After returning to the Boonta frontline command headquarters, Garrosh-Tarkin reported the results of the secret meeting to Gideon-Tarkin.
"General Gideon, the Mon Calamari have agreed to cooperate with us," Garrosh-Tarkin said. "However, they want us to act first before joining in. Still, they provided us with a secret hyperspace route that can be used to strike at the rear of Hutt Space."
He shook his head in frustration. "I'm sorry. I couldn't persuade them to commit more. They're extremely cautious. Unless they see us achieve some preliminary results, they absolutely won't act."
Gideon-Tarkin merely smiled. "It's all right. From their perspective, it's understandable. For us, even if the operation fails, at worst we'll face some punishment and lose a fleet... But for the Mon Calamari, failure means the extinction of their entire species."
"It can't be that simple," Garrosh-Tarkin said. "Adar Tallon has just been subjected to Judgment. If we fail again in the same place, I can't even imagine the consequences."
"Don't worry. At worst, it'll be a few days in confinement." Gideon-Tarkin patted him on the shoulder. "Your father, Wilhuff-Tarkin, and I will take care of everything."
"This..."
"Just as I said before, although I don't like it, since we possess this kind of power, why not use it?" Gideon-Tarkin said. "So relax. Don't burden yourself mentally. Go for it! I believe you can prove to everyone that you are absolutely a qualified Imperial Admiral!"
Yet upon hearing the words Imperial Admiral, Garrosh-Tarkin did not feel pride. Instead, a trace of displeasure appeared between his brows. Still, he concealed his expression well and nodded. "Then what should we do next? Launch a surprise attack on Lothal Planet and let the Mon Calamari see our sincerity?"
"Haha..." Gideon-Tarkin said, "Your idea is good, but at this stage, I don't