Star Wars: From the Clone Wars to Starfaring Heroes

Chapter 55 - Operation Trident (4.6k)

"...Meeting in Rangnick, that's all."

Tann's hologram was frozen at this moment.

The entire audience was initially deathly silent, then gasps of surprise erupted.

Everyone wearing the badge tries to express their opinion.

"What should we do?!" General Coburn raised his voice amidst the commotion. "We must immediately lure this Pantora away from the 'flanking maneuver'! I suggest General Brand attack Basardro immediately! The 20th Sector Army is already at the gates of Fondor; she has no choice but to return to defend it!"

The unseen projection operator skillfully manipulated the enormous star map, focusing the attention on the L-13 coordinate grid.

A red area clearly delineates the separatist enclave in Fondor, covering most of the Tapani sector, as well as Basardro and Mristt in the Shipbuilders' Route.

Since the outbreak of the war, Octavian Grant, the governor of the Tapani supervising district, has been locked in a tug-of-war with the enemy along the Rimma trade ridge, but has been unable to achieve a decisive breakthrough due to the fierce resistance of the Fondo.

“Barsadero is prepared for a long siege,” a female Jedi participant via hologram pointed out. “A hasty attack will only increase civilian casualties!”

"Excuse my bluntness, General Aleks—"

"Draw her away!? Is that all we're capable of!?" Colonel Gentis straightened his tall frame and said loudly, "We must launch a new offensive through the Nansiri hyperspace route! Take Mimban, then Atahox, and head straight for Nansiri itself! General Laan Tik's 224th Division is ready to go; we must cut off her entire operational chain in one fell swoop!"

The holographic projection quickly switched from the Tapani sector to focus on the vast area defined by the Southsiri trade route and the Outlander route.

“You’re too short-sighted, Gentis!” another governor said with disdain. “Chief Isard, may I interpret this to mean that there are currently no significant Separatist fleets stationed in the Confederate foundry region?”

Everyone present was stunned, trying to process the meaning of those words.

Ahsoka frowned, took out his tablet, and quickly flipped through the data files, trying to confirm the identity of the officer who spoke.

General Tannil?
She quickly looked up and squinted, but the face didn't match.

General Renault... no.

General Serban... that's him!

Commander of Serbon Command, Commander-in-Chief of the Twelfth Sector Army.

What is he thinking...? This can't be right.

“You’re right, General Serbon,” Armand Isard nodded hesitantly, as if sensing an impending storm. “Our agents on the separatist homeworld have reported that the defense of the Peremia route has been handed over to small patrol fleets and planetary local security forces.”

After a moment of silence...

“You’re dreaming, Serbon!” Colonel Gentis retorted loudly. “You can’t even get close to Salvara by a thousand parsecs!”

“The Twelfth Sector Army is indeed inadequate,” General Serbon corrected seriously, “but if we gather all the forces in the region: the Twelfth Sector Army, the Eleventh Sector Army, the Third Army of the Middle Ring, the Fourth Army of the Outer Ring… my staff tells me that we can reach Lax by the end of the year.”

Since the start of the meeting, the Supreme Speaker spoke for the first time: "I shouldn't be speaking in such a professional setting, but isn't this...opportunity...a trap? Someone like Tann is unlikely to make such a basic mistake, isn't he?"

Ahsoka noted that Speaker Palpatine was extremely adept at using gestures.

His intentions were conveyed half through gestures, which always successfully attracted everyone's attention and made people listen involuntarily.

She also agreed with the speaker's concerns.

This was certainly odd, not to mention that General Serbon's suggestion was somewhat of a blatant attempt to claim credit.

However, this general of the 'Azure Spear' did not give in easily.

"Speaker, it's clear from the report that this Pantora man is currently overwhelmed," General Serban said, spreading his arms wide. "My staff and I have carefully studied the details. The movements of the Confederate First Fleet are highly secretive; even the Separatist officers don't know their purpose. So, this astonishing discovery clearly provides us with a fleeting opportunity, enough to end the war in one fell swoop, doesn't it?"

A surge of approval welled up within the Force, so strong that even Ahsoka could clearly sense it.

The crowd was being persuaded, and even some Jedi agreed with this view.

“Commander Isaac,” a tall, lean officer asked bluntly, “can you confirm General Serbon’s statement?”

The Issaad official tensed up, his eyes almost pleading for help from the Supreme Council Speaker.

“Who is that?” Scout nudged Ahsoka.

Ahsoka shook his head.

“That’s General Cole Selden,” Obi-Wan answered in a low voice. “Commander of the Third Army in the Central District. Remember his face. We work with him the most closely.”

“He is one of the most influential figures in these circles,” Anakin added. “If he joins forces with General Serbum, most others will follow suit.”

