Star Wars: From the Clone Wars to Starfaring Heroes

Chapter 173, page 175 - Urgency
Raine stood in front of the tactical console on the bridge, his eyes fixed on the main screen.

The massive formation of the 28th Mobile Fleet was slowly unfolding like a precision machine, following his commands.

Leading the charge was the battlecruiser "Crumplinz," a steel behemoth from the Tion sector, leading a group of warships belonging to the same Tion cluster. Under the blinding flare of the Salust star, its silhouette appeared exceptionally clear and sharp, like a black silhouette.

But from the perspective of the Republic Fleet, the meticulously polished chrome-plated armor plates on their hulls would inevitably reflect the unfiltered starlight, shining like newborn stars in the dark void.

Behind and to the flank of the "Crumplinz", Commodore Vinok commanded the battleship squadron from the industrial worlds of Ringo Vindan and Metalon, forming a solid left flank.

Further afield, the massive "Judgment" interstellar dreadnought lay dormant like a lurking beast, its numerous turrets and missile launch arrays silently rotating, firmly locking onto the Republic fleet targets that had yet to move.

However, the Republic's fleet did not remain stationary for long.

"Enemy engine ignition signal detected! Multi-target energy readings are rising sharply!" The cold, urgent electronic alarm from the sensor robot shattered the focused atmosphere on the bridge.

On the tactical holographic projection, the Republic targets that were originally just static dots of light were instantly activated, and the star destroyer's highly recognizable wedge-shaped engine nozzle array began to spew out scorching blue plasma tail flames.

"General, should we order the entire fleet to enter first-level combat readiness?" Little Tower's electronic synthesized voice rang out, its optical sensors fixed on Rein.

Although there are no eyebrows, the focused lens and the slightly forward-leaning posture fully convey a sense of "urgent" inquiry.

“Aleix is ​​guarding the exit of the hyperspace passage,” Raine didn’t answer immediately, as if he was sorting out his thoughts. “If her primary mission is to intercept ships attempting to jump by force, she should act immediately. But if her main objective is to blockade and besiege Salust for a long time, then she absolutely cannot risk leaving this crucial jump point area.”

Considering that she has not yet launched an attack on the Ventress fleet, which is clearly outnumbered, her primary objective now is likely to blockade us and prevent us from joining forces with Ventress.

Although her fleet had started its engines and was on high alert, had they actually left the jump zone?

“The enemy target group is adjusting its course toward our fleet,” Taylor reported quickly. “Based on its turning rate and attitude analysis, it is reasonable to infer that they are calculating our velocity vector and planning possible interception routes.”

“But if they really intended to intercept us, they should be speeding out of the jump zone now, instead of still turning around in place.” After saying this, Ryan turned his gaze to tactical expert Little Ta, “What’s your analysis, Little Ta?”

The tower remained silent for a few seconds, its processor running at high speed, its optical lens intently watching the constantly changing parameters on the tactical holographic projection, performing complex calculations and deductions.

“The conclusion is reasonable,” Little Tower finally spoke, his voice steady. “Refer to Battle Log No. 2-4-3; the First Battle of Christophersis. At that time, the Confederate Council fleet, commanded by Trench, strictly followed the highest orders. Its core mission was to maintain the blockade of the planet Christophersis, rather than to take the initiative to engage the approaching Republic task force. This decision was not based on the optimal tactical choice, but rather on considerations of the planet’s strategic value.”

"Do you think General Aleks' current situation is similar to that of Trench back then? Is she also constrained by the need to blockade Salust, the core objective?"

"Yes, the blockade mission takes higher priority than an offensive."

Rein leaned back slightly in his command chair, his deep gaze scrutinizing the Republic dots on the screen that were still hovering at the edge of the jump zone.

Xiao Ta's analysis hit the nail on the head.

They did not perform any actual maneuvering to disengage.

Blocking a hyperspace jump point has its own unique tactical logic.

The primary objective is to intercept ships that attempt to jump in or out. Therefore, the most effective method of blockade is not dense formations, but rather layered defense, with the core principle being to maximize firepower coverage across sectors.

A simple side-by-side formation may seem to cover a wide area, but it is actually weak and easily broken down by concentrating forces to break through a single point.

The jump zone itself is not infinitely vast.

The resulting blockade formation often appears as a loose, randomly scattered array of ships.

But any ship attempting to cross it would immediately find itself exposed to a crossfire from multiple angles.

However, this loose and dispersed formation optimized for blockade is inefficient and full of loopholes when it is necessary to form a traditional battle formation for a fleet decisive battle.

As long as the Republic Fleet maintains this blockade formation, they will never launch an attack.

The internal struggle resurfaced.

Since the other side isn't taking the initiative to attack, why doesn't Renn seize the opportunity to strike first?

He could leave behind the vital Sixth Auxiliary Division and a rearguard, then personally lead two hundred capital ships to charge now and crush this scattered Republic fleet.

Unfortunately, General Ambigine's order prohibited any proactive offensive actions until the Supreme Command officially issued the order to launch "Operation Stormgate".

“…Alright.” Raine finally waved his hand, and the tactical holographic projection shut down. “Maintain current course and speed, and continue forward.”

Theoretically, there is still a time window during the next few standard-time journeys in which the Republic Fleet might attempt an interception.

However, General Alrikes seemed content to remain inactive, merely keeping a close watch.

Thus, a peculiar stalemate was formed.

Two massive fleets, all their detectors, sensor arrays, and weapon systems locked onto each other, cannons poised to fire, the tense atmosphere almost frozen in the air, yet neither side pulled the trigger first. Rein himself was constrained by the higher-level strategic constraints analyzed by Little Tower, but he couldn't help but wonder what Rhys Alrix, the general known for his offensive prowess, was worried about at this moment.
He absolutely did not believe that Aleks was the kind of person who would stick to dogma in the face of obvious opportunities.

