Star Wars: From the Clone Wars to Starfaring Heroes

Chapter 209, page 211 - Ahsoka's Response
On the Republic's side, a shared unease permeated the commanders of the three fleets.

They were rapidly approaching Yagdul, and in order to ensure that the encirclement was airtight and that the enemy had no chance to escape, the three fleets had to coordinate their advance and keep in sync.

Yagdur has a complex system of four satellites, three of which are large, near-orbiting satellites that have unstable and powerful gravitational interactions with each other and with the planets.

Such extreme environments often become a serious obstacle to the development of space civilizations.

However, thanks to their unparalleled mathematical and astronomical talents, the Givens miraculously broke free from the gravitational pull of the satellite.

The initial plan was to have the besieging fleet hold back the separatists until the main force arrived.

But the sudden radio silence that the besieging fleet fell into left the three Republic commanders with no choice but to deduce that their allies had been annihilated.

This presents a thorny problem.

They were unable to pinpoint the exact location of the separatist fleet.

This four-star system is filled with asteroid belts torn off the satellites by extreme tidal forces, as well as high-density atmospheric clouds suspended between the satellites, enough to distort signals from various sensors.

They could only proceed cautiously in this way, deploying the fleet in locations where they could monitor all possible escape routes through the satellite constellation and asteroid belt.

They were not worried about the separatists escaping from above or below the galactic plane, because in that open space devoid of astronomical disturbances, all three fleets could easily detect and intercept them.

Therefore, if separatists want to escape, they are very likely to take advantage of the natural blind spots created by the chaotic environment inside the four-star system.

“This means,” Jedi Commander Ahsoka stared at the intricate four-star system on the hologram, his red brows furrowing slightly, “that if ‘Battle Hydra’ really intends to escape, he will inevitably use these chaotic areas.”

“Retreat is his only logical option,” Governor Octavian Grant argued. “We are approaching from three directions, and even without the besieging fleet, we still outnumber them three to one. All conditions point to a decisive victory.”

This might be true if the opponent were someone else.

“Not all conditions are like that,” Jedi General Empatojejos Brand interjected. “You won’t fight the Dekun Raptor on its own territory; you’ll wait for it to enter yours. What we’re doing now is the former. One moment you think you’re the most powerful being around, and the next you could be high in the sky, falling into the raptor’s claws. Once we cross the orbit of the third satellite, we can no longer consider ourselves hunters.”

“Besides, this is no longer a decisive victory,” Ahsoka shook his head and retorted. “The besieging fleet may not be strong, but they still have four hundred warships, not to mention all the troops we have deployed on the ground, which are now at the mercy of the Givens.”

General Octavian Grant was somewhat displeased by being refuted twice, but he did not show it.

Grant comes from a noble family in the neighboring Tapani sector. He is a young, arrogant blue-blooded nobleman who looks down on those he considers inferior to himself and other Tapani nobles.

He already loathed cooperating with the Jedi, let alone with a nearly uncivilized Ondron and a poor orphan from Wozd-V.
Fortunately, the origins of Jedi individuals are not easily discovered by outsiders.

It's mainly because they are politicians.

Octavian Grant was one of many governors who suffered because of the Supreme Speaker's consolidation of military power, which fueled his newfound hatred for politicians like Palpatine.

If the alternative had not been a Confederate-led regime dominated by aliens, he probably would have already staged a coup by collaborating with the weak bureaucrats in Admiral Honor Salima's home fleet.

Knowing this, the Galactic Republic's Strategic Command essentially allowed General Grant to operate independently within the 20th Star System Army, which was led by the Tabani Governorate, as a gesture of reassurance.

Fortunately, during this operation, General Octavian Grant restrained his emotions for the sake of the battle, first and foremost regarding his allies as fellow military commanders.

“I’m withdrawing from the argument,” General Grant said, raising his gloved hand. “I won’t pretend to know my adversaries better than those who have been in contact with them. If ‘Fighting Hydra’ is truly prepared to fight, I only want to know the way they might do it.”

“They intend to take us down one by one,” Ahsoka agreed, “while we are isolated and helpless.”

With the three Allied fleets entering the four-satellite system, visibility and communication lines will soon be disrupted by the three satellites and other astronomical phenomena.

