The fighting has in a manner of speaking stabilized. While the Clone companies were preparing for their boarding actions neither side seemed to want to push into the supporting fire of the Golan platforms. Yet if I wanted anything to be done successfully I would need to do exactly that.

  “Sir, Captain Chain reports Hope Company, the supporting units from the 99th and Navy arms-men are prepared.” Mi-Kus says.

  “Very well. We’ll deploy the Dac’s Revenge and four of the Rendili Dreadnoughts to the offensive alongside five squadrons of fighters and a squadrons of ARCs. I want the Dac’s Revenge to pull the Golan II away from the Separatists and towards our line with her tractor beams. Move the Peltas to take up the positions of the departing Dreadnoughts and move the rapid response unit to shore up that line.” I finish the order.

  I take a deep breath. I had to trust in my officers. I look at the display. It seemed the Separatists hadn’t tried to sure up the still contested platform. Long range turbolaser fire was exchanged on a regular basis, but until my ordered advance begins I doubt anything substantial will come of it. Honestly long range artillery duels in the Navy were more performative and honor based than effective. At such a long range the shields would have finished returning to normal before the next hit impacted them. It was to psych out the enemy commander and to keep Navy honor intact. Though that could mean …

  “They’re keeping up the long range duels. We might have a former Judicial fighting against us.” I say.

  “Are you sure, sir?”

  “Almost certainly, either that or they’re ingrained with Navy traditions. We should keep that in mind for any advances. They may react with something by the book. See if any of the enemy ships have identifying markers that could lead us to their commanding officer.” I order as I watch the battle task-force begin their approach, the LAATs hidden within the many hangar bays of the ships.

  “Sir, enemy ships reacting.” I hear.

  Just as proclaimed a group of Mon Cala ships move to intercept the group.

  “Move the rest of the Dreadnoughts to give medium distance fire support. Helmsman join us in the supporting line.” I order.

  “Won’t that leave our position vulnerable to the Separatist Reserve?” Mi-Kus asks.

  “It may, but I have trust in Commodore Molim. The 99th will continue to threaten the enemy reserve. If they move too aggressively we can come about and place them in a pincer between Molim’s Venators, my frigates, cruisers and the Golan platforms, not to mention Merchant ships and our back line. The enemy ought to know this, if they’re Navy trained, and be wary to commit to something like that.” I say.

  One of the strategic Adjutants speaks up then: “Sir, we’ve run the primary markings of the enemy vessels. Two-twenty-third Squadron of Commander Semmes.”

  “Not a Navy name, but could still be a Navy man.” I say.

  “Sir, you’re banking the docks and shipyards we’ve secured on the enemy commanding officer being Navy trained.” Mi-Kus warns.

  “I would not be doing so, if I wasn’t sure of it. So far the enemy has acted too similarly to many of my classmates at Carida. I would place a decent wager on them either being a legacy family member or an older Judicial officer.”

  “And if they’re not?” Mi-Kus asks.

  “Either way they are likely to commit something to attack where they think we’re weak. If it is a droid pulling the strings behind the man they’ll go for the docks, if they’re Judicial trained they may make a move towards the 99th. If they’re neither I don’t know if we can predict them.”

  “We’re in range.”

  “Concentrate fire on the more aggressive enemy ships.” I order.

  “Sir, the Rendili’s Hope has suffered heavy damage.”

  “So has the Sluisi Loyalty.” Another officer says.

  “Continue the attack, launch the boarding vessels. Securing the Golan II will be vital for any inroads into the northern docks.” I order.

  “Sir, the enemy reserve is moving.” Mi-Kus says.

  “Dammit where?” I ask as I return my focus to the enemy reserve’s depiction on the tactical display.

  “The four enemy Recusants, two supporting Gozantis and multiple fighter and bomber squadrons moving towards the 99th.”

  “Guess Semmes is a Navy officer.” Mi-Kus mutters.

  “Deploy any reserve fighters and bombers to give support. Move the rapid response unit to support them.” I order.

  “Sir, the Diamond class cruiser is making a run towards us.” Sergeant Welder says.

  “The Peltas and Merchant ships can handle her. Prioritize the support for the 99th.” I say.

