Star Wars: From the Clone Wars to Starfaring Heroes

Chapter 290-292 - A Galaxy of Stars (Part Two)

After Raine opened fire on Griffith in the Toplawa system, Count Dooku's fleet launched a preemptive attack in the Sereno system.

Sereno security forces swiftly launched an attack, followed by auxiliary forces from the northern separatist faction.

General Mays Windu's flagship, the Resolute, immediately ordered the entire force to advance.

Thousands upon thousands of warships lit up their thrusters in a thick fog of light and gas and charged toward the enemy formation.

Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Jedi Master, felt increasingly uneasy as he watched from the rear.

Master Procon's tactics were almost a complete replica of his style of play in the Battle of Metalon.

That battle, as one of the most thoroughly studied examples of the Battle of Peremia, is no secret.

"Master, they're feigning an attack!" Scout suddenly exclaimed, his eyes glued to the tactical hologram.

The separatist forces' frontline fleet turned sharply to left, exposing its broadside.

Moments later, countless red alerts popped up on the hologram, and hundreds of thousands of torpedoes roared toward the Republic's fleet.

The Republic's Navy's vanguard armored fleet reacted swiftly.

The Inspector-class battleships have reinforced their forward shields and deployed chaff.

The Victory-class Star Destroyer launched a large number of counter-missiles.

The void was torn apart by the intense light, and the close-in weapon systems opened fire wildly, constructing a scorching barrier in front of the expeditionary fleet.

However, as more battleships from the separatist forces joined the battle, torpedoes continued to pour in like a tidal wave.

Obi-Wan Kenobi saw through Dooku's tactics and was replicating the strategy from the Battle of Centares: using a continuous salvo of torpedoes to force the expeditionary force to slow down and intercept, thereby disintegrating the momentum of the "arrowhead formation".

“General,” Admiral Brock said as he walked onto the bridge, “I recommend that some ships be assigned to support the right flank.”

“That would disrupt the integrity of the formation,” Obi-Wan Kenobi countered rationally.

"Dooku's line of fire on the left flank is a feint... They are forming a column to outflank the right flank. If we continue to advance in a straight line, these enemy ships will sail out of our firing range and then strike our starboard side directly."

Scout added, "Once they succeed, the transport fleet will be completely exposed."

However, the Force issued a strong warning within Obi-Wan.

Prokhor explicitly ordered the Open Ring Fleet to guard the rear.

“I cannot make any changes without authorization,” Obi-Wan finally decided. “I will send an encrypted communication to the ‘Perseverance’ requesting instructions.”

Mace Windu responded quickly.

The USS Resolute immediately ordered the deployment of the USS Selfless task force to reinforce the right flank.

The holographic star map was updated accordingly, and the "Selfless" led its fleet to maneuver to the right flank, strengthening the defenses in that area.

Just as the main battle line of the separatist forces moved out of the Republic fleet's frontal firing range, a second battle line quietly emerged behind them.

The tactical screen refreshed in real time, revealing the massive circular outlines of hundreds of Rukri-Hook-class battleships emerging from the enemy ranks.

What truly made everyone on the bridge gasp was what happened next.

Countless "Vulture" robot fighters swarmed out of the hangar, forming an endless array of aircraft, heading straight for the expeditionary fleet.

"Scooter!"

"Understood, Master!"

Without hesitation, Scout rushed off the bridge.

“Admiral!” Obi-Wan turned to Brock, “The command of the fighter group is in your hands.”

"Deploying, General," Brock immediately ordered the flight control center.

The hangars of all the "Jester-class" Star Destroyers in the Open Ring Fleet were in a state of high alert.

ARC-170 fighter jets, Z-95 Headhunters, and V-19 Tornadoes were launched in groups.

The fighter squadron of "Warning" took the lead in engaging the enemy, with Ahsoka's crimson "Etheric Flying Immortal" fighter jet leading the way and merging into the fighter shield hastily assembled by the Republic.

The next moment, the main battle line of the separatist forces crashed into the right flank of the Republic's fleet.

……

"Is this the grand strategy of Hydra?" Pro Kong leaned over the holographic projection table in the Hyperion's operations room.

He is still on his way to the Sereno system at full speed.

“As you can see,” Kolmogorov Admiral Diderich Greshad responded, “the successful execution of this strategy requires the cooperation of the expeditionary fleet.”

This tactical style is reminiscent of Ryan Bontry, who was always known for his unpredictable tactics.

At this moment, the Jedi Master of the Kael'dor family couldn't help but wonder: what kind of blueprint was in the mind of "Hydra"?

“…We owe you a life, Master Luminara’s life.” Pro Kong finally stated, “I promise to cooperate.”

“Master, they might be taking Master Luminara hostage,” Jedi Knight Lissah hissed.

