Chapter 205 - Missing Supplies (1/2)
”General, commander, there is something you should know about.”
Dageer saluted the Jedi and the clone as usual, but he was bringing bad news. Very bad news.
”What is it?”
”Bad news, general. I asked Brain to do an inventory of our supplies, since I doubt we will have a chance to restock. We are good on water and food, and I think Syndulla would be able to arrange that for us if it is needed. We are also good on ammo. We lost troopers faster than they could spend it.”
”What is the problem then?”
”Most of our medical supplies are spoiled and useless. I think we were sabotaged. Bacta tanks were broken, bandages were ruined and medicines destroyed.”
General Di showed an angry face. It was clear what Dageer was implying.
”Tram Cholq.”
”I think so, general. He is the only one who would do that.”
”That bastard... Even after death he is betraying us.”
For once, General Di let Commander Keeli curse a dead man. This last blow that Tram Cholq hit them with, even after his death, was really too much. Just like Dageer said, they could do without water and food, because Syndulla certainly could arrange that on his own planet. However, without medical supplies, each wound could take the life of a trooper or a freedom fighter, even if it was just the tiniest scratch.
”Put me in contact with Admiral Dao.”
Dageer was holding his helmet under his arm, but he put it down on a crate, and pulled out a hologram projector. Admiral Dao showed up, but the transmission was blurry, and the admiral kept looking back. Of course, all of this was understandable, since The Sincerity was locked in a death struggle at this moment.
”Admiral. We need medical supplies immediately. Contact the Jedi Council once more. Tell them that if we don't get those supplies, the 303rd and the freedom fighters won't be able to defend Ryloth.”
”I... Bzzz... Do so, general... Bzz... Not sure it will... Matter... I've tried this many... Answer is always... Bzzz... same...”
”Try again, admiral. It is our only hope.”
”Yes... General...”
General Di ended the transmission, and turned to the two clones and Syndulla. They could already hear the sound of the droids approaching far away. The Nikto inspected the troops behind them. One thousand and seven hundred clones, and about that same number in Twi'lek freedom fighters. The wounded and civilians were already far away.
”Now, we can only fight... And hope. May the Force be with us.”
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Admiral Dao held on the hologram table so he wouldn't fall. Although they had only just started their suicide attack, The Sincerity and the other sh.i.p.s were already taking heavy fire.
He had just spoken with the members of the Jedi Council, as General Di asked, and the answer was a little bit better this time. He was told that a representative of the Senate was already in Toydaria, negotiating a convoy of supplies for the Republic troops on Ryloth.
Toydarians had a neutral stance in the Clone Wars - and, as such, could enter Ryloth without being attacked by the Separatist - but the benefits the Republic promised were enough to make their king send those supplies, and nothing more.