Bloodlust: Crisis/Chapter 5

"Therefore, we must either reestablish out trade links with the Atairis System, or lose the system entirely," Artel finished, addressing the multitude of transparent blue holograms sitting in a circle that formed the Jedi Council.

"Indeed," Grand Master Yoda, a small, green figure with unparalleled prowess with the Force, agreed. "Provide supplies for the system, we must."

"We do not have many ships to spare," Master Ki-Adi-Mundi, a tall-headed Cerean and close friend of Artel, reprimanded him. "We cannot dedicate so many cargo transports to one measly little system."

"Unfortunately, we cannot afford to lose the Atairis System," Master Plo Koon added.

"And it is clear," Master Windu said, "that there is no middle ground here."

"Indeed," agreed Artel. "We either take the place of the Federation, or surrender the planet to the Separatists. They will not become independent."

"And if seen to abandon our own planets, we are," pondered Yoda, "others might fall into Dooku's grip."

"That is something we cannot allow to happen," said Windu. "Dooku is already gaining the upper hand in the fighting; we cannot allow him to gain it politically as well."

"Agreed," admitted Mundi.

"Perhaps we can transport supplies in cruisers passing by the system?" inquired Shaak Ti, a Togrutan, like Artel's own Opa, with long red, white and blue head tails that almost brushed the floor.

"That's possible," Windu agreed.

"Think that is our best solution, I do," Yoda added.

"It is our only option," finished Adi Gallia.

Windu looked around at the Council. "It's settled then. The next Republic convoy passing through the system will deliver supplies to Atairis-Deta."

"Very good, Master Windu." Artel bowed and switched off the holoprojector, turning back to Doc and Ballo, who were in the apartment with him.

"How was it?" Doc inquired.

"I think it went pretty well," Artel smiled. "They're going to deliver supplies with the next Republic convoy passing through this sector."

"Excellent!" Doc exclaimed. "We'd better tell the Baron Administrator at once."

Artel switched on the 'projector again and tuned into Hyarkis's frequency. The image was of the same Neimoidian secretary as they had met when going to the spire, and she assured them that he would be available in a few minutes.

Artel waited patiently for Hyarkis to appear on the holoprojector, Assari hiding in the background. Hyarkis's face was alight with expectation. "Well," he began, "I guess you have some news for me. What is it?"

"The Republic has agreed to reestablish trade connections with the Atairis System."

"Brilliant! When will the supplies arrive?"

"When the next Republic convoy passes through the system."

"And when will that be?" Hyarkis demanded.

"It should be quite soon. There's traffic passing through this sector all the time." And that's what makes this sector so damned important, thought Artel. If we lose this, we lose our keys to the Outer Rim.