Star Wars: From the Clone Wars to Starfaring Heroes

Chapter 303-305 - Confederate Offensive
Two hours before Directive 66.

The long-awaited Confederate offensive has begun with a synchronized attack across the galaxy.

More than one hundred “Generosity-class” frigate battle groups pierced through the starry sea, their silver-gray hulls gleaming with a cold, hard sheen under the starlight. The energy cannons, controlled by tactical robots, were pre-charged, emitting a pale blue halo, as they headed straight for the Republic’s outposts, listening posts, and patrol ships.

Six hours later, the first wave of fierce attacks arrived as expected, and alarms sounded all over the galaxy.

The war first broke out in the northern and northeastern regions of the Milky Way. When the Confederate fleet launched a surprise attack on Agamino, the shields of the patrol ships shattered instantly under the intense barrage of fire, and the metal debris fell into the planet's atmosphere like meteors.

Before the listening station could even issue a complete alarm, it was leveled by a ship-borne torpedo.

Before Bandomed's defensive position, the clone troopers' blast beams and the separatist combat robots' laser beams intertwined to form a deadly web.

Meanwhile, the separatist forces launched a fierce attack on Sempildar and Bimir, overwhelming the defenders with their numerical superiority in combat robots and quickly consolidating their positions.

The "Northern Pocket" reduction operation was launched simultaneously, with multiple fleets heading to Luria and Flölum. The rams at the bows of the ships tore through the Republic's defenses and firmly grasped control.

Over the waters off Moncalamali, the Confederate fleet broke through the atmosphere and engaged in fierce combat with the Republic Navy. Carrier-based aircraft swarmed like bees, and explosions created towering waves several meters high on the water.

Almost simultaneously with the northern offensive, alarms began to sound in the eastern part of the galaxy.

When Wilmore's spaceport was attacked, the docked transport ships were blasted through the cargo hold by energy cannons before they could even take off.

Outside Rosh's clone army camp, a square formation of combat robots advanced steadily, the flashes of blaster guns turning the dawn blood red.

Naziri and Kashik's defensive forces fought valiantly, but could not withstand the repeated bombing by the Confederate fleet, and their lines fell one after another within hours.

The situation in the southern and southeastern quadrants is equally critical.

After establishing a forward supply base in Dallang, a large Confederate fleet split into two groups.

One force headed straight for Chara, while another raided Rangnick. Transport ships, under the cover of escort ships, dropped combat robots onto the planet's surface.

The Republican garrisons of Lanos, Bosavi, Manda, and Rishi were caught completely off guard and were subjected to a fierce attack. Their communication towers were destroyed first, and their contact with the outside world was completely cut off.

On the southern battlefield, the first phase of "Operation Dagger," aimed at capturing Kamino, was officially launched.

At least one of the vanguard of the Starfleet attacked Hedesa and Christophersis. After the shipborne radar detected the signal of the Republic transport ship, it immediately began to hunt it down.

Subsequent reconnaissance revealed that another twenty independent combat groups were operating in the area, scattered along the hyperspace route, specifically tasked with intercepting Republic supply convoys and cutting off the clone army's logistics lines.

Hours earlier, the Confederacy had launched another offensive, targeting Naboo's Republic Navy.

This attack had two clear objectives: first, to connect the separatist-controlled areas in the central and southern regions, forming a continuous defensive line;

Second, to prevent Nabu's reinforcements from reaching Kamino.

As planned, the Confederate fleet launched a surprise attack on Kalindra and Lundria, using shipborne hypersonic jammers to cripple local communications. They then seized control of hyperspace routes within the star system, completely severing the connection between Malastar and Zehes and trapping the Republic's reinforcements in place.

The attacks in the south continued, and in order to completely isolate the western quadrant, Confederate forces moved to Utapa, Karidev, Rutan, and Brendan to either reinforce the local garrisons or consolidate newly captured positions.

The other fleet captured Aether Island and Semp with almost no resistance. The Republic garrisons in both places were left with few troops and had no choice but to retreat.

The next day, the battle in the western quadrant ignited as scheduled.

A starfleet split into five groups and launched a simultaneous attack on Eridau, Agonmar, Etu, Noehaon, and Bomiscaori.