A general who can single-handedly plan and successfully execute a ruthless operation like the "Hundred-Day Offensive"... has the instinct to attack ingrained in his very bones.

Rein slumped wearily into his chair.

This can only point to one conclusion: Aleks is confident that she can still beat him.

This means she possesses crucial information that Renn is unaware of.

The most likely scenario is that reinforcements from the Republic are already on their way.

“General, confirmation from the central intelligence database,” Little Tower leaned forward slightly, his mechanical fingers rapidly tapping on the tactical screen in front of Rein, pulling up a file. “The blockade fleet ahead has been confirmed as the ‘Mediator Task Force,’ with its flagship being the ‘Resilient’ star cruiser, a ‘Jester-class’ Star Destroyer.”

"Is there anything special about this 'Resilient' ship?" Ryan pressed.

“It was the personal flagship of Republic Admiral Said Wheeler before his death,” Little Tower pulled up Wheeler’s file photo, a middle-aged human male with a serious face. “However, according to reliable battle reports, Admiral Wheeler was killed in the Battle of the Mays System, confirmed to have been killed by our commander Asagi Ventress.”

“Ha, they’re really ‘tough’.” Ryan couldn’t help but mutter under his breath, with a hint of sarcasm. “Give me a detailed report on this task force, all known information, including but not limited to ship types, commander’s resume, and combat records. If you can get that, also check their fuel and ammunition reserves.”

"Yes, sir." Xiao Ta immediately began operating the equipment.

"Are we able to establish stable communication with Ventress now?" Ryan asked Taylor.

At this moment, the position of the 28th Mobile Fleet relative to the exit of the hyperspace passage has formed an angle of nearly 90 degrees with the "Mediator Task Force".

The optimal window for the Republic Fleet to conduct an effective interception is rapidly closing, and the enemy still shows no sign of leaving the jump zone to maneuver.

"Attempting to establish an encrypted communication link with the 'Dark Servant' dreadnought," Taylor reported, its mechanical finger hovering above the console, looking up to await Ryan's final confirmation.

Renn nodded, took a deep breath, stood up, and subconsciously straightened his collar.

The last time he communicated directly with Ventress was on the chaotic planet Teth, an experience filled with small-scale conflicts on the ground and Jedi interference. At that time, he couldn't wait for her to get on her wrecked ship and leave.

Now, their situations are completely reversed.

Raine wondered to himself, how did Count Dooku's deadliest personal assassin end up commanding a defensive battle that was losing ground on the Rimma trade route?

She should have had a more "important" dark mission.

A blurry holographic image flickered a few times above the control panel in front of him, and the signal gradually stabilized and became clear.

Asagi Ventress's signature pale, hairless head came into view.

Her long, narrow, slightly upturned eyes, as always, exuded coldness and undisguised threat, while the hem of her hooded cloak and black, form-fitting long dress seemed to blend into the edge of the holographic projector's light and shadow.

In Ryan's memory, she was always like a malevolent ghost.

“Bontri,” Ventress’s voice was low and hoarse, with a strange, reluctant tone, “though very, very reluctantly… I must admit, seeing your fleet appear did give me a sense of… relief.”

Raine looked at her expressionlessly, his tone calm yet carrying an unquestionable authority: "At least address me by my rank, Commander."

Ventress's narrow eyes seemed to narrow even more, a dangerous glint flashing in them, but in the end, her lips moved slightly: "...Alright, Major General."

A faint smile finally appeared on Ryan's lips. "Very good. Now, submit to me as soon as possible a detailed status report on all the ships under your command, including but not limited to hull integrity, weapon system status, shield strength, engine efficiency, number and availability of carrier-based aircraft. Our cooperation will begin with this report."

"Report?!" Ventress practically roared, the holographic image flickering in response to her emotional outburst. "You've brought the main fleet! We'll join forces now and crush that Alric immediately! What are you waiting for a report for?"

Raine raised his hands, making a symbolic pulling motion, as if his wrists were shackled. "I am bound too, Commander. I am strictly forbidden from launching an attack until the Supreme Commander officially issues the 'Operation Stormgate' authorization. I will send you the relevant documents; I suggest you read them carefully. Also, are you currently commanding from the 'Dark Servant'? Is it the flagship of your fleet?"

“No, the ‘Dark Opponent’ is the main firepower point, and our fleet command center is located on the ‘Chuck Drucker’,” Ventress replied irritably.

Ryan immediately turned slightly to the side and lowered his voice to ask the little tower next to him, "'Chuck Drucker'? What model is that?"

"Inexpugnable-class battleship, sir." Little Tower quickly pulled up the database to confirm.

“Unbreakable class?...Never heard of that model.” Renn muttered to himself, his brow furrowing slightly, but he quickly turned his attention back to the holographic communication. “Understood. I will go to the ‘Chuck Druck’ and discuss it with you in person.”

The moment the communication was cut off, Renn could still see Ventress's eyes, filled with rage, as if they wanted to burn him through the hologram.

Raine raised his hand and rubbed his slightly tight temples and cheeks. He stood up, grabbed his dark purple velvet cloak, a symbol of his general status, from the back of the chair, and draped it neatly over his shoulders.

"Goldell, prepare an armed shuttle with the highest level of encrypted communication. Inform Commander Chom that his Sixth Auxiliary Division can begin work. Prioritize the assessment and repair of the most damaged ships in Commander Ventress's fleet, especially the 'Chuck Drucker'... We are pressed for time."

(End of this chapter)