“Hostages? For what?” the master countered. “In this era, the lives of Jedi are no longer valued as they were in the past. Whether or not they are hostages, saving a life that the Force might have taken away is meaningful in itself.”

“Excuse me for speaking frankly, Master Pro,” Burta Swann reminded him, “if Master Windu’s original plan had gone smoothly, we wouldn’t have needed this strategy at all.”

“Indeed, Swann Knight.” Prokhor scratched his chin with his claws. “But I believe that Hydra’s proposal is a better solution than the alternatives…more efficient and can save more lives.”

“They might be trying to kill two birds with one stone, destroying both our fleet and Dooku’s fleet at the same time,” Lisach hissed coldly, “and then they can easily besiege Sereno and wipe us out.”

Having experienced numerous wars, Prokhorne saw things more clearly.

Whether fighting the Stark Alliance or the Separatist Alliance, his enemies are ultimately the citizens of the galaxy.

Hatred only breeds more hatred; only by trying to trust can you earn trust in return.

“Your concerns are indeed valid.” He acknowledged his subordinate’s opinion, then turned to Greshad. “Major General Greshad, my men have raised reasonable questions. How can you prove your sincerity?”

"Cooperation leads to mutual benefit; breakdown leads to mutual loss," Diderich Greshad said earnestly. "Right now, the Second Confederate Fleet, commanded by Admiral Trench, is approaching. Frankly, we could choose to intervene as a third party and throw both of you into the unknown. If we truly intended to wipe you out, we wouldn't need your consent at all."

The subtext is clear.

If we don't cooperate, we'll only face the worst possible outcome.

“…I accept.” Prokhor crossed his arms and made his decision. “Then, the agreement is reached. Admiral Greshad, please inform your superiors that we will execute Hydra’s strategy.”

A faint smile flickered across the Kolmogoth's face: "It's good to hear you say that, Master. The 'Invader' is about to arrive. Please prepare for its arrival."

……

The entire battlefield gradually revealed itself on the holographic star map.

In the void, a vast and terrifying scene of destruction is unfolding.

In the distance, the planet Sereno gleamed like pearls, with blazing beams of light constantly rising from its surface from defensive turrets.

The airspace between the Republic fleet and the planet is a hellish landscape comprised of warships, starfighters, and Rukri Hook-class battleships.

When the Hyperion task force's sensors locked onto the battlefield, a massive amount of information flooded in instantly.

In the center of the operations room, a holographic tactical map glowed with a ghostly blue light, reflecting on Prokon's non-human face.

The expeditionary fleet's arrowhead formation was clearly visible; they were desperately trying to tear a gap in the Sereno defenses, but their vanguard armored units were being relentlessly entangled by wave after wave of enemy starfighters. On their right flank, a line of Separatist battleships was traveling in the opposite direction to the expeditionary force, continuously unleashing a barrage of missiles at the Republic fleet's starboard side.

"Master, we've established narrowband communication with the 'Warning'!" Burta Swan shouted. "Connect us!"

Prokhor raised his voice.

“Master Proud, you’ve finally arrived!” Obi-Wan’s voice was filled with relief. “Count Dooku’s forces launched an exceptionally fierce counterattack; they’re targeting our transport ships.”

"I guess Sereno's planetary shield hasn't been activated yet?"

"Given how unrestrained the surface artillery fire is, let's hope it's not true!"

“Very good, we still have a chance to turn the tide.” Jedi Master Prokone took a deep breath. “Obi-Wan, connect the fleet broadcast for me, and leave the rest to me.”

"Bulta, Lissah," the Jedi Master summoned his two apprentices. The entire war room was eerily quiet, as if everyone was holding their breath in anticipation.

"General, the entire fleet's channels are now open." Pro Kong nodded in acknowledgment and took another deep breath.

"Attention all Expeditionary Fleet units, I am Prokon, a Jedi High Commander. From this moment forward, I assume full command. Prepare to receive orders and execute them immediately. Let us unite and secure victory."

In that instant, a myriad of emotions from the fleet's pilots and crew pierced the Jedi Master's senses like sharp needles.

Fear, determination, and pain surged within the Force.

He calmed himself, straightened the tangled threads one by one, and suppressed their trembling with a calm will.

Prokhor could feel the violent disturbances within the Force, a churning sea of ​​death.

So he touched those who were in pain, soothed those who were in despair, calmed those who were in panic, encouraged those who were afraid, and guided those who were courageous.

Each emotion is a thread. He picks up one, ties up the worn end, and then weaves them together one by one with his own will.

The officers on the bridge were the first to feel the calm aura he exuded.

Fear faded from their hearts, replaced by unwavering resolve.

Their voices were no longer hesitant and uneasy, but became calm and decisive.

Next came the gunners, who had been sweating profusely and with trembling hands, but gradually calmed down.

The pilots' knuckles, which had been gripping the control sticks tightly, no longer turned white, and their shoulders relaxed.