  I suppress a flinch as the Sluisi Loyalty suffers a major hit and begins listing towards her starboard. A dozen LAAT gunships emerge from the hangar bays of the Dreadnoughts and MC40a cruiser and begin racing to be the first to land in or on the Golan II platform.

  “Door Platoon, Third Platoon and the 99th’s W Platoon report successful breaches. Other units have made their landings in the hangar bays, reporting mild resistance and linking up with supporting arms-men and sailors.” Sergeant Slas says.

  “Keep up the pressure, begin pulling in the Golan II and pulling back the offensive.”

  “Sir, we’ve lost the Rendili’s Hope!”

  “My orders stand. Divert Little Squadron for support.” I order.

  “Sir, Commodore Molim is hailing you.” Sergeant Slas says.

  “Put him through. Keep up our supporting fire.”

  “Commodore Dericote. The Diamond Class cruiser approaching your position seems to be hiding a squadron of hyena bombers and the recently unveiled Tri-fighter. My unit is hold-ng firm against he enemy assault, but we are pulling towards your -sition.” The Commodore says.

  “I’ll redirect two squadrons of fighters for support. How did we miss that on the tactical display?” I ask as I gesture for Mi-Kus to get some fighters to halt the enemy surprise.

  “There appears to be minor j-ing. Nothing debilitating yet, b-t worrisome none the less. I’m having my second, Senior Capt-n Praut of the Arkania, try--- to triangulate the source. We’ll hold fi-m if you do, Commodore.”

  “Copy that. Dericote out.” I reply.

  This was concerning. A new fighter? Why hadn't that appeared in the reports? Never mind, I had to focus. The enemy was pushing on multiple points. Were multiple tactical droids involved as well as their commander? Was this some kind of diversionary attack to force us to leave the majority of the 99th isolated? What was the enemy trying to do when we were almost clearly successfully completing our primary objective in this round of combat?

  “Sluisi Loyalty is dead in space, requesting permission to evacuate.”

  “Permission granted. What are they teaching the Rendili Captains? We’re in an active battle the decision is up to the Captain and his two most senior officers.” I say.

  “Well they are corporate security, could be they’re not allowed to without permission.” Mi-Kus suggests.

  “Kark it all. Sitrep on the boarding action.” I order as I look towards the 99th on the tactical display.

  “Captain Chain reports about two thirds of the station under their control. Resistance seems lighter than anticipated.” Sergeant Slas reports.

  I nod, the Recusants had started a broadside duel with the three Venators, the DP20s racing around and firing their assortment of missiles and lasers at the enemy ships of the line while dueling with the remaining Gozanti. The fighters and bombers had engaged in a series of dogfights, giving about as well as they were getting.

  “Sir, the Diamond class has been disabled, enemy fighters appear more maneuverable than expected, but Little Squadron reports the squadrons have kept them engaged successfully so far.”

  “Could be trying to learn how they fare.” I hypothesize.

  “Merchant ship Riptide reports comms interception from a Tri-droid fighter lead. They can’t make heads or tails from it.” One of the techs reports.

  “Well that’ll need to go in the report.” I mutter to myself. If we could decrypt their current comms traffic it could lead to us pouncing on some enemy command early.

  “Sir, incoming trident class assault ships!”

  “WHAT!?” I bark in surprise.

  “They came out of nowhere!”

  A second look at the tactical display then: “The damn cruiser. They packed them into the cargoholds with the droid fighters acting as the diversion. Where are they headed?”

  “Looks like the surface, sit.”

  “Contact the Generals, enemy reinforcements are incoming. All local fighters preoccupied and unable to intercept.”

  “Sir, Commodore Molim’s Honor Bound has suffered critical damage and the Republic Justice has been disabled.” Mi-Kus says.

  “Fuck.” I growl as I look to see that the two Venators were going down, though they had taken down two of the Recusants and heavily damaged a third.

  “Send in our rapid response unit to begin salvaging the escape pods. Any reports on Molim?”

  “None, sir. You’re in full command.” Mi-Kus says.

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  “Pull the whatever is left of the 99th back towards the Mon Cala’s Joy and our back line, I suggest the Captains use the wreckage as extra cover.” I order.

  “What about the escape pods?” My Junior Captain asks.