Scout and Ahsoka exchanged a glance, and Ahsoka asked, "Is this a good thing or a bad thing, Master?"

"Us?" Anakin crossed his arms. "Just know that if the plan is approved, we'll go there to fight."

“That’s quite in line with the duties of the ‘Open-Ring Fleet,’ isn’t it?” Master Obi-Wan chuckled.

The "Opening Fleet" is the army's rapid reaction force, under the jurisdiction of the Jedi Command and entirely under the command of the Jedi Generals.

Elite clone troop units are also largely concentrated under his command.

Therefore, wherever the fighting was most intense, the flag of the "Open Ring Fleet" could be seen.

“We can confirm,” Director Isard said resolutely, “that Tann relies on secrecy measures to protect the outer ring of the Peremia Channel.”

General Serden leaned forward, his hands clenched tightly. "Then, I will send a 'Steel Blade' task force for this operation. I believe that Admiral Kruger and his 'Knight-class' Star Destroyer will be the most suitable vanguard."

"The 'Knight-class' is too new and has not yet been tested in actual combat!" General Serbon questioned, which clearly angered some people. "It's too risky to send them into battle."

Don't try to steal my credit.

Ahsoka sensed this unspoken message from the Force.

Meanwhile... those who were clearly displeased by Serbon's words were undoubtedly supporters of the 'Knight' class.

Anakin was right;

Even at times like these, political friction is unavoidable.

“My ‘Knight-class’ is a specially built battleship, sir,” Admiral Kruger calmly replied. “Such armored spearheads are exactly what we need to break through Salvara’s blockade. ‘Project Victory’ is still in the experimental stage, and unless Quarter Dynamics Shipyard is willing to donate a ‘Mandator-class Star Dreadnought’, my Star Destroyer is the best option to realize your strategy.” Ahsoka keenly noticed the sudden gleam of interest in the eyes of the group of Quarter Dynamics Shipyard (KDY) representatives.

Speaker Palpatine frowned with concern: “I worry that we are acting too hastily. While Tann’s strategy is certainly cause for concern, I believe some of you will agree that it is an overreaction. We should not forget our past successes. We are still making steady progress on new territories, and the victory of Eliadu threatens the separatists’ entire operation along the Rimma trade route.”

“I agree with the Speaker,” said Master Jedi Ra-Gol. “We have indeed been too hasty in concentrating all our forces on the Peremia Passage, leaving other fronts vulnerable… The Separatists will certainly take advantage of this… We should seek a more prudent solution.”

The Speaker nodded approvingly: "As Master Ray Gore pointed out, shouldn't caution be our guiding principle right now?"

The deadlock was broken by a governor whose holographic image flickered briefly before he said firmly, “General Kenobi, what are your thoughts on this? You command the ‘Open Ring Fleet,’ and none of you here will question your judgment.”

As Obi-Wan rose, he sighed softly, his half-armor standing out starkly against the flowing robes of the Jedi. "If Inspector Isaad's intelligence is accurate, I tend to support General Serbon's view. After all, offense is the best defense."

“Master Kenobi,” Master Ray Gore advised softly but seriously, “you should understand the risks involved…”

“I understand, Master,” Anakin stood up abruptly, a hint of anger flashing across Ray Gore’s composed face. “I understand even more the benefits of decisive action! Admiral Coburn suggested diverting the Pantora by expanding the Southern Theater, Colonel Gentis advocated for a direct attack, and General Serbon proposed a plan to strike at the heart of the Separatist Alliance! Why not take a three-pronged approach!?”

Anakin's words immediately triggered a shocked silence, and Obi-Wan shook his head helplessly.

Ahsoka shrank into his seat.

Taking advantage of the silence, her master further emphasized his point of view.

Anakin's patience had clearly run out.

“General Serbon’s plan is too ambitious, and Master Regal’s advice is too conservative; but that’s not the problem. The problem is that we can’t put all our eggs in one basket!” Anakin said in a deep voice. “Therefore, we will launch these three plans at the same time, but we must control the scale and prepare contingency plans for failure! If one plan succeeds, we will have achieved our goal. If two plans succeed, we can turn the tide of the war against the separatists!”

This "fearless hero" slammed his fist into his palm, instantly drawing everyone's attention: "Continued pressure will surely break the spines of separatists!"

……

……

After suffering a series of devastating blows from Confederate General Severn Tann, the Republic’s Supreme Command devised a new, large-scale counter-offensive plan aimed at regaining the initiative and potentially forcing the separatist government to sign a peace treaty favorable to its side.

Operation Trident envisioned three simultaneous offensives, planned to unfold in the final months of the first year.

The main offensive was named "Operation Serbon," after its architect.