To ensure consistency, they decided to use the planet Agdur itself as a reference to determine all orientations and distances.

Based on this, the farthest satellite from the planet is located on the port side of the 20th Star System Fleet, with an azimuth of only 050 degrees.

The second satellite is located to the left and slightly to the west of the "Rapid Justice" task force, slightly off to the west of absolute north.

Finally, Yagdul's nearest and smallest satellite is in the southwest, at an azimuth of 195 degrees.

"So the question is, who will he attack first?" General Grant crossed his arms. "If we can predict it, we can decisively mobilize the fleet and eliminate this threat once and for all."

"He will attack the 'Open Ring Fleet' first!" General Empatojejos Brand announced decisively, causing the hologram to tremble. "Predators always attack the most isolated prey first. The 'Rapid Justice' task force and the 20th Star System Fleet are only 22 degrees apart, while the 'Open Ring Fleet' is a full 200 degrees away from us."

“That makes sense,” Yularen analyzed, stroking his chin. “If the separatists attack the Open Ring Fleet, the Battle Hydra will try to keep its distance from your two fleets. But the Open Ring Fleet is the strongest of our three. Is the Battle Hydra so confident that it can destroy us before your reinforcements arrive?”

Octavian Grant's eyes sharpened, and he scrutinized the young Jedi commander with new eyes. "So what advice do you have, Commander Ahsoka?"

“Observe,” Ahsoka said, rotating the tactical hologram and pointing to the large open area to the west of the four-star system. “If the separatists want to pick us off one by one, mobility will be key. I think… no, ‘Combat Hydra’ will attack our weakest unit first, namely ‘Quick Justice’ task force, which is the only one of our three forces that is outnumbered.”

He will attempt a surprise attack through this debris field, defeat the fleet, then break out westward, maneuvering flexibly, and then, depending on his assessment, choose to attack either the 'Open Ring Fleet' or the 20th System Fleet.

General Brand's eyes widened, then narrowed, his brow furrowing in annoyance.

This Wendren Jedi certainly hadn't considered this, but his speculation was frighteningly reasonable.

His fleet was separated from his nearest allies by the second satellite of Yagdur.

Combat Hydra can launch attacks during gaps in satellite communications disruptions, defeating the Swift Justice task force before the satellites disappear again.

What Ahsoka didn't say was that she could sense the location of the "Battle Hydra." The funeral flames of Rhys Alric burned brightly in the Force, their hollows acting like firebreaks, allowing her to easily deduce the location of the "anomaly."

The "Battle Hydra" is located west of Yagdul, hidden behind the first satellite, at an azimuth of 292 degrees. It is closest to the primary target, the "Rapid Justice" task force, with a dense area of ​​orbital debris and asteroid belt between the two fleets.

It was through this supernatural perception that Ahsoka formulated his strategy.

“I understand…” General Octavian Grant nodded, perhaps no longer so resistant to cooperating with the Jedi, at least they didn’t advocate a direct assault like many others. “If ‘Battle Hydra’ acts as you predict, how should we respond?”

"Once we encounter the separatists, the 'Rapid Justice' task force should retreat," Commander Esterházy replied immediately. "When the enemy pursues, the 20th Star System Fleet and the 'Open Ring Fleet' will close the distance and attack from the rear, at which point the enemy will have two options."

Either continue eliminating the 'Rapid Justice' task force and slowly wear them down.

They could either turn around and try to retreat to the Yagdul satellite system for cover.

If they turn around, it will be the turn of the 'Open Ring Fleet' and the 20th Star System Fleet to retreat, allowing the 'Rapid Justice' task force to attack from the rear, thus trapping the 'Battle Hydra'.

“Very clever,” Octavian Grant praised, but his tone was flat, more like a statement of fact. “And this strategy would work just as well if the Battle Hydra attacked any of our fleets, not just General Brand’s. However, it has a major flaw.”

Commander Esterházy received the governor-general's comments, picked up the data board, and reviewed the strategy again, trying to find any omissions.

“It’s a communications problem, Commander,” the general said, not giving her a chance. “I agree that your strategy is our best chance to win, and the probability of success is very high. But it requires close attention to the concentration of forces, flexibility, and timing of advances and retreats. Such coordination among three independent fleets requires timely communication.”

