detectors."

As the second in command, the Commander has no idea why the previous General has deemed it unnecessary to activate them. That being said, turning them on while repositioning the defenses would create a big mess out of the sensors; creating false alarms all the way round. Truly, the previous General is much more suited to work on administrative desks rather than sitting on the command chair. Waste of good genes, his father made a terrible mistake on not pulling out at the definitive moment. But all in all, the Commander Ra'as is extremely grateful that the General's substitute is not only a competent leader, but a Jedi Master on top of all that! Words alone can't even express the honor of being able to serve abroad with such an exalted being. Although one thing has been troubling him for some time; Jedi are famous for their premonitions, even more so for those who has attained the rank of Jedi Master. It has only been less than 3 standard days that Jedi Master Cilghal has been sent here, and not even once has Ra'as seen her relaxed.

"You're right to be worried, Commander Ra'as. I have a bad feeling about this; the whole fiasco. I believe that something is about to happen; sooner than later. Although, the little repositioning and optimization of our defenses formation has put me a little at ease, I still couldn't shake off this nagging feeling that something will happen, sooner or later."

Blast it. He totally forgot that Jedi are experts at mind-reading, and until now Ra'as never thought that he broadcasted his thoughts so loudly.

"Worry not, Commander, it is something natural to me; I did not tune myself to read your thoughts, it's just that we're both tired, and we all can't control our thoughts when we are tired. I will get some rest, and you too, Lieutenant; that's an order."

"As you wish, Ma'am. Lieutenant Ra'as out," he spoke with a salute.

"Oh, please, don't be so formal in front of me. Jedi don't hold ranks; we all serve the people!"

"Never thought, otherwise, Ma'am, never thought..."

Suddenly, the long-range scanners blared a high-pitch whining noise, and the station's intercom buzzed to life.

"We're under attack!"