Star Wars: From the Clone Wars to Starfaring Heroes

Chapter 74 - A Flower Blooming in Deep Space (5.8K words, written in one go)
Inside the bridge of the USS Revenge.

At this moment, the composure that had been on Renn's face was gone.

He couldn't even manage a smile.

His knuckles were white from gripping the edge of the console so tightly, and cold sweat trickled down his forehead as he stared incredulously at the near-perfect coordinated maneuvers of the Republic fleet on the tactical hologram.

Those tiny bright spots simply cannot truly demonstrate the terrifying power of the modified giant cannon on the belly of the "Victory-class" star destroyer.

With just one sweep of fire, it instantly vaporized the two "Generosity-class" frigates of the Fourth Vanguard Squadron into metallic vapor and flying debris!

The icons representing the two ships on the hologram instantly dimmed and disappeared, as if erased by an eraser.

Similarly, those bright spots cannot demonstrate the astonishing efficiency of the Republic Point Defense System, which almost effortlessly detonates and intercepts every missile and torpedo attacking from space.

The red markers representing missile threats on the screen went out in droves, like insects hitting an invisible wall.

Even after seeing it with his own eyes, Raine still couldn't understand how the entire Republic fleet could rotate synchronously like a single person, evenly distributing the concentrated firepower of his three vanguard squadrons to a larger area of ​​shields to withstand it.
He could understand if it were a single ship rotating, but for the entire fleet to do it in perfect unison...

This went against the limits of his understanding of commanding an organic life form fleet.

A terrible thought shot up his spine.

If... if the Republic's fleet can achieve this level of coordination without robot assistance, then what is the point of relying on the advantage of robot network command?
As he looked at the real-time fleet status report on the console, a strong sense of unease welled up inside him.

The second and third vanguard squadrons are slowing down significantly to avoid colliding with the spinning Republic fleet.

The third detachment was almost paralyzed, and the Zenith II was struggling to gather the remaining ships and organize an orderly retreat.

Its icon is accompanied by a flashing yellow warning signifying "moderate damage" and "decreased command effectiveness".

And the first basic detachment, on which he had placed high hopes, was about to withstand the most intense frontal attack from the enemy's main force!
The blue block representing the First Basic Squadron is being fiercely driven into the red arrow representing the Republic Fleet!
All of this... actually happened in front of a Republic fleet that was only one-third the size of the "White Hand Fleet".

Although they had a large number of hastily assembled cannon fodder ships, their actual combat strength was roughly two to one.

but.

The huge difference in combat power was wiped out in front of the Jedi Master.

Ryan forced himself to accept this cruel reality.

The Arena tactical system boasts a vast campaign database for comparative analysis.

Because of this data, a chill ran down his spine.

The Republic fleet before us, in terms of coordination, firepower accuracy, and combat efficiency, compared with the historical records in the database... from any statistical perspective, this is an extremely unusual encounter, or even... an impossible battle.

Renn could only think of one explanation.

That is the true power of a Jedi Master.

Moreover, they are two battle-hardened Jedi Masters.

Prokhor...

Seth Tear...

Their names themselves represent the pinnacle of the Republic's military art.

They were not only leaders of the Jedi Order, but also meritorious generals in the Stark Hyperspace War twenty years ago.

Their names are already etched in the history of the Republic.

Whatever this mysterious Force power is, it sent a chill down Ryan's spine more deeply than any tricks like telekinesis or chokeholds.

This reflects awe of the unknown and a clear understanding of the absolute gap in strength.

call!
Raine forcibly suppressed his turbulent thoughts, dispelled distractions, and focused his gaze back on the hologram.

Currently, the "White Hand Fleet" still has superior total firepower compared to the Republic's special task force in front of them.

Especially when the opponent is restricted by their formation and firepower is relatively dispersed, allowing him to concentrate his firepower.

In theory, given enough time, the Republic Fleet's shields will eventually be breached.

But the problem is that time is not on his side.

The Republic's "arrow" has too much penetrating power.

The "Intrepid" has broken through the interception line of the "Vulture" fighter group with unstoppable momentum.

It released powerful electronic interference waves, causing a large number of "vulture" robot fighters to instantly lose control, spiraling down like headless flies, and even directly initiating self-destruct programs.

This is a pre-set safety protocol that will be triggered if contact with the command mothership is lost.

Outside the window, the out-of-control Vulture aircraft crashed into the shield like a kite with a broken string, and a dense explosion formed a brief halo around the massive hull of the Dauntless.

