Chapitre 32: Memories of the Past (IV)
"Captain Pellaeon, are you familiar with this planet?" I asked, gesturing toward the holographic sphere hovering above the projector.
"Hypori," the Chimera's commander responded without hesitation. "It was one of the Confederacy's logistics bases during the Clone Wars. Not as well-known as Saleucami, which, along with Mygeeto and Felucia, was called the 'Triad of Evil.'"
"Exactly," I confirmed. "Hypori was once a stronghold for the mechanized forces of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. You remember how effective their armies were, don't you?"
"One clone trooper could take down between ten and a hundred Confederate battle droids in a single fight," Pellaeon grinned. "Is that what you call efficiency?"
"Efficiency?" I countered. "Remind me, Captain, how much does one clone trooper cost?"
Pellaeon stroked his thick mustache thoughtfully. "I don't have that information, sir," he admitted. "But I imagine it wasn't cheap, considering how the Senate of the Old Republic constantly tried to cut spending on clone production. It's very typical of a democracy to shoot itself in the foot and then pretend it can function with a gaping wound."
"Let's set aside the politicians' missteps for a moment," I suggested. "How effectively were the separatist droid production lines dismantled after the war?"
"Well, considering we spent a decade hunting down the remnants of the Separatists after the Clone Wars officially ended, I'd say we didn't do a thorough job," Gilad replied.
"I share your view," I said, "but I also know that after the Republic was transformed into the Empire, some remnants of the separatist forces remained operational. It's also well-documented that nine years ago, after the Battle of Yavin, Tiber Zann, the leader of the Zann Consortium criminal syndicate, managed to find and activate at least one production line for Separatist droids. Not just any droids, but droidekas."
"I've heard of the Zann Consortium," Pellaeon acknowledged. "They caused quite a stir after the Battle of Endor. Half the galaxy was ensnared in their corrupt web. Their influence seems to have waned now, though. At least, we don't see their ships roaming the galaxy as much."
"Let's consider this from another angle," I proposed. "We have cloning cylinders and donors to use with them. But we're facing difficulties outfitting our clones with the necessary equipment. It might be simpler to look back twenty-eight years. When the Imperial Stormtroopers were first formed, they supplemented their forces with droidekas and other Separatist droids to enhance their firepower. Building droids is quicker—and cheaper—than waiting six months to train new soldiers on Carida."
"But we have Spaarti cloning cylinders," Pellaeon reminded me.
"Of course," I agreed. "But we also have limited funding and even fewer supplies. So, we'll focus first on the technical, flight, and naval components of our forces. We still have some assault armor stored in Imperial Space, which we can borrow. But not until we strike at Sluis Van and secure a decisive victory against the rebels in this sector."
Pellaeon's expression conveyed his doubt: "So, never? Considering how you're using Star Destroyers as courier ships."
"Patience, Captain," I advised. "First, we'll take Hypori and establish a foothold on the planet."
"Why not strike Geonosis right away?" Pellaeon asked impatiently. "The natives there are well-versed in producing battle droids."
"Let's revisit history, Captain," I sighed. It seemed he needed a lesson in self-education. Unlike me, who had to delve into military chronicles to uncover forgotten strategies and accumulate theoretical experience, Pellaeon had lived through the Clone Wars. He should know some of this history firsthand, and the rest from rumors and gossip. These fundamentals should have been taught in the academies, with refresher courses available. I've seen them myself. Why is self-improvement so difficult? Evolving is essential for any intelligent being. Thrawn might not be a genius, but he was smart enough to see opportunities others, due to their personal biases, missed. "Several years ago, Geonosis adopted an isolationist stance as the Empire began to crumble into fragments. The rebels helped them resist us, and I'm sure the Democrats on Coruscant would readily dispatch a strong fleet to oppose us and show the Geonosians how valuable they are. The outcome would be the same— even if we captured Geonosis, we'd lose it before gaining anything worthwhile. Meanwhile, the enemy would learn exactly what we want and how we intend to achieve it. No, Captain, Hypori is the ideal target for our mission. An isolated, abandoned world whose surface and catacombs will offer us crucial support in restoring the Empire."
"I don't understand," Pellaeon finally conceded. "You wanted to attack the systems in the Sluissi sector to test the enemy's defenses before assaulting Sluis Van. Why change the plan now?"
"Because I want to live for a long time in comfort, preferably at the helm of a small, efficient state, far removed from the troubles of its enemies. I remember the name of the planet where they will emerge. I found it in a navigational directory. Helska system. The very edge of the galaxy. The 'backyard' of the Imperial Remnant. When they arrive, this region will be consumed by fire. I'd rather stay far away from such events." - I mentally added.
"Just as I would prefer not to fall into Palpatine's clutches," I mentally added. "And not give him even a crumb of whatever I manage to conquer and subdue."
"Plans tend to change, Captain," I stated firmly. "You don't need to understand the plan to execute it. That's the first rule. Second, if you're eager to shake up the rebels in the Sluissi sector, then let's do it. On my order, have the cruisers Striking, Sharp, and Prudent each head to the star systems of Bfassh, Intonn, and Ordo. Before arrival, confirm their readiness. In the first two systems, locate and identify enemy bases; in the third, raid the ore warehouses ready for shipment from the mines. Keep meticulous records in the ship's log. Do not engage superior enemy forces. That's all."
"Sir, no Strike-class cruiser can breach the defenses of any enemy ground base without support," Pellaeon cautiously noted.
"They won't need to," I said calmly. "Tell the remaining Star Destroyers to prepare for the campaign. We're departing in two hours."
"Will we use the fleet's main forces as a second wave to distract the enemy while we destroy the rebel bases?" the Chimera's commander asked hopefully.
"Exactly," I agreed with a sigh. "Since we're raising an army of clones, Captain, we must ensure our own protection, as well as that of our rear. Order the ysalamiri to be brought to the surface—we won't need them on this trip, except for one."
Now I understood why Thrawn had taken Pellaeon under his wing. It seemed there was simply no one smarter around him, except for those who had somehow come into conflict with the Grand Admiral himself. I'll need to test Pellaeon's loyalty to my orders. He has potential for development and independent action, but he's spent too long in the shadow of more fortunate and intelligent commanders. Following orders is crucial, but it must be done with insight and creativity.
Even if the captain is mistaken, right now he is... right. But even so, he is still wrong.
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
gat10248
gat10248 This concludes the current chapter. Keep an eye out for the upcoming chapter.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone