At the same time, in the Core Worlds of the Milky Way Galaxy, on Alderaan, capital of the Galactic Republic Fourth Army.
A report had been submitted to Praji, Governor of the Fourth Army. After reading it, he clenched his fists so tightly that his body trembled. "Is the intelligence confirmed? The seasonal hyperspace route has been disrupted and can no longer be traversed?"
"Confirmed. General Davis has already prepared to fight to the death..." the staff officer said with his head lowered.
Bang! Praji slammed his fist onto the desk. "Didn't Pawoish-Master Radul personally confirm before that, based on the movements of hyperspace and that mysterious gravitational wave, this seasonal hyperspace route should have had an eleven- to twelve-day stable period?!"
"Our astronomers and hyperspace specialists went to verify it, and the hyperspace route has indeed suffered unknown interference." The Chief of Staff produced another report. "According to calculations by astronomer Professor Duroos, this interference was likely caused by fluctuations in the star of the Ultaar system."
"Natural, or artificial?" Governor Praji asked again.
"Unable to confirm..."
"There's no way to bring them back? What about sending a special vessel?"
"We have tried numerous contingency plans... None of them worked. The Semirres system lies deep in the heart of Separatist-controlled territory. We cannot reach it..."
Praji let out a long breath and collapsed onto the sofa, pressing both hands to his temples. He said nothing for a long time, and his entire body seemed to wither away.
Several minutes later, he finally gave a faint wave of his hand. The Chief of Staff tactfully withdrew.
Governor Praji sat there in a daze for more than an hour before pressing a button to connect to his assistant. His voice was somewhat hoarse. "Help me draft a letter of resignation... I'm