The next second, the main vanguard of the two fleets clashed head-on!

The Republic fleet's cone-shaped vanguard was instantly flattened by the enormous impact, like a hammerhead that had been smashed flat.

Dense torpedoes and turbo laser beams rained down on the array of the first basic squadron.

"Damn it, fire!"

Raine ordered a full-scale counterattack, and in an instant, fierce artillery fire sparked a continuous barrage of explosions on the shields of the Republic fleet.

However, it still couldn't stop the enemy's unstoppable momentum.

The Republic Fleet's formation directly and forcefully pierced through the defenses of the first basic squadron!
Large warships were rammed and forced back by the fierce impact and artillery fire, while smaller warships were torn apart and turned to dust in the storm of crossfire.

On the hologram, the blue area representing the first basic detachment was completely penetrated by red, and the friendly ship icons at the edge quickly went out like candles in the wind.

After penetrating the formation, the "Dreadnought" and its close escort began to slow down, and the massive ships slowly turned around, their gun barrels locking menacingly onto the "Revenge"!
The massive star destroyer rapidly magnified in the observation window, its ventral cannons flashing with charging light, and the boarding hatch at the bow vaguely visible, like an open maw.

The rest of the Republic's fleet continued its charge forward, intending to completely penetrate the separatist front.

At that moment, Renn fully understood the other party's complete plan!

"The enemy intends to penetrate our formation directly, then turn the fleet around, using the 'Dreadnought' as the anvil and the rest of the fleet as the hammer!" Raine's voice was hoarse with a hint of surprise as he slammed down the communication button. "Has the Republic Fleet's electronic countermeasures interfered with our command matrix?!"

Raine knew that the situation was deviating from his plan due to the influence of the two Jedi Masters.

If it were any other fleet of the Republic, the situations on both sides would be reversed.

It's a pity no.

But this game is not over yet.

“No interference, sir!” Godell replied. “Only our ‘Vulture’ fighter group was affected, but I have authorized HMS Queen Belle and the 990MT battlecruiser to exercise independent command over their respective forward detachments in the event of a command network disruption.”

"Gunboat wakes detected! Numerous!" the sensor robot blared a piercing alarm. "It's a boarding assault team!"

Playing board jumping?
Ryan's heart sank, and he immediately turned and rushed to the viewing window, squinting as he looked out.

They wanted to identify the gunboats navigating through the flashes of explosions.

A fleet of the Republic’s iconic LAAT/i assault gunboats sped through the gaps in the chaotic battlefield, heading straight for the “Revenge”!
Worse still, a squadron of "Etheric Flying Immortal" fighters, appearing out of nowhere, swooped down like precise falcons, clearing the way for the remaining "Vulture" patrol to board the ship.

"Close all hangar blast doors immediately!" Rein let out a barely audible sigh. "Execute immediately!"

“Unable to close, sir,” Godell replied quickly. “The explosion-proof door control system is not responding.”

Rein rubbed his face vigorously, saying with some regret, "Besides, we don't have any security combat robot units deployed on our ship, right?"

"Yes, sir."

As soon as he finished speaking, the massive hull of the "Revenge" shuddered violently, and a dull thud came from the lower structure.

The Republic's gunboats forcibly entered the hangar.

Immediately afterwards, a burst of explosive gun fire and the sound of metal clashing rang out.

Clone commandos are spreading inside the ship, attempting to seize control of the warship.

Renn licked his lips.

Before long, the boarding team will realize that something is wrong.

This seemingly imposing Conqueror-class flagship is almost entirely empty inside.

The "Revenge" is now basically an empty shell, with almost nothing inside except for the core systems that maintain basic navigation and combat.

It was meant to be the proud flagship of the Confederate Navy, but in Raine's hands, it was destined to fail to realize its full potential.

Today, it will join those unfinished warships that were requisitioned in this cold star field for a vague concept of a homeland, in a battle destined to fail and ultimately meet its demise.

“Ha…” Renn sighed, then straightened his back and straightened his dusty uniform collar. “At least… in front of the ‘guests,’ I have to maintain some decorum, don’t I?”

“You can leave now.” He waved his hand, and Godell and the other robotic crew members did not hesitate at all, instantly severing their connection with the bridge system, and their presence vanished like a phantom.

On the massive bridge of the "Revenge," only Ryan remained.

The emergency lights flickered, casting distorted shadows on the empty control panel and the unoccupied seats.

