Chapter 212 - A Brilliant Strategy (1/2)

On Toydaria, almost at the same time that Dageer was talking to Commander Keeli, Senator Organa was in an audience with the Toydarian king. With him was Representative Binks, of Naboo. Unfortunately for them, Senator Lott Dod, of the Trade Federation also was there.

”Great king, Senator Organa is deceiving you. The inconvenient fact remains, that this is a war, and Ryloth is a battlefield.”

Senator Dod showed a projection of Ryloth, surrounded by Separatist sh.i.p.s, and then another hologram, this one depicting a clone shooting at two B1 units.

”The planet is under a Separatist blockade, because Jedi Knights and clone soldiers are battling the droid army for control of the surface. This will not be a humanitarian base. It will be a military base!'

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”Come on!”

”We gotta move quickly!”

Twi'leks riding Blurrgs hurried to get all their supplies packed, and to get the civilians to safety. Clones - those who were injured and couldn't return to the battlefield - helped them.

”Hurry, hurry!”

”Now is not the time to play, children. Where is your mom?”

”Move!”

While all that was happening, General Di and Commander Keeli approached Syndulla and Gobi, who were supervising the freedom fighters. The commander took off his helmet, showing his shaved head. He wasn't in the middle of a battle right now, so it was more comfortable this way.

”How is it going, Syndulla?”

”We are going as fast as we can, Master Di. However, we have to many to take care of. It will take a while.”

General Di frowned, and looked at the not so distant battlefield. He, Commander Keeli and Ragout had been away from it for a while, but they received constant reports from Dageer, who was back in the fray. The droids were crushing their defenses one by one, and it wouldn't be long before they got there.

”Keeli, call Dageer and Ragout back. I need to talk to them both.”

”They are not gonna like it, general.”

”I know. But it is my decision, and they will obey it. After all, I am their general and master.”

”Understood, general.”

Syndulla and Gobi looked at the Jedi and the clone, not understanding what was transpiring between them.

”Dageer? Can you hear me?”

”Loud and clear, commander. What is it?”

”I need Hell Squad back here. And bring General Ragout with you.”

There was a slight pause on the other side of the comlink as Dageer processed his orders. Or fired at a droid, Commander Keeli wasn't sure, because there was too much noise.

”I am not sure we can get back now, commander. We are quite deep into the fight here. And I have no idea where General Ragout is. Communications have been a little... difficult.”

”You have your orders, Dageer. The general is somewhere between your position and us here. He went to bring back the wounded. Now, get back here.”

”Yes, commander.”

Dageer had no option but to follow his orders. He commanded Lieutenant Shield to take Hell Squad's position, and hold off the enemy while they returned. The lieutenant was a seasoned veteran, and although he and the men under him weren't as good as Hell Squad, they would do the job just fine.

After Commander Keeli got confirmation that Dageer was coming, he turned off the comlink, and nodded to General Di.