As the cornerstone of the entire operation, "Operation Serban" is arguably the most significant operation in the history of the military. It requires the cooperation of the three sector armies and tens of thousands of man-hours of preparation to minimize friction between the various forces.

The "Serbon Plan" involves a two-pronged attack along the Salin and Peremia hyperspace routes into the Kolumex system, with the aim of capturing the vast majority of the separatist forging planets in the region, weakening the separatists' war-making capabilities, and potentially forcing their governments to sign a peace treaty.

Phase One: Admiral Kruger's task force, supported by Jedi General Obi-Wan Kenobi's "Open Ring" task force, broke through the Separatist defenses in Salvara, paving the way for an offensive towards the outer ring of the Pelemia Passage.

Meanwhile, the combined task force of "Flame Claws" and "Open Ring," led by Admiral Yularen and Jedi General Anakin, departed from Fanta to expand the enemy's defensive lines.

Phase Two: The Twelfth Sector Army launches an offensive against Ringo Venda, Abean, Centares, and other star systems in the outer ring of the Peremia Channel.

The Third Sector Army deployed forces to capture forging planets such as Metalon, Wobani, and Salukamai.

The army of the 10th Three-Star District advanced along the Salin Corridor and captured Vijon and Lukazek.

Phase Three: The "Open Ring" fleet splits up to seize the forging planet Himrils.

Some Jedi generals have proposed expanding the target to Jabim, ostensibly to avenge previous defeats, and the Supreme Command has taken this proposal under consideration.

However, the logistics department is concerned that this move would lead to an overextended battle line.

At this time, the armies of the 10th and 12th star sectors should have already rendezvoused in the Kolumex system and sent a ceasefire proposal to the Lax II satellite.

If the separatist government refuses, the Twelfth Sector Army will establish a forward defensive line, while the Tenth and Third Sector Armies will launch a sweeping operation.

……

The secondary offensive was named "Operation Gentis" and focused primarily on the South Sisley route.

The plan called for a limited offensive against Mimban and Nansley, isolating Severn Tann and the Confederate First and Second Fleets south of the Trax Pipeline.

Phase 1: The Fourth Sector Army departs from Antal to capture Gindin and Mimbal, while Jedi General La'an Tick leads the 224th Clone Division in a preemptive attack on the home planet of Nansiri.

Meanwhile, Jedi General Mace Windu and the 91st Expeditionary Force advanced north into the Separatist-held Bosa Space to delay the enemy.

Phase Two: General La'an Tick must fend off the anticipated separatist counterattack until reinforcements from other units of the Fourth Sector Army arrive.

If the "Gentis Project" succeeds, two of the three main separatist fleets will be trapped in the backward sector, thus turning the tide of the war.

……

The third and final offensive of Operation Trident was named "Operation Coburn," centered on the Rimma trade route.

However, some military staff members consider "Operation Coburn" to be a standalone operation because it was not closely related to the other parts of "Operation Trident".

Initially, the "Coburn Plan" was proposed as a diversionary attack to distract Severn Tann, but after attracting the attention of the influential Governor Octavian Grant, the plan expanded and evolved into a large-scale offensive.

The "Coburn Project" represents a joint effort by the armies of the 20th and 18th sectors to liberate the entire Rimma trade route from separatist control, and its scale is comparable to the "Serbon Project".

Phase 1: The Army of the 20th Sector launches a two-pronged advance against the territories occupied by separatists along the hyperspace route toward the core world.

Jedi General Empatojoyos Brand leads a task force along the Shipbuilders' Route to capture the important shipyard planet Fondo and its satellite system. He plans to take advantage of the local civilian government's general lack of support for the separatist cause and resolve the issue of their reintegration into the Republic through peaceful negotiations.

At the same time, General Grant will seize the industrial planet Mechis III, weakening the separatists' war effort in the region.

Phase Two: After the capture of Yggdal, and with the Twentieth Sector Army leaving the jurisdiction of the Tapani Oversight District, command will be transferred to Jedi General Rhys Alrix.

General Alrix will negotiate a peaceful reintegration with the pro-Republican Woruna while investigating possible connections between Severn Tann and the Woruna.

After rendezvous with the Army of the Eighteenth Sector, General Alrix will launch a joint offensive along the Rimma Hyperspaceway to draw separatist forces away from the Ceswinner Sector.

Phase Three: Under the command of Brigadier General Wilhelm Tarkin, the Eighteenth Sector Army, in cooperation with the Outer Ring Regional Security Forces, launched a breakout operation from Eliadu to expand the salient and improve the Republic's precarious situation in the western frontier.

The armies of the 20th and 18th sectors will meet in Salust to seize the system's shipyards and end the separatist presence in the region.

(The Republic's plan has been arranged; now it's time to break the deadlock.)
(End of this chapter)