  “The rapid response unit and the DP20s will catch as many as possible before pulling back as well.” I finish my order.

  “Sir, we’ve lost the Baros’ Fist. Junior Captain Pryce has evacuated with a majority of her crew.” A comms officer reports.

  “Someone remind me to commit a formal inquiry on her ship’s evacuation.” I mutter as the Dreadnought’s depiction within the hologram turned gray.

  “Chain just reported near full control over Golan II platform. Dac’s Guard reports she has moved the station to the requested position, though the station is close to suffering shield failure..”

  “Three Dreadnoughts for a single defense platform?” I hear Mi-Kus ask himself.

  “A defense Platform with the firepower and shields to fend off a Lucrehulk battleship, Junior Captain. Even four Dreadnoughts would have a hard time to do that, even with fighter superiority.” I answer.

  “I hope you’re right, sir.” My Junior Captain replies.

  “Sir, the Resolute has begun her ascent.”

  “Thank the Maker, have her join the back line. I need to figure out our next possible moves.” I order.

  Without Molim I would definitely need to reorganize as much of the cobbled together fleet as quickly and efficiently as possible. Maker damn it all how the fuck was I supposed to deal with naval movements on this scale efficiently? I had lost too many ships already and the enemy may have suffered about the same amount of casualties, their ships only had token sentient crews if any sentients at all.

  “If we survive this I’ll be stuck in the courts for months at least.” I mutter to myself as I start moving ships’ holographs around with R4’s help. She gives me a whistle about worrying about the wrong things.

  “Sir, enemy fighters moving towards the surface near the south stations.” Mi-Kus says.

  “Divert the nearest squadron to intercept, I would prefer to avoid allowing them air superiority.” I order as I reassign a trio of fighters from a decimated squadron to permanent bomber escorts and assigning a lone frigate to join up with a duet of MC75s and three squadrons of fighters that had secured a tertiary shipyard complex on our east flank.

  “Sir we have an incoming transmission from General Skywalker.” Sergeant Slas says.

  “Put him through, minimal size, I would like to keep working.” I answer as I move the two DP20s into a new rapid response unit alongside a spare half strength squadron of Headhunters.

  “Co-odore Dericote.” The young man’s depiction says, “The enemy has depl-yed more forces than anticipated. We are evac-ating the Prince and Senat-rs to try and ---- further forces for an eventual counter attack from Republic space.”

  “What do you require, sir?” I ask as I order a squadron of Y-Wings to hide in the hangar bay of the recently captured Golan II platform.

  “We need you to patch us through to the Jedi High Council. We have lost the battle for the Capital. The Senators believe --- best for us to head back to Coruscant to try and drum up support there with the Prince.” The General orders.

  “I’ll have the Mon Cala’s Joy patch you through momentarily, sir. If you’ll excuse me I am needed to direct the battle.” I reply.

  “Of course, Commodore.” The General says before his holoprojection blips out of existence.

  I ordered a lone frigate to abandon a small shipyard the Separatists had seized and to instead link up with another group of frigates and a squadron of fighters that had secured the area around a contested tertiary dockyard above one of the equatorial cities.

  “Sir we’ve got incoming.” Mi-Kus says and directs me towards a rapidly approaching group of enemy frigates.

  I blink in mild confusion. What was the purpose of this? They were making an attack run towards us and were clearly outmatched in every perceivable way, except maybe missile firepower, though even that would do little if they didn’t break through the shields.

  “Have the line and platforms fire at will.” I order as I redirect my attention back towards the tactical display. A weakened squadron of Y-Wings were simply mulling about near one of the fuel supply stations that was too isolated to bother keeping defended. I order them moved towards a group of MC80s that needed extra fighter support to deal with some harassing Vultures.

  “Sir the Mon Cala’s Joy is having problems with transferring the communique between the surface and Coruscant.” Sergeant Slas warns.

  “Does the Arkania have the source of the jamming signal yet?” I ask

  “With so many Munificents running active interference they’re having a lot of trouble narrowing it down, sir. It could very well be any of the Munificents.” My lead comms officer answers.

  “Are our local communications still functional?” I ask.

  “Surface comms are more problematic than the battlefield comms, sir. Out of systems communications is almost fully futile further out than Ruisto, but systems are operating within minimal risk operational security parameters.” She replies.

