Star Wars: From the Clone Wars to Starfaring Heroes

Chapter 272-274 - Wilhoff Tarkin
Christopher Sith's decisive battle not only cast a shadow over the reputation of the Jedi Temple, but also became the source of many political disputes that followed.

Upon closer reflection, it is true that many of the Confederate's most outstanding commanders emerged from the southern part of the galaxy.

If I remember correctly, Hydra was also recorded in the annals of the Galactic War for successfully repelling General Kenobi's rescue fleet in Christophersis.

General Trench was a renowned commander even before the war, and his performance in the Andoan War in the south was widely known.

A year later, General Horn Ambigine turned Eliadu into a tomb, and his fame spread throughout the galaxy.

“Grievous never plays by the rules,” Pro Kong continued, his gaze fixed on the holographic star map. “If there’s anything we must learn from the separatists, it’s to break the mold. Despite the Republic’s many inherent advantages, they constantly develop new technologies, tactics, and strategies in an attempt to reverse their disadvantages on the battlefield. General Grievous will certainly do the same.”

Burta Swann paused, a barely perceptible hint of hesitation flashing across his face, before nodding slightly: "I will remind them, Master."

Jedi Master Prokone keenly detected a subtle fluctuation in the Force. It wasn't strong, but it was unsettling, like the earthy smell in the air before a downpour.

He briefly closed his eyes, gathering the Force around himself like a shield, seeking inner clarity.

His clawed fingers, hidden behind his back, tightened slightly, but his wrinkled face, typical of the Kyle-Doll people, revealed no emotion.

If they don't want to be seen through, then no one can understand them.

May the Force be with you, Master Peer.

……

Ojost Sector, Talis System.

"Swann even specifically reminded us to be wary of Griffith," a faint smile appeared on the holographic image of Master Luminara Anduley. "How thoughtful."

“That’s what Pro Kong said.” Jedi Master Evan Peele’s voice was deep, his arms crossed over his chest.

“We should heed these reminders,” the Miriam Jedi Master emphasized.

“We should take this seriously,” Master Peele nodded, glancing at the observation window, “because it doesn’t look like a besieged planet at all.”

The vast and gleaming global metropolis of Talis appeared before the "Arrogant Battle Group," seemingly untouched by the flames of war.

Despite Talis sending out an urgent distress signal, no separatist warships were found in the planet's orbit.

A less experienced commander might have thought the Talis were lying or misjudging the situation, but Evan Peel didn't think so.

This battle-hardened Jedi master calmly analyzed the situation; his combat instincts told him that something was wrong.

The sensors on the HMS Pride did not detect any enemy ships...

But Taris was deathly silent, a silence that was unsettling.

This is extremely unusual for a world-class metropolis.

Even more unusually, the planetary shield did not rise, and that shield was supposed to be a key barrier to block radiation from the city.

This can only mean that Talis's shield was destroyed, and that it was done in a very short time.

Grievous must have used some kind of unimaginable heavy firepower.

However, there were no traces of orbital bombardment on the planet's surface.

Has the separatist fleet already withdrawn?
They left before they arrived?

Master Peel was about to speak when he noticed that the scanner of the "Garland" was pointed at the closest of the four satellites of Talis.

"Any discoveries, Master Anduli?"

“Hydra once hid its warships on the back of a satellite to lure my fleet close to the planet before launching a surprise attack.”

“Captain Tarkin,” Evan Peel turned to his flagship commander, “send four fighter squadrons to scout the Talis’s satellites. I want to conduct a deep scan of the system before we get any closer to the planet.”

Wilhelm Tarkin, born into a wealthy family in Eliyadu, was influenced by a militaristic upbringing from a young age. At the age of 16, he underwent wilderness survival training on the Carrion Plateau and later received space combat training.

He later joined the Republic Army, served as a commander in the Battle of Murcana, and later became the captain of Jedi Master Evan Peer. He was captured during the Clone Wars.

After Palpatine came to power, Tarkin rose through the ranks and participated in numerous political and military operations, such as placing droids near the Jedi Temple to monitor the Jedi Council.

Note 1.

“Our scans show no enemy ships in the system, General,” Captain Wilhoff Tarkin said confidently. “If Grievous’s fleet is still in the system, he must be planning a counterattack. We should quickly take control of Talis and establish defensive positions around the satellite.”

Captain Tarkin has always been arrogant and stubborn, never hiding his doubts about the Jedi's decisions.

But Evan Peele also knew that he was loyal to the Republic and would not be picky about personality as long as others performed their duties.

Especially after his homeworld was destroyed by the Grave Slayers, Tarkin, as the flagship captain under Master Peer, never slacked off in the slightest.

That is why this Jedi Master of the Rangnick Clan was willing to tolerate him and even respect him.

“Captain Tarkin,” the short Jedi general said, crossing his arms, “it is well known that the Separatists possess long-range weapons with a range far exceeding ours.”

“That makes it all the more important to take Talis as soon as possible, General,” Tarkin said, looking down at him seriously. “Grievous may be a barbarian, but even he won’t easily hand over Talis’s resources and industrial capabilities.”