The tapestry grows ever larger and more complex as the Jedi Master’s perception continues to expand.

He sensed the consciousness of millions of people, each a separate ball of yarn.

Amid the chaos on the bridge of the HMS Vigilant, Obi-Wan Kenobi's presence was like a stabilizing flame, blending into the tapestry.

He calmed the fear of a young ARC-170 pilot as he rushed into a swarm of vulture robots.

The captains of heavy ships and star destroyers were relieved of the pressure of command, and doubts were replaced by clear decisions.

Then, things took a turn for the better.

The artillery and torpedoes that the separatist forces originally possessed were easily neutralized by the constantly rotating shields.

Prokohn had completely entered a state of egolessness, his entire consciousness focused on maintaining this grand command network.

In the center of the operations room, the Jedi Master stood still like a statue, with only his breathing mask rising and falling rhythmically.

“Expeditionary fleet, heed my command,” Pro Kong’s voice echoed in the silence. “There is only one order: advance.”

The expeditionary fleet let out a silent cry, and countless sub-light-speed engines burst forth with dazzling light, propelling itself forward at full speed.

The Hyperion task force swept into the battlefield like an arrow, unleashing a barrage of fire from both turbo-laser cannons and ion cannons.

Robotic fighters swarmed in, but escorting frigates and fighters quickly formed a tight defensive network, tearing the enemy apart with precise salvos.

The Hyperion maneuvered toward the right flank of the Republic's formation, while the main force of the separatist forces had turned inward and were about to break through the defenses and attack the vulnerable transport ships.

Just as the separatist forces were busy tearing a gap in what they thought was a chaotic enemy formation, deadly artillery fire roared down from behind and above them.

The shield flickered and collapsed during the first salvo.

The laser beams cut like sharp blades, the energy replacing blood, penetrating armor rather than flesh, and the battle lines of the separatist forces began to crumble from the rear.

Upon seeing the arrival of reinforcements, the Republic's right-wing forces immediately regrouped and launched a counterattack led by the battleship "Selfless".

Emerging from behind the wreckage of their destroyed warships, they unleashed a barrage of fire upon the enemy, forcing the separatist forces' offensive back into the void.

"General Swann!" Pro Kong shouted, his eyes still staring blankly into the void, "Locate Sereno's planetary shield generator immediately!"

"Yes, sir!"

The rotating arrow formation continued its advance, unstoppable. The Rukri-Hook-class battleships, with their massive size and slow movements, struggled to maintain their formation under the Republic fleet's fire.

The heavy firepower of the "Inspector-class" and "Victory-class" warships continuously dealt heavy blows to the enemy.

Every pilot, every gunner, and every captain was of one mind and shared the same goal, as if they were playing a precise symphony of war together.

Task Force "Hyperion" continued its advance behind enemy lines, with destroyers and frigates providing flank cover and unleashing fire on the underside of enemy warships.

They continued to penetrate deeper until they broke through the second line of defense of the separatist forces.

Just as the expeditionary force was about to achieve a complete breakthrough, Jedi Master Prokone opened his eyes and ordered, "Transfer the energy of non-essential systems to the remote scanners! Locate those shield generators!"

“Transferring energy!” Burta Swann replied, his hands flying across the control panel.

"Generators located!" the tactician shouted. "Coordinates locked! They are densely deployed in the Kalanian Mountains, outside the capital city of Kalania!"

"Mark the target and send its coordinates to the 'Invader'!"

"We don't know where the 'Invader' is, sir!"

"Initiate a forced scan!" Lisa shouted. "Even if it means sending the coordinates to the ends of the galaxy, send them out!"

The Hyperion task force complied.

They broadcast their coordinates to all ships in the galaxy, with a signal strength so great that it penetrated all interference and blockages.

It is conceivable that both the Republic's and the separatist forces' fleets were plunged into confusion.

But this forced scan ensured one result... no matter where the target is, the receiver that must receive the signal will definitely receive it.

Of course, the military authorities on the planet also received the signal.

Within minutes, artificial aurora appeared in the sky above Sereno, and the planetary shield rose above this jewel of the separatist forces.

The surface-to-orbit bombardment ceased immediately, and a massive energy barrier enveloped the atmosphere, instantly severing all communication between the surface command and the orbital fleet.

The expeditionary fleet finally and completely shattered the separatist forces' battle lines.

A bright blue comet streaked across the void, and a torrent of energy flooded all the tactical displays within the galaxy.

At that moment, the chaos on the battlefield seemed to miraculously freeze, and both fleets involuntarily turned their gaze to the dazzling streak of light, stunned by it.

Its target was the planetary shield... that energy grid that stretched across the horizon like a second sky, cracking loudly under the impact of the comet.

The impact occurred even before their sensors captured the comet's trajectory.

(End of this chapter)