Star Wars: From the Clone Wars to Starfaring Heroes

Chapter 123-124 - Major General Bontri

“It’s over, General!” Ryan reported quickly, regaining the efficiency of a professional soldier. “I will immediately upload the complete protocol data package and a summary of key points to your dedicated data board. It contains several important proposals that require your personal review and decision-making.”

General Severn Tann strode to the metal railing of the observation deck, his sharp gaze sweeping over the BX robot assault team still lined up and waiting in the field below.

Her nostrils twitched slightly, letting out a clearly audible, contemptuous snort: "The Hala, Castoral, and Solep systems have just officially signed the documents to join the Confederation."

Her words were crisp and concise, but there was a subtle pause at the end, as if there was more information on her tongue that she was unwilling to reveal easily.

Vinok glanced quickly at Ryan, his eyes conveying a message silently.

Without angering the obviously displeased supreme commander, try to get her to say what she hasn't said yet.

“Uh… that is indeed good news, sir.” Rein spoke cautiously, choosing his words carefully. “Considering that Commander Melley and Captain Karok have successfully consolidated control of the Bosa space, I believe that our secure supply lines and communication channels with the southern territories have been re-established.”

“Indeed,” Tann replied in a low voice, his gaze still fixed on the array of robots below, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the cold railing. “However, the South seems to be less accepting of the government’s latest moves…”

"Sir, what exactly do you mean?" Renn pressed, leaning forward slightly.

“Peace initiative.” Tann finally turned his gaze to Raine, his deep blue eyes scrutinizing him. “In the northern territory of the New Territories, we are firmly controlled by Count Dooku’s forces. And in the remote star systems and the western frontier, they have completely ignored our calls for peace. If a ceasefire is indeed achieved, its actual coverage will probably be far less than the naive expectations of some within the Republic or our Confederation.”

Renn understood.

His initial predictions were correct in direction, but he deviated from the key details.

This deviation has a huge impact.

"So, the war will actually continue, won't it?" Renn bluntly stated, ignoring the barely perceptible tremor that Parish beside him showed upon hearing this.

"This so-called peace initiative has essentially become a delaying tactic," General Tann bluntly concluded. "While the negotiations are stalled, the General's Office must race against time to complete the reorganization of the armed forces before the war reignites... This means another thing: I need someone to take my place at the negotiating table."

Ryan's heart skipped a beat, but he didn't reply immediately.

"Major General Renn." Tann's gaze fell on Renn as if it were a physical presence: "Treat this as a battlefield promotion. I'm afraid there's no time to arrange a lengthy hearing and a tedious promotion ceremony for you."

“It is my honor to undertake such a responsibility, General.” Raine tried hard to control his facial muscles, not letting the immense joy and heavy pressure in his heart betray him in his expression. “To be honest, I prefer this… efficient way.”

Major general.

He finally climbed to that position.

But for him, this was undoubtedly a double-edged sword.

Although he can now mobilize vast resources that were unimaginable in the past, it also means that he has officially entered the core spotlight of the power arena, and every move he makes will be magnified and scrutinized.

Within the current loose and factional military structure of separatism, he may simultaneously enjoy astonishing freedom of action and unprecedentedly strict surveillance.

However, Rennes sensed that the upcoming restructuring might change this situation.

“Sir,” Raine raised his voice, determined to advocate for the rights of his comrades-in-arms, “I must also speak up for my colleagues in the Alliance Operations, Commander Vinok, Barris… their performances have been outstanding…”

The supreme commander raised a hand, decisively interrupting him: "I have no objection, Major General."

“Commander Vinok,” Tann’s gaze shifted to the former Jedi commander, “you will also be promoted to brigadier general, but your promotion will follow standard procedures.” The implied meaning of these words struck Raine like an invisible hammer blow, instantly putting him on edge.

Grass!
He should have realized what a battlefield promotion meant.

Others could enjoy applause, medals, and formal ceremonies, but he didn't receive that "honor" because he was about to be thrown into the next difficult mission.

A mission that can only be carried out by someone with the rank of major general.

"Sir, please give me your specific instructions for the next task." Ryan decided to face reality and ask directly.

This attitude seemed to loosen General Tann's tense lips, revealing a dry but genuine smile tinged with appreciation.

“I’m sorry, Major General!” Her tone carried a rare hint of apology. “But I need to rely on your political acumen… Your next task is to lead a task force to a designated location to make all the necessary preparations and arrangements for the arrival of the Republic’s peace delegation.”

"You will be fully responsible for security throughout the entire negotiation process, and all the resources you need will be provided to you unconditionally."

I think there will definitely be hostile agents trying to sabotage this peace initiative. Find them and eliminate them.

Remember, the eyes of the entire galaxy are on the Confederation at this moment. If we are recognized as a legitimate government, then from this moment on, everything we do must demonstrate impeccable legitimacy.

“No out-of-line behavior, no underhanded tactics,” Ryan immediately grasped the core requirements. “Open, transparent, and in accordance with regulations… I understand, sir.”

“As for you, Jedi Knight.” Tann suddenly turned his gaze to the silent Baris.

Paris involuntarily took a half step back under her gaze. The tall, imposing woman looked down at the young former apprentice with a complex expression. "According to the upcoming prisoner-of-war exchange agreement, you will be handed over to the Republic. From that moment on, your fate will be in your own hands... Good luck."

Paris's expression twisted instantly, as if she had been forced to swallow something extremely bitter. She managed to squeeze out two words: "Th...thank you."

“Well then, sir,” Ryan interjected at the opportune moment, steer the conversation back on track, “could I know which planet this highly anticipated negotiation will be held on?”

The Supreme Commander's lips curled into a meaningful smile: "The Republic's diplomatic mission insisted that the negotiations must take place on a 'Loyalist' planet under their control, while in response, our parliament insisted that it must be held on a Confederate planet... It's a matter of trust, you know."

“This requirement… won’t be easy to meet, sir,” Renn commented, quickly sifting through planets that met the criteria in his mind. “I guess this means we can only choose those isolated separatist enclaves?”

“That’s right. What’s even more troublesome is that both sides tacitly believe the other will try to destroy the credibility of the negotiations through sabotage or other despicable means.” Tann’s brows furrowed deeply; her new position seemed to be a source of endless worries. “This means that the chosen planet must be strategically insignificant, not so much so that it would trigger a struggle for control, and at the same time, the local population must be neutral enough to not exert any biased pressure during the negotiations.”

A series of star system maps flashed through Raine's mind. As Tann listed out the stringent conditions one by one, he crossed out the names of possible planets in his mind.

There are already very few separatist-controlled enclaves, and when you add in factors like proximity to the border, low strategic value, and neutral populations, the remaining options become even fewer.

Nur, Kola IV, Red Gemini, Fondo... Ongdrun.

A separatist enclave isolated on the border, with a secondary strategic position and a relatively neutral public attitude towards war.
Oh……

Raine instantly understood why Tann had chosen him.

“Major General,” the Supreme Commander looked at him, a fleeting hint of apology finally appearing on his face, “I’m afraid you’ll have to… return to Ondron. There are unconfirmed reports of signs of rebellion on the planet. I believe you have the ability to handle this matter properly and clear the way for peace negotiations.”

(End of this chapter)