  “Sir, enemy frigates are pulling back, they lost one in the attempt and another is heavily damaged.” Sargent Welder interrupts.

  “That will have to do for now, we’ll stay on the defensive then. Let’s have the enemy make another mistake and pounce on it.” I say to myself.

  “Unusual of you, sir.” Mi-Kus says.

  “Which is why the enemy won’t expect it, they’ll craft their own defensive which will allow our closer reinforcements to arrive before the next wave of enemy ships even receive the orders to show up. Either that, or they’ll get impatient and make an attack we should be able to see happen before they’ve finished moving their ships. If they do that we can force them to either sacrifice that attack or loose docks and shipyards when we make our counter attacks.” I say, revealing my train of thought. Not to mention the Golans would bloody any advance. They and the yards could very easily force the enemy into killing fields if the line was forced to break.

  “Wouldn’t that risk wherever the enemy attack?” Mi-Kus asks.

  “It will, but I am counting on precisely that.” I reply feeling a smirk grow on my face. A semblance of a plan was forming.

  The Separatists have been probing us for the last couple hours, moving frigates in groups of twos and threes to attack part of my defensive lines before pulling back. It would be hard for them to do anything of substance like this as I had moved all six MC75s and three MC80s that were in the primary dock and shipyards to form the primary line, with my Dreadnoughts and frigates between them. The Venators were still in reserve alongside the Guard Hound and I planned on keeping it that way.

  There were still pockets of booth Republic and Separatist ships around smaller docks and shipyards, but after almost a full day of fighting the fronts had seemingly stabilized. Commander Semmes, whoever they were, deserved most of the credit for this situation as I had entrenched my position while they expected my usual aggressive tactics. I was almost hoping the fool would make a large attack from below. They’d suddenly find a small field of improvised explosive caches and proximity mines blocking their path, hopefully keeping this battle mostly two dimensional, which should benefit me and the damn Kuati Venators.

  I had also been lightly probing the enemy positions. Though instead of risking the few frigates available, I was using groups of four squadrons of fighters and bombers. It was about as successful as the enemy probing attacks, that is to say hardly successful at all.

  “Sir, incoming transmission from the surface.” Sergeant Slas says.

  “Put it up, minimal size please.” I request.

  It takes barely a moment until Generals Skywalker and Fisto, Captain Ackbar, the Senators Amidala and Tills, the Prince a Clone Commander and the child Togruta appear before me in miniature. I give a quick salute before returning my attention to the tactical display.

  It is General Fisto who speaks up first: “Commodore, the cou-ter attack has failed, we are making a run for the Consular c-rvette above the capitol, to allow the Prince, Sen-tors and the less aquatically inclined me-bers of our group to es-ape.”

  “I’ll see what support I can give, sir.” I reply as I order another probing attack from a group of fighters to begin. I should probably pull back the few outlying Merchant Fleet Star Cruisers to ensure the stability of the lines.

  “We may need to ab-ndon the system.” Senator Amidala says, reluctance in her voice.

  And yet the very idea of that stocked a flame in me. I snap my head back to the miniature projection and I move myself to be facing the Senator herself: “I would die before I offer up this system without giving them a good fight. We have fought and bled too much and lost far too many comrades in arms to give up an entire world on the whims of a scared fool of a Senator.”

  “Be ca-eful with what y-u say, Comm-dore.” Skywalker says, his voice carrying his threat despite the minor interference

  “If I am ordered to retreat from this engagement I will strap myself to an escape pod and shoot at the enemy with my slugthrower before I leave willingly.” I reply, never mind detonating every deployed explosive charge in system. Nine Hells, I would even empty the cargo holds of half our munition storage to make sure the yards the Seps got were so crippled they’d need years to fix.

  “Sir, another probing attack, within engagement range of our own.” Mi-Kus interrupts.

  “Size?”

  “Three frigates and two squadrons of vultures, sir.” Sergeant Welder reports.

  “Pull our probe back to intercept and pincer the fool.” I order.

  “Co—odore, I understand your unwillingness to lea-e the system, but you must see reason.” General Fisto requests, no, he orders.