"You intend to use this planet as a hostage?" Evan Peele raised his scarred, hairless eyebrows.

“I’m just advocating for efficient and rational action.” Evan Peele fell silent.

Although Tarkin's motives were not noble, his logic was not flawed.

Even so, the Jedi Master still felt that this might be a serious mistake.

The Force enveloped the planet like a thick fog, as if Talis itself had been infiltrated by Grievous's conspiracy.

"Once satellite safety is confirmed, immediately mark the landing site, Captain," the Jedi General finally ordered. "Master Luminara, please separate your task force from the 'Arrogance Battle Group' and prepare to land on the other side of the planet. Make every effort to establish contact with surface authorities."

"Understood, Master Peele. May the Force be with you."

The communication was interrupted with a soft beep, and the "Galan Task Force" began to separate.

The holographic projection flickered and went out, leaving only Evan Peele standing alone on the bridge deck.

The HMAS Garan and its escort ships adjusted their formation in perfect unison, like a meticulously choreographed tactical dance.

Fighter jets and troop transport ships took off from the mothership and quickly formed an escort formation.

Behind him, the command bridge was shrouded in a low hum, officers were exchanging hushed conversations through headphones, and status updates flashed on the data screens from time to time.

Evan Peele’s presence kept them focused, but he could still feel the pressure from their unspoken doubts.

He couldn't ignore the unease emanating from the Force, like some kind of darkness creeping at the edge of his understanding.

He sighed softly and turned to the nearest communications officer.

"Announce to the entire ship: Maintain the highest level of alert."

"Yes, General."

"General!" A sensor supervisor suddenly stood up. "An unidentified signal from the planet's surface has been detected!"

"Enemy ships!?" Captain Tarkin rushed to the edge of the data console. "How many?"

"No...no, Captain!" The officer's fingers flew across the control panel. "They look like unarmed transport ships! Three...four of them!"

“They’re heading our way.” Evan Peel looked out the observation window; several points of light were gradually growing larger.

"Artillery in position!" Captain Tarkin shouted, and the bridge instantly went into combat mode. "Communications officer, order the enemy to send their full transponder code immediately! Now! Full scan of these ships!"

Master Peel narrowed his single eye, staring intently at the approaching transport ship.

From his perspective, they were nothing special.

The four Class A bulk carriers, the old PCL-27 model, were either lifelong legal cargo ships or remnants of short-lived and unsuccessful piracy.

The sensors on the "Pride" indicated that the cargo hold was empty and no weapon energy signals were detected.

"Biosignature detected!" the sensor manager shouted. "There are numerous life signals on every ship!"

Captain Tarkin narrowed his eyes warily: "Refugees?"

"Received the transponder code! 'Iron Gull,' registered in Korshino! They may have been ambushed by separatists during a routine transport mission!" Master Peer checked the code; everything matched the normal records. "I need to speak with them."

"Open channel connected, General."

"'Iron Gull,' this is the Republic Navy battlecruiser 'Pride'!" Evan Peele said in a deep voice, "State your intentions immediately, or we will consider you a hostile target!"

“…Please, please!” a young, panicked voice suddenly responded. “This is the ‘Iron Gull’! We…we are carrying refugees from Taris! We beg for asylum! Don’t fire! Please help us!”

"'Iron Gull'!" Captain Tarkin stepped forward. "Shut down the engines immediately! Where are the separatists!?" But the "Iron Gull" did not slow down, and the four transport ships continued to sail at full speed toward the "Pride".

"No! You must help us!" The despair in the voice was utterly real, and the Jedi Master could clearly sense it. "The Separatist fleet destroyed the planetary shield with some kind of giant laser and then withdrew! They might be going to blow the entire planet to pieces..."

A muffled thud came from the background, followed by shouts, and then the communication fell silent.

"Iron Gull, shut down the main engines!" Captain Tarkin stared intently at the approaching convoy. "This is my final warning! Shut down the engines, or we will open fire!"

“Those ships are carrying people, Captain,” Master Peel cautioned, “possibly tens of thousands, or even more.”

“If this is the trap of separatism, then this is the price,” Wilhoff Tarkin growled, and Evan Peele could not refute him.

This is indeed a tactic that separatists would use.

"General! Captain!" the sensor chief shouted again, "More signals detected! Hundreds, thousands! All transport ships!"

Thousands of points of light emerged from the celestial shadow of Talis, all unarmed transport ships, laden with life signals, seemingly following the "Iron Gull".

Due to the communication disruption, they may not be fully aware of the situation, but with the departure of the separatist fleet, millions of Taris appear to be desperately rushing toward the "Arrogance Task Force" on orbit, seeking refuge.

"We must not let them get close, General," Captain Tarkin said firmly.

"agree."

"All Talis ships, this is the Republic Navy!" Captain Tarkin immediately announced via the communications channel. "Change course immediately and proceed to the designated assembly area for inspection. Those who refuse to comply will be opened fire!"

(End of this chapter)