The Republic's western territories were divided up piece by piece, and instead of deploying ground troops to fight for the planet, the separatists concentrated their firepower on eliminating the region's naval forces.

We will never waste military resources unless a planet possesses strategic-level resources.

While much of the Republic was engulfed in war or on high alert, the people of the core world focused their attention on a more immediate threat.

Despite the Confederacy’s massive operations outside the core, only two were of extremely high strategic value.

First, the goal of connecting control zones scattered throughout the galaxy was successfully achieved within two weeks;

Secondly, the much-anticipated Camino Offensive, though not yet launched, has already made the Republic's top leadership extremely uneasy.

The core objective of this Confederate offensive was to severely damage the Republic's shipbuilding and industrial system. More than 70 percent of the related industries were concentrated in the core area, making it a prime target for the Confederacy.

The attack on the center of the Galactic Civilization began with a fierce raid on Abregado Ray. The Confederate fleet's main guns continuously bombarded the shipyard, melting the metal structure under the high temperature and sending thick smoke into space.

The Confederacy's advance into the core unfolded in three directions.

The first route involved a star fleet that launched a surprise attack on Kelada, defeating the local defenders and continuing its advance into the core territory.

The second route involves a surprise attack on Rommamur, using combat robots to seize the communications hub and paralyze the region's command system.
The third route involves multiple small fleets assembling in Afar, Chardan, and Tyna, with the objective of connecting the Confederacy's western and central star systems to form a semi-encirclement of the core region.

The most controversial aspect of the third offensive was the defection of the Trade Federation.

The Trade Federation forces, which had previously claimed neutrality or even secretly supported the Republic, suddenly launched a surprise attack on Udlor from their defensive positions in Nemoydia and Cato Nemoydia.

This betrayal directly severed Antar's connection with Comenore and Balmora, allowing the Confederate fleet in the central star system to concentrate its firepower on weakening Antar's defenses.

Once Antal falls, Quarter will be directly exposed to the Confederacy's attacks, and Quarter's shipyard is a vital supply source for the Republic's navy.

Meanwhile, the remaining Confederate forces in the core area, including those in Kola, Castel, Skako, and Nur, launched a breakout attempt. Although they did not inflict heavy damage on the Republic, they successfully tied down a large number of troops, creating conditions for offensives in other directions.

These attacks, though seemingly fierce, were merely a prelude to the storm.

Intelligence indicates that a large Confederate fleet is heading towards Mandalorian.

After the fall of Keladard, the star fleet from Fangdo headed straight for Duro... The Republic Navy had already fortified its position on the planet and deployed a large number of turbo laser cannons.

Once Duro falls, Correlia will only have Nova Prampotto as the last line of defense between it and the core area.

……

The optical sensors of the super tactical robot AEUG scanned the bridge of the command ship, the metal inner wall gleaming with a cold, hard silver-gray luster.

Inside the combat intelligence center, dozens of B1 combat robots were mechanically operating control consoles, with red data streams scrolling rapidly across the screens.

Augu emitted a short electronic buzz, clearly showing his disdain. These cheap, mass-produced models were adequate for controlling the ship's basic systems, but when it came to complex tactical calculations or adaptability, they had long been left behind by the new robots.

It connects to the ship's "combat network" system, and data streams instantly flood into the core processor.
This system, which originated from the Technology Alliance, was initially just an upgraded version of the "Umbrella" defense system, used to integrate the offensive and defensive parameters of a single ship. Later, after being modified by engineers, it was able to achieve multi-ship collaboration, connecting the robotic consciousness of the entire fleet into a loose aggregate.

This mission marks the first real-world test of the "Combat Network" by AEUG.

It commands a small fleet, with a "Divine Will" class command ship at its core, supplemented by 25 "Generosity" class cruisers. Each cruiser's hangar carries 100 modified "Vulture" fighters, totaling 2600 small fighters at its disposal.

The target is Radnor, a small ocean planet controlled by the Republic, where an enemy regional defense fleet is deployed. According to pre-battle reconnaissance data, the enemy force consists of three Jagdpanzer-class cruisers, one Cheerleader-class assault ship, and an escort fleet of 10 CR90 frigates.