  “I am reasonable, sir. I have won harder fought battles. Our reinforcements from Toong’l, Baros and Targonn haven’t arrived in system yet. I would recommend you worry about your escape attempt and allow me to worry about winning the war for this world, sir.” I reply.

  “Commodore, the surface is lost.” The child says.

  “The capital is lost, child.-”

  “CHILD?”

  “- Archipelago City near the capital is under full Republic occupation. Despite the enemy in orbit, Nystullum still holds as does Dac City in the south. I have a reserve battalion if there is a risk of Dac City or Archipelago City falling, never mind the possibility of deploying General Skywalkers 501st.”

  I am greeted by silence. Surprisingly it is his majesty, the Prince who speaks next: “You would fight for Mon Cala? No matter what?”

  “Your majesty, I have served this Republic in one way or another for more than ten years, if I am destined to die in the defense of the Republic and Mon Cala, I will die. However if we are preordained with victory, why should we allow the fear of defeat to destroy our hopes and dreams? If your majesty wills it I will ensure your escape, but I will stay. I plan on staying until the situation is untenable, even then I plan on evacuating as many loyal souls as I can manage.” And blow everything else to the Maker’s halls.

  “You cannot risk his majesty’s escape by not joining us on our return to the Republic!” Senator Tills objects.

  “Ma’am, all do respect, but I am trying to ensure your world’s continued security. Wait until our next wave of reinforcements arrive before you make your decision. They should make this battle far more even. If, after that, you still believe it futile I will consider allowing more ships to part from my command.”

  “Sir, we’ve got incoming.”

  “Likely origins?” Mi-Kus asks as I continue to stare down the Senators.

  “Looks like it’s our forces from Toong’l, sir.”

  “As you can see, Senator, the battle is far from lost. Lucky for both my person and all souls currently under my command, you are not my superior officer. As that is the case, I shall continue my operations here.” I say, “Your majesty, I pray that if you escape, it goes well and that if you choose to stay that you remain alive and well. Long live the Republic.”

  I hear some of them echo my statement as the ships from Toong’l enter system, it looks as if Senior Captain Jim finally got his ass here with the expanded 599th. Good I could use the firepower of an additional Dreadnought to sure up the line and the combined speed and firepower of the Arquitens and DP20 to add towards the rapid response units.

  “Move Senior Captain Jim to the western part of the line, he has command of the portion, request his two supporting vessels to join the rapid response unit with the other two DP20s, we’re gonna try to commit more vessels to our next probing attacks.”

  “Yes, sir.” A comms officer says as he begins repeating my orders into his microphone.

  “Gather up our Clone detachments, we’re going to prepare another series of boarding actions. I want the Golan I between our position and the southern docks fully seized, send a company from the 501st for that. I want the two Golan I platforms still between us and the enemy in the north seized as well. Redeploy units from the 501st to our front line ships to deal with possible enemy boarding actions. Mi-Kus get some sleep, emergency schedule is officially in effect, I’m taking first shift. Get the emergency reserve comms operators to sleep too. At this rate I wouldn’t be surprised if this battle lasts more than a couple days.” I order.

  “Shouldn’t you take first rest, sir? Especially with Senior Captains Jim, Strom and Hugh here?” Mi-Kus asks.

  “I’ll shoot for the full Coruscanti day before I take my first rest, it’s why I made sure to sleep before we entered system.” I reply, lying through my teeth as I do. I had maybe an hour or two of restless sleep. The remaining time I had spent overlooking old battles and trying to find solace in the wisdoms of sentients thousands of years dead.

  “As you wish, sir.” Mi-Kus replies before he and a couple other officers and techs leave the bridge for their barracks and quarters.

  “All ships are to begin long term battle rotations. I am also giving permission for emergency stims, it’ll strip down the sleeping meds and run us ragged, but I’d be surprised if this battle lasts far longer than a couple days.” I order.

  “Sir, the secondary rapid response unit is in position.” Sergeant Welder says.

  “Good, spear tip formation, I want the Arquitens in the second line above and behind the front running DP20, with the other two on level of their frontal counterpart. The formation is to be assumed during the probing attack on the Golan I platform Ocean-bass.” I order. This could work. More probes from the rapid response units and maybe some of our too few frigates could force the enemy to over commit somewhere. Maybe I could even -

  “Sir, the surface Consular just detonated.” Sergeant Welder says, interrupting my train of thought.

