Very, very minor update as I have done some work, but am struggling to really get into the meat of the big action sequence in the third act, which you can probably guess at after you read this next bit. (This will likely be the last section I post before I turn it into an actual script).
81 and Niwir are working on deciphering the data cube via the craft’s computer with Organa impatiently waiting. She asks how long it’s going to take, and Carima explains that it’s not a ship ideal for information retrieval. “Maybe something I fix when I get my compensation.” Darelda is confused at the mention of compensation, but 81 interrupts and says he believes he’s got it. Using his own connection to the ship and projects the information on a 3D map, and its implications soon become clear. Anakin speaks first.
“They’re invading the Republic.” Various planets are marked and the group watches in horror as they see large troop estimates making their way into loads of systems. For the first time a hint of fear is heard as Kenobi notes the prominent worlds marked for attack, saying that if they hit even a fraction of them, the damage to the infrastructure will be catastrophic. Anakin adds that if they’ve got even one working cloak, they’ll hit a lot more than a fraction.
Carima starts shaking her head in disbelief, saying there’s no army or fleet in the galaxy large enough to pull something like this off. Complete hardness in his tone, HX replies that the pirate and his allies must have found some, but Niwir points out that a few missing ships and people couldn’t explain something this size. Skywalker looks to Kenobi and mentions the Mandalorians, however Kenobi says if they had those kind of numbers themselves, they wouldn’t have to work with the likes of Kwade.
The senator, who’s been quietly and intensely taking in the news, loudly interjects, saying they can deal with the troop question later, and practically shouts at the droid to determine where the first attack is going to be. 81 quickly responds and internally processes it, but then pauses when he figures out the answer. Organa, very impatient, tells him to say what it is, and after looking at with almost sorrowful eyes, tells her it’s Alderaan.
A dead silence overtakes the room with Darelda turning away from the others and quietly saying “No, no, no.” Obi-Wan opines that while there are some large agricultural centers on the planet, he can’t think of anything worthwhile that would be worth attacking and even possessing the planet wouldn’t be that valuable. Anakin suggests it might be a symbolic attack, but HX disagrees, pointing out that all of the other planned attacks make strategic sense and it’s unlikely they would waste their forces just for damaging morale.
Carima inquires if they have any weapons or supplies on the planet, and 81 begins to reply that they don’t, only to be interrupted by the Senator who turns back around and says up until a month ago, she could have said that was the truth. With hints of guilt on her face, she explains that the Senate made a backroom deal a month ago to temporarily store a vast cache of assault ship arms and medical supplies (largely bacta) until a permanent place could be decided.
She reluctantly agreed to it, as it was the only way to solve the in fighting on the Senate floor.
Trying to stay calm, HX says that if they want the weapons and supplies destroyed or for themselves, they’ll cut through every single defense the planet has. Following the droid’s point, Anakin begins to do the math and say if they arrive at Coruscant and tell them the situation at the right time, but Kenobi cuts in and says that the news would still come too late. Following a beat, Niwir nods and says then they’d better get this hunk of junk to Alderaan as quickly as possible and leaves to adjust their flight plan.
Organa appears as worried and vulnerable as she ever has, but Obi-Wan states that every Jedi is willing to lay down their life to protect the peoples of the Republic, and Anakin simply says that if someone needs his help, he’s there. 81 says she’s knows what his loyalties are. Darelda takes this show of support in, and with the faintest hint of a smile responds that “I hope that’s enough.”
More to come…