Interlude 2:
[ Retrieval , Adar Tallon’s Quarters. A hologram appears on his desk in the form of a man wearing a white uniform. The outfit is fitted with insignia and ribbons all over it. A small shield with six pips is on the right upper side of the jacket.]
Adar Tallon: “Good evening, Grand Admiral Joseph. This is Tallon.”
Grand Admiral Joseph: “Good to see that you made it out of Centerpoint alive, Adar. I heard about the corvette Pretension . They never got a chance.”
Tallon: “There were too many mines in the area where we fought the Imperials. The Pretension went right into the minefield and they couldn’t maneuver very well in there. It was a terrible loss, sir. I know that we are still getting reinforcements for the Corellian campaign, but every ship in our fleet is precious. Just losing one really hurts. The Empire has access to more resources than we do and they can replenish their ships more easily than we can.”
Joseph: “That is very true, Adar. Did the Empire suffer any damage in that skirmish?”
Tallon: “I think that the Victory-class ship took some light damage, but that was all. We did shoot down a TIE squadron as well. Really not much was done to the Empire, sir. What’s worse, they have Centerpoint. The first system captured inside the Corellian system.”
Joseph: “This campaign, Adar, has a very long way to go. It really hasn’t even started yet. These small skirmishes are little victories and little defeats. But don’t get me wrong, my friend, I feel the loss of every ship under my command.”
Tallon: “I know you do, sir. Your reputation is impeccable. It’s an honor to serve under your command.”
Joseph: “No, Mr. Tallon, the honor is mine. To serve with great people such as Leia Organa, Antillies, Dodonna, Ackbar, and many others, has been a privilege. I know that Mon Mothma has confidence in all of us to protect the Corellian sector from the Empire. It is our duty, and we will succeed.”
Tallon: “We have been fighting the Empire for several weeks now, Grand Admiral. Do we know who’s in command of the Imperial Forces yet?”
Joseph: “I have my suspicions, but I have no concrete evidence to make an educated answer to your question, Adar. Rest assured, I will let everyone know when I know. In the meantime, I have some good news for you. We have received fighter squadron reinforcements from the outer rim territories.”
Tallon: “That’s excellent. Now we will have Y-wings, A-wings, and B-wings.”
Joseph: “Yes, but we also know that the Empire is also getting new fighters as well. So be prepared to face off against other TIE squadrons, such as advanced fighters, interceptors among others. We have more squadron reinforcements coming as well, but they won’t be here for some time yet.”
Tallon: “So Grand Admiral, what’s our next move?”
Joseph: “When you return to the Main Fleet, I will go over it with you and the other commanders. Until then Adar, finish repairing your battle damage and get back here as soon as possible.”
Tallon: “Yes, sir. Adar Tallon out.”
[The hologram disappears. Tallon activates his comm link.]
Tallon: “Hogry, this is Tallon.”
Hogry: “Yes, sir?”
Tallon: “Get those repairs finished and get us and the Acquittal back to the Main Fleet as soon as you can.”
Hogry: “No trouble, Commander. We are almost done.”
[Somewhere in a very large room, on-board another very large ship, a man walks over to a mirror and looks at himself. He doesn’t smile, but he closes his eyes.]
Grand Admiral Joseph: “I am one with the Force…and the Force is with me.”
Next Time:
Battle 7: Talfaglio
What is next?