Star Wars: From the Clone Wars to Starfaring Heroes

Chapter 286-288 - The Stars Take Their Place (Part Two)

Karamis sector, Toprava galaxy.

Major General Diedrich Greshad watched through the observation window of his flagship, the Crown Prince, as the Sea Dragon task force, heading to Sereno for the battle, gradually disappeared into the distance.

The command center is located in the deepest part of the ship, in the fortified area, where the armor is thickest.

Various holograms and displays were already covered with battle plans, and officers were busy at their posts, carefully analyzing the massive formation consisting of more than a thousand warships.

The command center echoed with deep commands and the hum of the control console, occasionally interspersed with brief responses from the communications station.

He hurried through the cabin, paying no heed to the flashing holographic images, and walked straight through it.

Just as he approached, the communications station suddenly lit up, and General Trench's imposing face appeared on the screen.

The spider-like alien's compound eyes gleamed faintly, its mouthparts trembled slightly, and its voice conveyed both curiosity and undeniable seriousness.

"Mission objective achieved, sir," the admiral of the 28th Mobile Fleet reported in a deep voice. "We have obtained the Republic's complete operational plan."

"How is General Procon's task force doing?"

Diedrich paused slightly: "He can still maintain control of the task force, at least enough to openly contact us. As for the expeditionary fleet as a whole... the situation is more complicated. Rumors about high-level conspiracies have already spread within the ranks, but not only the Jedi, but even the attitudes within the Grand Republic Army are extremely divided. To be honest, Admiral, I personally think there are too many variables on Sereno's side, making it difficult to accurately predict the outcome."

“We must focus on the core of our strategy,” General Trench said, crossing his arms over his chest with a slight click. “We are here to solidify the legitimacy of the Laxus government.”

In other words, it was Severance Tann's military government.

Diedrich secretly worried that the woman had no intention of relinquishing power.

But General Trench's wording gave him room to think. The Laxus government?
Instead of Severance Tann personally?
Is this some kind of deliberate rhetoric?
“Sir?” the officer Kolumeshi asked for a clearer explanation.

"The Supreme Commander's reason for imposing martial law is that there are traitors within the Confederation and that the Confederation's sovereignty is under threat," the old spider said, gripping his cane tightly. "To force her to lift martial law and rebuild the Confederation Parliament, we must completely destroy Count Dooku and his Sereno government. Only then will she have no reason to continue clinging to power."

"I understand……"

“Of course,” Trench continued, “we would not intervene if we could just watch the Republic and Serenno weaken each other. Gaining the support of the Jedi radicals is a pleasant surprise, but it is not a key part of our main strategy.”

"But we still have to support the Jedi?" Diederich asked.

Despite being in the midst of war, the thought of betraying the Jedi, with whom an agreement had already been reached, still made him feel very uncomfortable.

"Rest assured, until the battle is over, our task is simply to hold their rear and guard against any possible attacks from Griffith," the Hatch man replied calmly.

Diedrich nodded slowly: "Speaking of Greaves, I will submit a detailed post-battle report on the Battle of Talis as soon as possible. One thing deserves special attention... I believe the Intruder participated in the battle of Talis."

"Bounty has joined the war?" The old spider's voice was clearly surprised. "How crucial is this move that it's worth him revealing his existence?"

"It's hard to say, sir. The Republic is obviously unaware of the 'Intruder's' existence, but they can speculate that there is some kind of superweapon of similar magnitude on the battlefield. This is a reasonable speculation based on the available intelligence."

“Then I’ll have to ask him myself why he did that… and then report the situation to ‘Independent Station’,” Trench added, his tone seemingly less self-assured as if he were superior to Ryan Bontry. “Right now, we must be prepared to intervene immediately should the situation in Sereno deteriorate. Has that Jedi Master mentioned our plans?”

“That Jedi Master believed that the Republic’s intelligence would act during the campaign. He said, ‘They won’t miss this perfect opportunity.’” The admiral of the 28th Mobile Fleet explained, unconsciously wiggling his fingers. “To be honest, Admiral, I think it’s all because of some kind of Force prophecy or something.”

"What do you think?"

Diedrich Greshad was an officer in the 28th Mobile Fleet.

In his battles alongside Hydra, he witnessed more Force prophecies than any other separatist fleet.

“I think we still need to take it seriously,” he frankly told his superiors, “after all, it’s a Jedi.”

General Trench nodded in agreement: "Then let's take a look at their order of battle."

"Yes, General." Diedrich waved his hand, turning the tactical projection in front of the two men.

The expeditionary fleet was in a vague cone shape, with the vanguard in a compact formation, continuing the traditional formation style of the Republic's Navy, and its bottom was convex.

The spearhead is a squadron of the Republic Navy, equipped with powerful "Knight-class Star Destroyers" and "Victory-class Star Destroyers".

The arc-shaped bottom is equipped with an "open-loop fleet," which mainly consists of "Jester-class Star Destroyers."

The main fleet is surrounded by small task force escort ships and frigates, which are responsible for covering the main force.

Finally, at the center of the formation are the "Cheerleader-class assault ships" and other troop transport units.