With each hit, the ship groaned in pain and trembled violently, the piercing shriek of twisting metal accompanied by billowing smoke filling the air.

The clamor of battle outside seemed to be shut out, replaced by a suffocating silence.

He could sense the desperate struggle of the entire "White Hand Fleet" through the command link, with every warship teetering on the brink of collapse under the Republic's fierce attack.

A cold, numb feeling, mixed with a deep weariness, spread from the bottom of my heart.

If every Jedi General possessed the power of Prokone... would the Confederacy still have a sliver of hope of victory?

This desperate thought was like an abyss, almost swallowing him whole.

In the brief lull while waiting for the invaders to arrive, he forced himself to remain calm and pulled up the fleet's ammunition reserves report.

After confirming that most of the ammunition "requisitioned" from the Metalon Armory was still sufficient, a series of heavy and hurried footsteps approached from afar, echoing in the deathly silent corridor, and finally stopped outside the tightly closed bridge door.

The heavy blast door was forcibly cut open by some powerful force, sparks flying everywhere.

A figure stepped in first.

“You are…Rain Bontry.”

A deep, hoarse voice rang out.

Ryan turned around with a hint of surprise.

Standing before him was an extremely peculiar alien.

His face was covered by a bizarre mask that resembled leather or an insect's shell, and a claw with four short, thick, sausage-like fingers gripped a buzzing, deep blue lightsaber.

Behind him, clone soldiers with striking blood-red wolf head patterns painted on their helmets filed in, spreading out in an orderly fashion, their blaster rifles warily pointed at every corner of the bridge, searching for any non-existent resistance fighters.

With a hiss of energy contraction, the Jedi Master deactivated his lightsaber.

“I’m sorry,” Ryan shrugged, his tone calm, “but the ‘prince’ you’re looking for is in another ‘castle.’ However… if you’d like, we can talk.”

Jedi Master Prokone slowly walked forward, pacing around Renn. His eyes, hidden behind his goggles, sharply scrutinized him, his expression unreadable.

"Why do you serve Count Dooku? Is it for your home planet, Ondron?"

“I’d like to ask you the same question…” Ryan stood still, his gaze calmly meeting the other’s. “But I’ll answer your question only because Dooku is, at the moment, the lesser of two evils.”

“General,” the clone commander, Warfield, stepped forward to report, his voice muffled as it came through his helmet, “we have taken control of the entire ship, but… this place is almost empty; this is not the true command core node.”

This Conqueror-class 'flagship' was a disguise for Renn from the very beginning; his true flagship was always the 'Repulse'.

Prokhor turned his gaze to Ryan, his eyes filled with inquiry: "Would you be willing to explain your point of view?"

His tone remained deliberately polite.

“Didn’t General Obi-Wan Kenobi tell you this?” Raine stared directly at Prokhor. “The Republic is controlled by the Sith Lord.”

"Absurd! What basis do you have for saying this?" Pro Kong's voice suddenly turned stern. "Dooku is the Sith Lord who has fallen into darkness!"

Raine reached out forlornly, his fingertips lightly brushing the cold armrest of the captain's chair. His voice was low and deep: "I assure you, Jedi Master, I've seen... some things. I know that the Sith Lords always appear in pairs. Guess which one I meant when I said 'choose the lesser of two evils'?"

Pro Kong stopped in his tracks, his inhuman face remaining expressionless.

But Renn could feel that the other person's gaze seemed to pierce through his soul, carefully weighing the truth or falsehood in his words.

Time seems to have frozen.

The Jedi Master was stunned for a moment. His Force abilities, which had always been invincible, were now completely ineffective.

“You are not my enemy, Jedi Master,” Raine’s gaze swept over the clone soldiers who stood ready for battle, “but at this moment, I am your enemy. May I ask you the same question? Do you Jedi Order fight for the Republic to eliminate Dooku, or because you are servants of the Galactic Council?”

“We fight for the people of the Republic,” Procon corrected, his voice filled with unwavering determination.

“And I,” Ryan said clearly, meeting his gaze, “fight for the people of the Separatist Confederation, not for Dooku.”

He presented his viewpoint, like an invisible peace treaty: "Dooku's control over the various independent star systems is loosening. One day, the people of the Confederation will no longer believe his lies. At that time, we will no longer want to be your enemies. When that moment comes, will you still want to fight us?"

"What makes you so sure?" Commander Wofi stepped forward, his tone full of doubt. "Why should we believe you?"

