Our next steps were simple.
After recovering our fighters, we headed for **Lantilles**. Once in orbit, we took a shuttle down to **Sector Headquarters**, since communications were still offline.
When we arrived, we quickly discovered the reason.
The **planetary communications hub** had been sabotaged.
Separatist saboteur droids — damn them.
**Moff Terbon** personally explained the situation during the emergency meeting. The man was furious.
"The CIS chose the perfect time to attack. Commander **Kinaun's squadron** was urgently dispatched to the **Donovia system**, and Commander **Tirimaki's squadron** won't arrive for another couple of hours."
Terbon paced nervously in front of the assembled officers, his hands clasped tightly behind his back.
"We relaxed after the victory at Kamino — and now we're paying the price."
He stopped and glared toward the intelligence officers.
"Intelligence! What do you have to say for yourselves?"
The officer stiffened.
"No new data has been received, sir. With the communications node destroyed, we're cut off from **Coruscant** for at least two days."
"Unacceptable!" Terbon snapped. "You have **twenty-four hours** to restore communications."
His eyes suddenly found me in the room.
"General **Dagon**. What is the status of that factory installation?"
"It's secure," I replied calmly. "Thanks to the actions of **Commander Ditmar** and **Commander Kinaun**. Ditmar is currently holding the position with his fleet. When we couldn't contact Sector Command, I moved here immediately to investigate."
The Moff nodded slowly.
"Good. Very good."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"Your arrival was fortunate, General. With Sector Command temporarily crippled, we need every capable commander available."
Terbon stepped closer, lowering his voice slightly.
"I must ask you to keep your flagship here for the time being. Until the rest of the fleet returns to the sector, the **Terminus** will serve as the backbone of our defense."
He glanced toward the star charts displayed on the tactical holotable.
"Your ship alone has more firepower than half the defense fleet currently stationed here."
"I understand," I said with a nod. "The *Terminus* will remain in orbit and assist with the sector's defense until reinforcements arrive."
"Excellent." Terbon finally allowed himself a thin smile. "Then perhaps we'll survive this crisis after all."
---
Later, back aboard the *Terminus*, I stood on the bridge, studying the incoming reports.
"The Separatists have gone berserk since their defeat at Kamino," one officer reported. "Judging by the data we've received, it's not just our sector."
Yes… something about it felt wrong.
It would have been far more logical for them to lie low and rebuild their strength.
Instead, they were attacking everywhere.
I turned toward the Zabrak captain.
"Captain, you heard the order."
"Yes, General." Ragnos straightened. "Permission to proceed?"
"Proceed."
Outside the massive viewport, the stars of **Lantilles orbit** slowly drifted past as the *Terminus* prepared for its next move.
Something told me this was only the beginning.
---