“…Metallon.” General Trench made the judgment immediately.

"Sir, you think the same way I do."

This is the classic formation that Prokofiev used in the Battle of Metalon.

If this formation hadn't never failed, some might say that this Jedi general only knew this one trick.

Anyone with a little experience can see the purpose of this formation.

The plan is to use the heavy armor of the vanguard to break through the defenses, hold the gap firmly, and buy enough time for all troop transport ships to enter the planet's atmosphere.

This is a classic example of a decapitation strike tactic, designed to eliminate Count Dooku and thus break the fighting spirit of his fleet.

Everything seemed...too conventional.

However, if you look a little deeper, you'll discover a hidden secret.

The Jedi Master relinquished the honor of leading the vanguard to the Republic Navy, rather than his own "open-loop fleet," ostensibly because they had more heavy armored ships under their command.

Of course, unless this Jedi Master also knew that these Republic Navy units were not involved in their plans.

By cross-referencing the deployment locations of each unit with the signatures on that secret declaration, a clear trend can be observed.

Fleets belonging to the Jedi and those of the star systems that signed the declaration were positioned in the relatively safe rear and flanks.

Palpatine's loyalists were placed in "honorary positions," such as the vanguard, where they would bear the brunt of the attacks.

The troop transports of Chandrila, Brentalan, and Humbalun were placed behind the invading forces, while the troop transports of Alsakani, Tepaci, Fedalan, and Ixlari were deployed further forward.

The same applies to the arrangement of Jedi battle groups.

Those who supported the declaration were assigned to the open-circle fleet, while those who opposed it were dispersed into troop transport ships to command ground invasion operations.

The entire battle formation appeared flawless, but in reality, it was an elaborate trap designed to eliminate those disloyal to the conspiracy.

“By the stars above,” Diderich murmured, “look at this.”

“The Jedi are far more cunning than we imagined,” Trench said with admiration.

"Was this designed by one person alone, or—"

“No one can decide the formation of such a large fleet on their own,” the old spider said with certainty. “Not even a Jedi Master. This is almost certainly the result of a collective design, which means that the conspiracy has infiltrated the staff of the expeditionary fleet, and the number of supporters has exceeded the number of loyalists.”

“That’s good news, isn’t it?” he guessed. “If we’re lucky, we really won’t have to do anything.”

As soon as he finished speaking, it was as if the entire universe was against him, and the communications manager nervously looked up.

"Sir? An urgent communication has come in."

The two generals' sharp gazes fell on the communications director at the same time, making him involuntarily shrink back.

"Who sent it?" Diederich pressed.

“Look…it looks like the ‘Intruder,’ sir.”

“...Looks like we’re not so lucky, Major General.” Trench’s hoarse voice carried a hint of morbid mockery. “I’ll take the communications and get the fleet ready for battle.”

Diedrich Greshad sighed inwardly.

As long as Ryan Bontry gets involved, don't expect any peaceful action.

"Execute immediately, General."

……

Corusca sector, Coruscant. Master Adi Gallia, holding binoculars, carefully observes the building in the distance, his gaze sweeping over the broken windows, cracked window sills, and sloping balconies.

This building is located in the center of an industrial eco-building complex.

On other planets, such an eco-building would be comparable to a small city.

It is over three centuries old and is gradually falling into disrepair. About two-thirds of the building's height consists of bare columns, with a rounded top.

The circular base supports the upper structure, while the giant buttresses provide reinforcement.

The area where the superstructure meets the sloping top of the buttress is filled with windows and old-fashioned gear-type docking gates.

Many of the permanent glass panels and skylights remain intact, but the passage of time and corrosion have severely damaged the ancient facade.

An investigation is underway to determine the original construction company and current owner of the building.

However, judging from its location and prominence in the industrial area, it appears to have once been the headquarters of surrounding factories and assembly plants.

Adi Gallia and her team.

The group, including Jedi Knights, clone commandos, and Republic intelligence personnel, is located about one kilometer east of the building, surrounded by low, pointed foundries and towering, permanent concrete chimneys belching thick smoke.

She couldn't help but think to herself with a self-deprecating smile that staying here for five hours would probably shorten her lifespan by five years. Even in the heavily polluted Skako, her lungs wouldn't suffer such damage.

This is practically the perfect hiding place for the Dark Lord of the Sith.

"The reconnaissance robot has set off, General Gallia," reported Thorne, commander of the Coruscant Guard.

Adi silently aimed his binoculars at the group of spherical robots, each about a meter in diameter, which were moving toward the building along deliberately irregular trajectories.

The Senate Intelligence Oversight Committee had tried to block the deployment of Homeland Security Forces and Coruscant Guards to the area, deeming it a Jedi fantasy, but the Republic's intelligence services rejected it... which is perhaps not surprising.

After all, since the satellite terrorist attack, the Republic's intelligence agencies have been on guard against separatist strongholds in the Coruscant underworld, and the abandoned industrial area happens to be the connection point between the underworld and the glamorous surface of Coruscant.

This seemed like a reasonable cover for her, but the situation might have been very different if Palpatine hadn't already firmly controlled the Republic's intelligence services.

