Transcending Death

"Fear was still far from enough. That was why Sulama's 19th Army had failed..." Wilhuff Tarkin said slowly, glancing back at Darth Sidious's hologram. "We must put fear back into Dawn Star Planet's heart."

"I only care about when Dawn Star Planet can be destroyed," Darth Sidious demanded.

"I need five years," Wilhuff Tarkin answered directly.

"I do not have five years to give you!"

"If that is the case, then all I can say is that it would not be a rational choice." Tarkin shook his head.

"Then tell me, how many warships do you need?" Darth Sidious asked.

"Five hundred Hunter Class ships." Tarkin named the number outright.

"Under the current circumstances, that is an outrageous number!" Darth Sidious was somewhat displeased.

"Our enemy is not merely Dawn Star Planet. The Separatists' strength is our greatest threat at present—I mean, the Confederacy of Independent Systems," Tarkin replied. "Without sufficient strength, we will be unable to crush the enemy's confidence, and the losses of the war will expand drastically."

"The Confederacy of Independent Systems... perhaps that is indeed the case... hehehehe..." Darth Sidious laughed for a while. "Perhaps..."

"At the current stage, I do not recommend attacking Dawn Star Planet. It does not fit our strategy," Tarkin said.

"Handle your own affairs, Tarkin. I naturally have my own considerations," Darth Sidious said.

"The Force again? Some supernatural power? In my view, such power cannot be used to establish the authority we seek," Tarkin said.

"You will be using such power now. Sulama was killed in his own residence despite layers of protection. You would not want to follow in his footsteps," Darth Sidious said. "I will have the Jedi Order send two Jedi Masters to protect you. Make good use of them."

"They had better be Human. I am