Chapter 60

“You mean… your suggestion?”1

“Soft first, hard second,” Chancellor Palpatine proposed. “If negotiations can secure the release of the captured personnel, that’s obviously best. If not, then we mount a forced rescue. The Jedi Masters—and the Judicial Department’s officers and troops—have already given so much to mediate this war, to uphold justice and peace in the galaxy. We cannot leave them isolated and persecuted!”

“No good outcome, I fear, from negotiations,” Master Yoda shook his head. “Deep the hatred is—between the Jedi Order and Death Watch.”