The AEUG's core processor can perform rapid calculations. Although the fleet is at a disadvantage in terms of firepower density and protection capabilities, it may not be without a chance of victory if it can rely on the "combat network" to achieve coordinated operations.

Raine's instructions were clear... The primary objective of this battle was not to destroy the enemy, but to verify the practical value of the new system.

Fortunately, Augu had ample time to prepare.

Upon receiving the mission, it dispatched reconnaissance robots to infiltrate the Radno system and continuously monitor enemy movements.

Even with the Republic's temporary troop reinforcements, the Confederate's ambush fleet is on standby to intercept them on the outer edge of the star system, so it only needs to focus on dealing with the anticipated defensive forces.

Augu completely integrated his consciousness into the "Battle Network".

In an instant, the computing power of an individual is amplified dozens of times, enabling it to clearly "see" the flare activity of stars tens of thousands of kilometers away through the main sensor of the command ship.

It could "feel" the hull of the "Vulture" fighter jet parked in the cruiser's hangar being subjected to the slight impact of interstellar dust.

It can even synchronize the operation data of each B1 robot and predict their possible mistakes.

This "omnidirectional perception" experience caused the optical sensors of the AEUG to glow slightly.

If it had human expressions, it would surely be showing a satisfied smile right now.

Suddenly, multiple nodes within the "combat network" issued warnings simultaneously.

The AEUG's core processor instantly locked onto the target, and the Republic Fleet began to move. The hangar doors of the "Jackey-class" cruisers slowly opened, and "Torrent" fighters took off like a swarm of bees, forming a defensive formation in front of the fleet. Ten CR90 frigates accelerated forward, forming a mobile barrier. The "Jackey-class" cruisers spread out in a diamond shape, with the "Cheerleader-class" assault ships located at the apex of the diamond, their guns slowly turning towards the Confederate fleet.

Without verbal commands, AEUG only needs to issue combat orders within the "combat network," and the data stream will be transmitted at the speed of light to every ship and every robot.

The hangar doors of 25 "Generosity-class" cruisers opened simultaneously, and "Vulture" fighters, trailing pale blue ion tail flames, took off and gathered in dense battle groups around the fleet.

The cruiser itself was running at full speed, its engines spewing out scorching plasma as it charged toward the Republic fleet.

Under the coordination of the "combat network", the fire control system simultaneously locked onto the four enemy CR90 frigates at the forefront.

In the past, when individual ships fought independently, it would have taken at least three rounds of calibration to achieve such precise concentrated fire. Now, the first salvo has already hit the target.

Due to the great distance, most of the turbine laser cannon shells grazed the shields of the enemy frigates, leaving red energy trails in space.

However, the power of concentrated firepower should not be underestimated. The shield of a CR90 frigate began to flash an unstable red light after being hit repeatedly, and fine cracks appeared on the armor on the surface of the hull. Intermittent alarms came from inside.

During the third salvo, the damaged CR90 frigate finally gave way, and a violent explosion occurred in the middle of the ship, with metal fragments flying everywhere like meteors and instantly swallowed by the vacuum.

As the distance between the two sides closed, the Confederate fleet's fire became increasingly accurate, and the engine of another CR90 frigate was destroyed, leaving the powerless ship slowly drifting in space.

The Republic's fleet immediately launched a counterattack.

The missile silos of the "Jackey-class" cruisers opened, and dozens of anti-aircraft missiles streaked towards the surface with white plumes of fire, while heavy shock missiles were aimed directly at the Confederate "Generosity-class" cruisers.

Augu had anticipated this and issued defensive orders through the "Combat Network." Hundreds of anti-aircraft turrets on the 25 "Generosity-class" cruisers turned simultaneously, and dense laser beams wove a protective net in front of the fleet.

Countermeasure missiles are launched from the launch pad and precisely intercept incoming heavy munitions.

The "Foal Eagle" fighter jets dispersed according to pre-set tactics to avoid the missile attack range, while simultaneously activating the experimental air defense system, with laser beams continuously firing at the approaching anti-aircraft missiles.

