"Shelters are at eighty percent capacity. Should we seal them?"

"We leave them open until the Blood Battalion has boots on the ground," Carnada called out. Her mousy footman took the message and ran out the door, nearly sprinting directly into Teller on her way out the door.

"I guess it was only a matter of time," the Jedi said, walking into the main chamber and seeing it buzz with activity.

With no more need for secrecy and no more doubt about the Blood Battalion's intentions, the High Counselor was in the process of having her materials moved out of the old war room and into the much bigger central chamber.

As grey-suited workers continued to bring in boxes of electronics and wheel in cartloads of datapads, the High Counselor herself stood before a holographic display of the battle overhead.

"How are things going?"

"Well, but they could be better," she responded.

"Did you find the missing troops?"

"Most of them were rounded up. My new employee was more than willing to turn them over." She pointed to where Orin was sorting documents in the corner, his eyes darting between the droid guards standing at every entrance.

The ground suddenly shook, as an object struck the city. Lights began flashing all across the display and Jamie came rushing over.

"What happened?"

"It should be pretty obvious. Something hit us," the High Counselor replied, coldly. "Droids will be on the scene, soon."

"Don't you have troops or police?" Teller asked.

"I'm trying to keep them in reserve. I don't want to waste human lives, unless I have to."

"They'll have to get their hands dirty, eventually."

"I'm hoping not."

"Can I help?"

Both adults rolled their eyes.

"No, you cannot. Stay put."

"I can fight."

Teller stepped over to her and put a hand on the girl's shoulder. "I know you want to help, but Carnada and your parents have this under control."

"I can-"

"Kid, nobody is doubting you!" he shouted, surprising both of them. "I know you want to help, I know you want to be part of the action, but you are too young."

She smacked his hand away and stormed off. He didn't chase her, although when he turned back to the battle display he did notice Carnada tweaking the droid AI.

"She isn't going anywhere."

"Good," Teller said, forcing the encounter out of his mind. "What happened with that object that hit us?"

"The scan says it was just debris."

"That's all that was left of it?"

"No, it started as debris," she said, with surprise. "It wasn't an explosive or a troop lander. It was just a chunk of debris that made it through the atmosphere and the barrage."

The hairs on the back of Teller's neck stood on end, as Carnada stared straight up at the ceiling.

"What kind of space station is that thing?"