“Relax, Commander Warfield,” Procon raised his hand to stop him, but his gaze remained fixed on Rein. “He’s right, innocent citizens should not suffer in this war.”

The instant Pro Kong finished speaking, Ryan's fingers swiftly typed a command on the tablet he carried with him.

“I’m glad to hear that, Jedi Master,” Raine said calmly, a complex smile playing on his lips. “Now, please leave my ship.”

"What?!" Commander Wofi shouted sharply. The clone's knuckles were white as he gripped the blaster tightly, clearly trying his best to suppress some kind of impulse.

“I’m sorry,” Raine repeated, his tone resolute and unwavering. “Unfortunately, at this moment, we are still enemies. However, when we no longer have to be enemies, whether or not to continue supporting the Council’s war will be decided by the Jedi Council. Whatever your choice, I… am ready to stand by you!”

Before he could finish speaking, the deck beneath his feet suddenly tilted violently!

A deafening roar erupted from the engine core of the "Revenge," and the ship's structure emitted a teeth-grinding groan, as if it were about to disintegrate at any moment!
The massive warship's pointed prow suddenly transformed into a battering ram, and with astonishing acceleration, it slammed into the undefended, flat, and wide hangar deck of the "Dreadnought" directly below!

Prokhor understood Renn's thoughts the instant the engine roared to life.

The Jedi Master issued a hurried order, and the clone army immediately assembled, turned around at top speed, and fled back to the hangar passage they had come from.

The warship tilted downwards, its hull torn to pieces, emitting angry roars and the twisting hiss of steel, as if shouting its final battle cry.

This warship, which was taken over from General Tann, was an excellent decoy and is about to be destroyed after Prokon and his clone soldiers boarded it.

Raine stared intently at the bridge monitor screen, a complex mix of regret welling up inside him for the tragic end of this warship that could have been a great flagship.

But facing two Jedi Generals, this was the only option left.

He did not immediately carry out the destruction, but waited until he confirmed that the last Republic gunboat had escaped from the hangar of the "Revenge" before giving the order.

"Goldell, detonate all ammunition depots."

Raine's voice was unusually calm.

"Yes, yes!"

In an instant.

The flames of war erupted in deep space.

All communications were interrupted instantly.

When Ryan came to his senses again, the scene before him had changed.

He blinked and found himself back on the vibrant, brightly lit bridge of the HMS Repulse.

The holographic projection on the bridge of the USS Revenge has disappeared.

The blast shield and complex head-up display of the observation window were retracted. Outside his transparent porthole, the battlefield was gradually falling silent, with only sporadic firefights flickering in the darkness like mosquitoes in the distance.

Hal silently handed over a large-aperture telescope.

Ryan took it and held it up to his eyes.

In my field of vision, the tragic scene on the other side of deep space is clearly reflected.

The battered and bruised "Revenge" was like a runaway steel behemoth, smashing through the massive hangar doors of the "Dreadnought," and the two giant ships became savagely entangled together.

In the midst of devastating warfare, one ship is desperately trying to break free, while the other, with a determination to perish together, drags the other deeper and deeper into the conflict.

Immediately afterwards...

An indescribable, all-consuming pure white light suddenly erupted!
Its brightness instantly surpassed all the light sources in the starry sky, as if a star had been born before our eyes!

The bright light pierced through the telescope, stinging Ryan's eyes.

The "Repel" intelligent system reacted extremely quickly, instantly adjusting the viewing window to the highest level of light blocking, and the field of vision turned into a deep, dark red in an instant.

However, the devastating scene was deeply etched on his retina.

The two colossal ships at the heart of the battlefield, along with the untested and highly unstable weapons and ammunition they carried, transformed into the shortest yet most dazzling flowers of death in the universe.

Raine didn't think about all the things he had planned, how many casualties the Republic had suffered at the cost of the "Revenge," and slowly lowered his binoculars, turning around to sit back in the captain's seat of the "Repulsion."

"Order all ships still capable of operation," his voice regained its usual calm, "to immediately retreat to the Waubani system. At the same time, send final instructions to the Metalon ground defense command: orbital defenses are no longer sustainable. The remaining battle... is up to you. Good luck, and may the Force... grant you your wishes!"

　The main reason for writing it this way is to prevent the Republic Fleet and the two Jedi Generals from becoming less intelligent in the battle, and also to leave a spark of separation for the Jedi Council!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)