The enemy's attacks were greatly reduced in effectiveness by the multiple layers of defense, but Augu noticed that the Republic's clone pilots were dealing with them with great skill.

They would promptly release decoy flares, adjust formations to disperse, and even have tail gunners continue to return fire, demonstrating a far superior performance compared to the Vulture fighters' initial encounters with the Guardian system in Lyros and Geonosis.

Unfortunately, without the combat meditation of Jedi, facing hundreds and thousands of missiles attacking from both sides and the approach of more than two thousand "Vulture" fighters from behind, such resistance was ultimately a drop in the ocean.

Of the 550 Torrent fighters initially dispatched by the Republic, two-thirds were shot down by anti-aircraft fire before they even reached the Confederate fleet, and the rest were destroyed one by one in dogfights with the Vultures.

Even so, 1900 "Vulture" fighter jets still broke through the defenses and rushed toward the Republic's main warships.

At this moment, the main guns of the Republic fleet finally opened fire.

A massive beam of red energy struck the lead ship of the Confederate fleet.

The shields of a "Generosity-class" cruiser were instantly overloaded by the violent impact, and the shield generator automatically shut down to protect the core systems from being burned out.

The next salvo hit the unshielded hull directly, the armor melted and vaporized under the high temperature, and the exposed weapon systems and power lines were destroyed. The cruiser listed violently under the kinetic impact, and was then hit by the second salvo. The hull broke in the middle and quickly disintegrated.

The moment the cruiser M-355 was destroyed, an unprecedented sense of unease pierced Augu's consciousness.

Through the "combat network," it could clearly "perceive" that the signals of all the robots on that cruiser had disappeared, and the collective's computing power had suddenly decreased.

Those few seconds of distraction caused the lead "Vulture" fighter squadron to fail to evade in time, resulting in dozens of aircraft being shot down by enemy air defense fire.

Fortunately, the "protective umbrella" system was in automatic mode and was unaffected, and the remaining "Vulture" fighters continued to launch missiles as planned.

Despite the clone pilots' efforts to release decoys and make sharp turns, their efforts were largely ineffective against the dense missile attack. As the remaining 1200 "Vulture" fighters approached the Republic's ships, they were met with even denser anti-aircraft fire and turbo-laser cannons switched to anti-aircraft mode. Hundreds of "Vultures" were instantly destroyed, and the metal debris formed a moving "fragmentation cloud" in space.

Even so, nearly 700 Vulture fighter jets still completed the attack.

Auger deliberately placed the aircraft carrying proton torpedoes at the rear of the formation. These aircraft launched torpedoes before reaching their targets and then initiated self-destruct procedures, crashing into the bridge of the Jagdpanzer-class cruisers.

The final defensive firepower shot down more than half of the "Vulture" torpedoes and even intercepted a third of the proton torpedoes, but under strong electronic interference and frantic evasion, more than a dozen torpedoes still hit their targets.

A huge fireball exploded on the side of a Jagdpanzer-class cruiser, completely destroying the turrets and damaging the propulsion system, causing the shields to fail.

Augus immediately mobilized half of his fleet to concentrate fire on the cruiser. Although he lost two more "Generosity-class" cruisers and the third was also severely damaged, the battle was essentially won.

Two minutes later, the Republic fleet was reduced to three burning wrecks, ten ever-expanding clouds of debris, and a Jagdpanzer-class cruiser attempting to activate its hyperspace engine to escape.

Aug quickly issued orders: the three escort ships were to immediately jump ahead of the cruiser to intercept it, while adjusting their firepower parameters to destroy only its weapon systems and engines, leaving the hull intact, in preparation for sending boarding troops to seize intelligence.

After the battle, Augu began to compile the post-battle report, retrieving combat data from each ship through the "Battle Network" to analyze the shortcomings of the "Battle Network" in coordination, defense, and attack, providing a basis for future tactical improvements.

Its core processor still retains the "pain" of when the ship was destroyed.

He never wants to experience that kind of synchronized "battle network" experience again.

It can "see" the operation logs of its subordinate robots, "feel" the fluctuations in their core programs, and know that they, like itself, both depend on and fear this "collective consciousness".

(End of this chapter)