  “Any VIPs injured?” I ask.

  “Nothing says so, sir.” Welder replies.

  “Then there is still hope.” I say as I turn my attention to the probing attack.

  The corvettes unleash a volley of missiles towards the frigates protecting the platform while the light turbolaser turrets of the Arquitens start unloading into the shields of the Golan I. The shields don’t even buckle under the repeated fire, not that that was surprising. Though interestingly the missile barrage, followed by repeated laserfire from the DP20s managed to break the shields of the two frigates and even damage the hulls of the ships.

  “Pull them back, they may break formation.” I order.

  The lead DP20 is the first to break off the run, banking starboard alongside the starboard counterpart. The Arquitens banks port, its turrets rotating to continue firing at the enemy positions alongside the laser turrets of the corvettes. The final DP20 fires off another salvo of missiles before also banking port.

  “A squad of Vultures have begun pursuit.” Sergeant Welder says.

  “The corvettes can handle them.” I reply. The commanding droid must have miscalculated their chances or gotten overeager in a patrol order. I at least knew I didn’t have to fear a squadron of my fighters doing something reckless like that.

  “Sir, enemy probe near Golan I, designation Crab-Claw.”

  “Size?” I ask.

  “Four frigates, two Hyena squadrons and three revolt Headhunter squadrons.” Comes the reply.

  “Surprised they kept those in reserve for so long.” I say as I look around the tactical map for a possible response unit.

  “Another probe near Golan I designate Swordfish. Two frigates, three Hyena squadrons, a Vulture squadron, and a Headhunter squadron.”

  “Move the second rapid response unit and those two Headhunter squadrons to intercept the second probe. Have the Pride of Toong’l suppress the first probe and move the Avarice and Lucky Kelp alongside Little squadron and Hound squadron to intercept.” I order.

  “They’ll have fighter advantage, sir.” One of the strategic Adjutants says.

  “The first group will need to accept that, our fighters are stretched too thinly already. Move that Merchant fleet squadron of Y-wings to support the Avarice and Lucky Kelp with point defense.” I order.

  “Sir, we’ve got incoming.” Welder says.

  “Locations.” I demand.

  “About straight up from the polar caps and Nystullum.” Comes the reply.

  “See if we can warn Mayor Raddus and keep an eye on it.” I reply.

  “Sir, second probe is already breaking off, they lost a couple Vultures and Hyenas, but no damage other than that.” A comms officer reports.

  “Redeploy the fighters to their patrol routes and divert a squadron near the second hostile probe to join the interception. Pull back the counter force.” I order.

  “Sir Golan I Crab-Claw has lost her shields, but the enemy is pulling her frigates back.” Sergeant Welder says.

  “Bring up the closest fighter squadron to assist in her defense, pull the Pride of Toong’l back to her usual position.” I order.

  “Sir, enemy ships have exited above Nystullum. One Lucrehulk ship, class unknown, three Recusant class light destroyers.” A sensors officer reports.

  “Fuck, enemy has cruiser superiority now. Pull our lines in closer and up the rate of fighter refueling, repairs and rearmament. We need all fighters ready for immediate deployment to hot spots. We’re also abandoning any outlying docks, they’re to begin evacs to local ships after rigging their previous positions with as many explosives as practical. We’ll reorganize later.” I order. This would stress the already taxed fighter corps we had, but with another Lucrehulk we could expect anywhere from a dozen fighter squadrons to over a hundred.

  “Any reserve fighter pilots are to deploy to the hanger bays for emergency shifts, usual pay adjustments apply.” I say.

  “Sir, over half of the reserve pilots are techs, we do in fact need them.” My tech Adjutant objects.

  “Right, they are to prepare for deployment then and called in on case by case basis.” I amend.

  “Thank you, sir.” The Adjutant says.

  “Think nothing of it. Maker I never knew I would hate battles that last so karking long more than the short and bloody ones.” I mutter to myself.

  “In all fairness, sir. I don’t think this battle will be any less bloody.” One of the techs replies.

  “No, you’re right. At this rate it’ll be the bloodiest one we’ve fought.” I reply despite myself.