[20 BBY]

[Executive Security Solutions City-ship/Capital-class Warship Stormcrow {II}, Battle-group Army of Light, In Orbit Thisspias, Thisspias System, Farstey Sector, Expansion Region]

"Finally, some Republic territory, albeit off the main fronts for now..." I told the others as our small group sat down for a combined 'command meeting' now that we were going to be spending more than twenty-four hours in-system. Orbiting the planet of the Naga...though they'd no terrible blood magic, didn't eat people, and were called Thisspiasians, but my mind still flicker back to the other name rattling round my brain "...and if we can our emergency repairs done, and keep up Black Out with the natives help we can be done and gone before we're noticed"

"That would be ideal General..." the actual professional officer, and non-force user, amongst the three ship Jedi contingent Admiral Yularen stated cordially "...though we at the very least can shelter under the planetary shields while we do so. On the chance that our information security is breached and the enemy become aware of our presence here...their pursuit has been rather dogged after all"

"Yes, it was one of the reasons I went for it over a few of the other choices..." I admitted with a nod to the human officer sitting on the right of Kenobi, while Anakin sat on the left "...we've been running hard these past few days, and I think we can all agree we need to rest before the last leg back"

"I did tell you can't keep demanding so much out of those engines on the captured freighters...Zygerrian junk, nearly as bad as Hutt junk" Anakin offered and I could do little but shrug in response.

"Wasn't many options on the table to get the captives unto sadly Anakin..." I rubbed at my head tiredly "...but we just need insure they get us the rest of the way. Thisspiasians will supply some food, and we can at least allow people off those damned ships a time as well"

Kenobi nodded "Yes, a wise decision, constantly be trapped aboard those vessels would not be good for their emotional states. Though, I think that is not reason for requesting this meeting"

I glanced at Shesagora, who merely nodded, and then back at the others as Yulen sat quietly to my side "No, see there are some...concerns after being brought to my attention, and there is an information control issue on where we got that information, and who can get access to it"

Anakin had that huffing nearly offended look on his face "What? You can't trust us?"

I sighed, resting my hands on the table "In this I do trust you Anakin, along with the two of you as well, Admiral, General, otherwise I'd keep my mouth shut, but its more to do with who gets the information after it leaves this room. See, the problem...the GAR leaks information like a broken bucket from certain sections, as does the Senate"

Anakin gave me a mildly reproving look, mixed with angered that someone would do that, while Admiral Yuleran remained stone-faced. Kenobi of course was the one to reply, Jedi in charge of their little grouping after all "Ah, you have concerns over open channels, and who this information might reach from us, yes?"

"Basically" Shesagora replied with a shrug "we've a few operations blown by big mouthed politicians , or the incompetents that run Republic Naval Intelligence and GAR Counter Intel"

I nodded "Even up to the Office of the Chancellor..." I held up a hand to forstall angry Anakin for insulting his 'wise mentor' Palaptine "...it's not the Chancellor fault Anakin, so don't need defend him, but it's a political office and he's a big staff working for him. I'm also reasonably everything that goes on in his office is recorded, and then reviewed by less-secure channels. We KNOW the Confederacy is reading this mail, because we're reading some of there's...and earlier in the war we ran test cases, hints were there"

Kenobi frowned, deeply, as did Admiral Yularen "That is...concerning"

"Yes, yes, it is..." I answered honestly "...though much of it seems to be sloppy operational security rather than actual maliciousness, but it brings us back to the main issue. This can't go over the channels basically, and the less that know the better...we don't have major penetration..." we did, but I didn't want to let that slip "...but it's enough to give hints"

"Ventress?"

"In part, part of the price" I replied to Kenobi's serious tone with one of my own along with a curt nod "...so, do we all understand the issue here?"

It took a minute or two to get that agreed, but it was and I got down to the meat of the problem "Right, okay then, well...basically we've got this intercept..." handing over the data-pad was the easiest way to do it "...that implies something got off Moraband after we left. Because apparently Count Dooku had the, stupid, urge to investigate where we'd been"

'Oh, they both go pale at the same time' I thought to myself giving a wan smile "Yeah, that's the problem, so I need the Council to know, and do something about it ideally, but not compromise my forces operational security by me doing my duty, and this massive favour, in letting them know"

"Yes...yes, that is a major concern..." Kenobi admitted taking a breath and studying the data-pad "...and your honesty is appreciated, as is your detailing the veracity of the information. Dooku is injured?"

"Looks like, and considering our own experience there I can believe it"

He sighed wearily at that "Yes, so can I, and isn't that just want the war needs but more problems to be dealt with, or knowing the Republic's communication channels might be compromised"

Shesagora gave a snort at that "Most of'em aren't, but just enough to be a problem as we found"

That was always the issue, and even holding back might not be enough should they spill information. I'd have preferred Anakin not know in all truth, but maintaining trust with him was also important...even if I was somewhat miffed at him for the Korriban-Moraband idiocy. Then again he had a valid point about the sanity of recruiting Ventress, but that was that sadly and the Zygerria situation, and having his damaged hand healed for free, seemed to be helping with his mood. It'd certainly shaken his Padawan, and let me with things to consider in the near future...

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[20 BBY[Plus Six Hours]

[Executive Security Solutions City-ship/Capital-class Warship Stormcrow {II}, Battle-group Army of Light, In Orbit Thisspias, Thisspias System, Farstey Sector, Expansion Region]

"Finally want to talk about it, hmm?" I asked as our two training energy blades shimmered and bounced off one another as we moved "...you've been somewhat of a recluse these past few days"

"I had...matters to consider..." she replied as I retreated before her counter-attack as her sent weapon came towards me "...nor did I wish to spend a second longer than I must with the Jedi"

"Reasonable..." I agreed activating my own secondary blade, blocking her strike and shifting to a series of parries on my part "...and you and your sisters are departing for Dathomir in a few days. Positivity on potential dealings with Mother Talzin I hope?"

"You may hope for whatever you wish..." she replied, calmly at that, wasn't that a wonder, as she adopted a less energetic assault on me "...but what was seen...I would send word to her, before others speak on them now that the two brothers stand with Mandalore of all places"

"Yes, it IS a nuisance..." I grunted out as we danced our shimmering dance "...but your information on both Maul, and this Savage Oppress was most welcome, though I am curious as to your plan? I would rather have the extra Force users nearby should the situation with the Jedi be less friendly than I'd like"

"You. Should. Just. Kill. Them" she growled shifting into a ferocious attack, but I moved to frustrate; Ventress did poorly against my rather drawn out Form III, but it was good practice for both of us. Then she retreated a step or two, regaining her focus and strength "...but that would look bad, I agree, but I have greater oaths to keep of course"

"Of course..." I agreed, nodding my head a fraction but not taking my eyes or senses off my opponent/sparring-partner "...that is just the nature of things. I'm aware of the fragile nature of such alliances, but I just encourage you to remember my offer to you Mother, of a sort"

"There is no need to remind me, it is the purpose of my return" she growled, leaping to strike, and then words were no longer possible as our attacks sped up and I dropped my defensive Form III for a much more aggressive form. It was good to have someone to practice it on...I mean, practice with, practice with...

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