Chapter 12

Arrival

Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mace Windu and several other Jedi stood on the bridge of the Republic Star Destroyer Resolute. Nearby was the remains of the Federation fleet that had assisted them in the battle over Kamino two weeks ago. They were expecting the main Federation/Klingon fleet to come through any moment now. They had been discussing the implications of another galaxy and the impact it will have on this one.

"With Federation technology, the need to haul large amounts of food and spare parts will be almost nothing, especially with those replicators of theirs." Said Skywalker

"It's no wonder their ships are so small." replied Kenobi

"I'll bet the shipping companies will have a fit!" remarked Kit Fisto with a typical smile.

"Eliminate hunger they will. Among the worlds of the outer rim." said Yoda

"Agamemnon to Resolute."

"Go ahead." replied Skywalker

"The main fleet is coming through now. Should be quite a show." said Captain Keller

"Acknowledged."

Quite a show indeed as space itself seemed to ripple and fluctuate. Then a dozen ships appeared, then another dozen and another. Several hundred ships of all different kinds eventually came through. It was easy for the Jedi to tell the difference between Klingon and Federation ships. Skywalker in particular appreciated the B'rel-class Bird of Prey, a fast and lethal attack ship. Most of the ships jumped to hyperspace towards Coruscant as it would be the headquarters of Starfleet Operations in this galaxy. In the two weeks since the Battle of Kamino, the remaining Federation personnel had set up a Starfleet Command Annex that can be used to issue orders to Starfleet and Klingon starships. It also had a holo-communications suite installed that would allow it to contact any Republic ship.

Then through the rift came what was thought at first to be large ships then the Jedi realized they were mobile repair stations. They were impressed by the numbers but some had concerns.

"Won't this many ships leave their territory vulnerable?" asked Ki-Adi Mundi

"No, they have a vast reserve fleet of older but quite capable ships which they will use while these ships are here." replied Skywalker.

"What's that ship there?" asked Windu pointing to a small ship the size and shape of a Miranda-class.

"That's a Soyuz-class Master Windu. We'll be using them to supplement the Klingon Bird of prey squadrons. They make excellent fast attack ships despite having been retired almost eighty years ago." replied Anakin.

"From the look of it, I'd say it's been heavily upgraded." said Mundi

"Sir, communication from the Agamemnon." said a clone crewman.

"Put them through." said Skywalker

"This is Captain Keller, that was the majority of our first fleet. We have more ships standing by on the other side. We should form up and jump to Coruscant."

"Agreed Captain. We'll see you there. Resolute out." then to the clone piloting the Resolute he said "Plot a jump to Coruscant and engage when ready."

"I already have the numbers from the Agamemnon sir." the clone replied

"Then by all means jump to hyperspace."

The Resolute made a wide turn then came alongside the Agamemnon and several other allied ships. A flicker of pseudo motion and the fleet jumped to hyperspace. An hour later they arrived at Coruscant. Skywalker and the rest of the Jedi took a gunship down to the Starfleet Command Annex. Captain Keller and Lt. Adams joined them a moment later. They all met with a senior Admiral by the name of Alynna Nechayev. She strode to the front of the large amphitheater that served as a briefing room. Several Federation and Klingon captains and Flag Officers stood by their seats and were speaking with one another.

"ADMIRAL ON DECK!" yelled Captain Keller

The talking stopped immediately and everyone came to attention. Even the Jedi stood somewhat rigid.

"Please be seated." she said

Everyone sat at the same time and remained silent.

"I intend for this war to be quick. The Republic has the forces to win, but they need our help. The Republic navy simply can't be everywhere at once. That will be our job. We will start by securing our supply lines. Master Windu, I understand you've been having some problems in an area known as the 'Corellian Trade Routes'?"

Windu stood, unsure about the protocol. "Yes, pirates have been plaguing our ships since the beginning of the war. We simply can't spare the ships to go hunting for pirates. We've been doing the best we can by assigning escorts but they still hit our convoys. As a result, several campaigns are being ground to a halt."

"Thank you Master Windu. As I said that will be our priority, to secure Republic supply routes and help them win their current campaigns. Captain Keller, you will command the battle group I've assigned to this operation along with Jedi Knight Skywalker and Master Kenobi. I'll give you a dozen assorted Federation and Klingon ships. Most of them will be destroyer units and will most likely be assigned to you permanently." she looked around the room "The rest of you will get your assignments later, in the meantime, I've scheduled some military exercises that will help forge our three forces into a cohesive fighting force. Dismissed."

With that the group stood and began talking amongst themselves again. Several of the Klingons were eager to learn about the Jedi and struck up conversation with several of them. Yoda was challenged to a Bat'leth duel which he gracefully declined. Keller, Skywalker and Kenobi all returned to the Resolute to begin planning their operation codenamed Operation Interdiction.