“Are you saying we can’t work together, General?” Empatojejos Brand raised an eyebrow.

“If the enemy attacks the 20th Star System Fleet first, cooperation will be impossible,” Octavian Grant said, slamming his hammer down. “Given the fleet’s position, this meeting is only possible because the 20th Star System Fleet acts as a bridge between the ‘Rapid Justice’ task force and the ‘Open Ring Fleet.’ If ‘Battle Hydra’ attacks us and interferes with this line, communications between the allied fleets will be disrupted.”

“…I acknowledge your point, General,” Ahsoka began somewhat nervously, “but I don’t think the 20th Star System Fleet will be Hydra’s primary target. In fact, attacking you is the worst option among the three Allied forces.”

“I agree with Asoka,” General Brand echoed her sentiments, disagreeing with the Governor General. “The 20th Star System Fleet is roughly equal in strength to the Separatist Fleet. If Hydra attacks you, they will put themselves in a vulnerable position, caught between the Open Ring Fleet and the Swift Justice Task Force. They will never choose this target if they are to act.”

“Two to one, General,” Commander Esterházy mustered his courage and looked General Grant in the eye. “We will proceed according to my strategy. General Brand will be ready for battle, and our two fleets will begin to converge on him to provide support.”

“I refuse,” Octavian Grant said, his face darkening, clearly annoyed by the repeated rejections. “As your superior officer, I order you to rendezvous with my 20th Star System Fleet—”

Ahsoka and Empatojejos Brand exchanged a glance.

The situation is deteriorating because of the stubbornness of one person, who is also the supreme leader of the Republic's army.

The governor commands thousands of warships and billions of soldiers, and is accountable only to the Speaker of the Council; his enormous influence and power should not be underestimated.

If Octavian Grant gives the order, Commander Esterházy and General Brand will likely find it difficult to refuse, or they will face serious consequences.

For a moment, Ahsoka thought, "Master Skywalker will know what to do."

Just then, Admiral Yularen stepped forward and entered the range of the holographic sensor.

"Excuse my boldness, sir," the admiral said to the governor, "Jedi officers belong to Jedi Command, not the Galactic Republic Strategic Command or the Republic Navy. You may be a superior officer, but this commander acts under the authorization of Jedi General Anakin Skywalker and is not obligated to obey your orders."

General Grant gritted his teeth. “Then we’re in a stalemate. However, I won’t risk my fleet for a strategy that I know is seriously flawed. Once the enemy engages the 20th Star System fleet and disrupts communications, all communications between the fleets will be cut off. The only solution is for both of your fleets to immediately converge on me.”

“The general is right, Commander,” Yularen, who had retreated outside the hologram, said softly to Ahsoka. “In coordinated operations, communication is crucial, and the 20th Star System Fleet is key to maintaining our operations.”

Ahsoka felt a painful clenching in his chest.

This is much more difficult than what Master Skywalker demonstrated.

What is the Force?
She closed her eyes... The Force only told her the location of "Battle Hydra," nothing more.

Given their location, their closest and most natural target, as she suspected, was indeed the "Rapid Justice" task force.

Octavian Grant noticed the Jedi Commander's inner struggle but paid it no mind.

He suddenly cut off his communication connection and forced himself to be the last speaker.

“Sigh, this is a really bad start,” General Brand muttered, looking apologetically at Ahsoka. “Sorry, apprentice, Grant is one of the more… arrogant governor-generals… What should we do now?”

Ahsoka smiled nervously. "That's exactly what I was going to ask you. I'm just an apprentice..."

“You are Anakin Skywalker’s apprentice,” Brand corrected, “and now you command the Open Ring Fleet. I think you’re underestimating your influence.”

“…There’s a satellite orbiting between you and General Grant,” Ahsoka pointed again. “If Battle Hydra decides to attack one of you, it will likely do so when the satellite’s communications are disrupted. It will send a reconnaissance ship to guard the satellite so that it can provide rapid support no matter which of you is attacked.”

“That’s right,” the Jedi Knight agreed. “I will do as you say.”

Then, communication was interrupted.

"Is this the right decision, Commander?" Yularen neither agreed nor disagreed.

In Ahsoka's view, this question was more like a test.

“I don’t know,” she said dejectedly. “I hope so.”

(End of this chapter)