"There is no indication that the probe has been attacked," Commander Thorne updated.

Adi watched as the black detector passed through the broken window and disappeared into the damaged facade of the building.

The squad she had assembled waited patiently on the sidelines, including the Coruscant Guard (led by Commander Thorne) and a high-level reconnaissance assault team (led by ARC Commander Valiant).

In addition, the main assault force and commandos were also equipped with Republic intelligence personnel (led by Captain Dane) to "oversee" the operation, as well as a squad of elite Jedi Knights.

Thorne said, "The internal holographic image has been transmitted."

Adi put down his binoculars and turned to the live holographic projector. The 3D image flickered due to signal interference, showing a dusty room, a dark corridor, and a large, empty space.

"The building appears to be completely abandoned, General. No signs of organic life detected. There is some robot activity, but they are all models commonly found in these manufacturing slums."

"It may be abandoned, but it hasn't been forgotten," Intelligence Captain Dane interjected from behind Thorne. "The building still has a power supply. The lights are on, and the access panels are working."

“That doesn’t prove anything,” ARC Commander Valiant retorted gruffly. “Many of these industrial eco-buildings are self-powered. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be inhaling so much black smoke.”

Captain Dane nodded reluctantly, but pointed to the hologram again: "But the building's electricity usage is cyclical and recent. The circuit breakers are also well maintained."

"...Is this the target we're looking for?" Master Shakti asked softly.

The two accompanying Jedi squads appeared somewhat nervous. Although it wasn't outwardly apparent, the homeland security forces and Republic intelligence only knew that this was a hideout for the separatist forces, while the Jedi knew the truth.

They are hunting down the Dark Lord of the Sith, the legendary Dark Lord of the Sith.

In their perception of the Force, they had reason to feel nervous.

There is only one exception.

Iscart Akaris, with her red skin, leaned slightly to one side, appearing remarkably calm.

Adi Gallia felt... perhaps weariness, or perhaps a hint of anticipation that the operation was finally about to begin.

After all, they had been searching the eco-structures in this area for weeks. Such conversations and scenes had played out dozens of times.

But this was the first time they were so certain they had found their target.

"Notify Master Yoda that the operation has begun and that he should arrive as soon as possible." Adi Gallia stood up and nodded to Shak T'tie, who was also a member of the Elder Council. "Commander Thorne, give the green light signal; we'll proceed first!"

"Understood, General!"

"We'll split into two teams!" Adi Gallia clapped his hands to attract the attention of the assault team. "I'll lead 'Orek Squad,' and Master Shakti will lead 'Bakta Squad'! Mission complete, board!"

The joint assault force let out a low cheer.

This was the last morale-boosting shout before the operation, after which they lined up and headed toward their respective gunboats.

May the Force be with you!

May the Force be with you!

Soon, the Jedi Knights also split into two small teams.

Adi Gallia and Shak T'i exchanged a serious look.

Shakti is as beautiful as a flower, yet as sharp as a blade; having her by my side at times like this is the best thing.

Despite her elegant appearance, she is a natural hunter at heart—it's in the nature of the Togruta people.

Her sense of smell was keen, her eyesight sharp as an eagle's, and with the Force's enhancement, she was comparable to the most advanced optical equipment.

Not to mention her striped horns and long braids, which allow her to sense the movement of surrounding objects through echolocation, and her six ears constitute an extremely acute auditory system.

She excels at moving quickly through crowds or confined spaces, and is often the first to engage in close combat, her blue lightsaber strikes precise and deadly.

Master Mays Windu was absolutely wise to have her stay in Coruscant to participate in this operation.

Adi Gallia is truly fortunate to have her assistance.

Because Shakti is a natural hunter draped in silk and beads.

"May the Force be with you." The Solothorian Jedi Master bowed in acknowledgment. And that was it.

“And I am with you,” the Togruta Jedi Master replied dignifiedly.

That's all.

When Adi boarded the gunboat of the "Orek Squad," it was already full of commandos and warriors.

The LAAT gunboat took off and flew straight to the top of the building.

All around, red-painted LAAT gunboats took off and plunged into the smoke-filled sky. Gunners at the hatches turned their rapid-fire blast guns, while assault team members prepared for deployment in the troop compartment.

Elsewhere, AT-TE walking vehicles and other mobile artillery vehicles are advancing towards their targets through the dilapidated urban landscape.

Considering the real objective, this might seem like overkill, but the operation was publicly announced as a siege of a separatist stronghold.

Inside the troop compartment, ARC Commander Valiant turned to the soldiers who formed the "Aurek Squad" and shouted the ARC commando's battle slogan.

The sound made her feel inexplicably uncomfortable, even though it was no different from the clone soldiers hearing the Jedi say "May the Force be with you."

Perhaps it was the rough, roaring style, or perhaps it was the atmosphere of collective shouting, that was so different from the Jedi's echoing greetings.

"This building is a free attack zone. Anyone spotted here is considered an enemy." Valiant loaded the new energy pack into the short-barreled blaster. "Soldiers, proceed according to training!"

"Discover!"

"locking!"

"wipe out!"

(End of this chapter)