The spindly armed Toong King was very happy to see us save his world from another occupation and congratulated General Kenobi and myself many many times and thanked us even more. I thankfully managed to excuse myself for the minutia of running the Squadron and her temporary supporting ships, thereby managing to throw General Kenobi at the boot liking monarch.

  After consulting General Kenobi we had decided to send the Shining Star and Pride of Toong’l back to Dac alongside the Dagger and Falchion and the two recently captured ships. Casualties had not been too high. Only five Clones died in the boarding action, though this may primarily be thanks to General Kenobi and the incompetence and unwillingness of the enemy in fighting. I asked the closest Clones to their deceased brothers if they would have wanted a spacer’s funeral, they all agreed it would have pleased the departed, I delegated the organization of it to Mi-Kus.

  The fighter casualties were worse, three Z-95s and five R-41s with one more R-41 needing extensive repairs. At least four pilots had managed to eject and survive the process. They were currently being treated for minor void exposure. Other than that the battle had no further casualties, again thanks to the incompetence of the enemy. This easily could have been a more costly battle. The head removing strike that was the boarding action would most likely not work so well again.

  We needed to prepare for a counter attack on the Targonnians. However even if the local Toong militias joined in the fighting I doubt we could finish off the enemy within a reasonable time-frame. It may be best to besiege the world with surgical strikes on any major infrastructure worth keeping. Maybe we could bombard the capital into submission. The civilian casualties would be high, but it would most likely force their surrender.

  The doors to the bridge open to reveal General Kenobi: “You know despite my moniker I would have been more than happy to delegate the meeting to you, Commodore.”

  “I’m certain of that, sir.” I reply while looking at the local star map.

  “What are you doing?” The General asks.

  “Planning a counter attack, General. I was going to present a finished plan for your approval.” I answer.

  “I don’t think that I even have that authority.”

  “Of course you do. You are a Jedi High General and in command of the Open Circle Fleet. I am not requesting any further ships, I can figure out a way to do this without the reinforcements we were expecting over a month ago. A heavy cruiser, two frigates and three corvettes will be enough to establish naval supremacy and I can appoint Senior Captain Strom to lead the future blockade of the world.” I say, waiting for the General’s input.

  “Wouldn’t an invasion be better?”

  “Of course it would be, sir. However the question is, where will I receive the troops for such an invasion? Will I strip the militias from Toong’l, Lothal and Dornea? Will I demand the Mon Cala send an aquatic army to a terrestrial world? Would you like me to borrow a droid army from the Separatist Alliance? I am afraid there are no other options unless the requested reinforcements arrive.”

  “I could divert the 212th to assist you.” The General offers.

  “Sir, I would not request the diversion of a vital offensive asset. Unless General Koth arrives sooner than expected I would not plan any planetary invasion. A blockade is easily enforceable and planetary bombardment of the capital could very easily force a surrender.” I refuse.

  “Bombardment?” The General says, disgust a clear undertone to his question.

  “If the Dictator-Forever is removed, it is likely his Lieutenants will resort to infighting. From there we can find one to negotiate with. We will support said Lieutenant and with a combination of orbital fire and a local militia it is not unfounded to expect victory within the month.” I say.

  “I will not allow a bombardment which could very well kill countless civilians.” The General objects. Typical Jedi, let’s send thousands of soldiers to die, but whatever you do don’t fire at the dictator’s palace, think of the poor servants and contractors.

  “If you insist. I will simply set up a blockade and await General Koth’s return. Ohnaka should arrive in system in a few hours. You then have the ability to inform the council of your completed objective.” I say.

  “Of course, Commodore.” The General says before leaving. I give a quick salute before the doors close.

  Ohnaka had arrived a couple hours after the battle had concluded, as expected. It was honestly quite enjoyable to watch the rather snarky yet reserved Kenobi apologize to the, well to Hondo. It involved some snide comments on Hondo’s failure to procure the letter of marque and some countering comments about crazy Jedi waving around their laser sticks and removing body parts from upstanding pirates without a second thought. I then lure the pirate to my quarters with promise of drink. We both sat down, him placing his damn boots on my desk again and I pouring us both a glass of Corellain whiskey.

  “Now, Mr. Ohnaka-”

  “I do not like the sound of that.” He interrupts.

  “You are hereby being requested to support naval actions in the Targonn system until further notice.”

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  “I knew it! I should have known better than just expecting a single engagement from you!” The Pirate cries out in mock anguish.

  “You will be permitted to vacate the system after orders have been given to do so, or naval supremacy has been permanently established.” I inform the pirate, a smirk on my face.

  “This is outrageous! This is unfair and malicious! You are cutting into my profit margins. I am so proud my friend! I did not think you had any of this in you, but how happy I am to be proven wrong.” The pirate says wiping an imaginary tear from his goggles.

  “Yes, I am sure you are. Can I count on your assistance with any hostile vessels?” I ask.

  “Certainly. There is the small issue of payment.” The pirate says with a put upon grimace.

  “The usual bounties apply. There is quite a bit of scrap in orbit here. I am sure the locals won’t mind some independent merchant picking through it just after our departure. Who am I to judge if the merchant just so happens to be one of your Lieutenants.” I say. I take a sip of the drink while reading the pirate’s face.

  “Maybe one of my foolish Lieutenants could also search the depots for Separatist contraband?” The pirate prods.

  “I will permit a seventh to go missing at most. It would be too suspicious otherwise.” I offer.

  “Then we have a deal, Thraken, my friend.” The pirate says while raising a toast.

  The glasses clink together as I answer him: “That we do.”

  General Kenobi had left soon after to return to his men. I meanwhile had the pleasure of assembling the ships into a semblance of a formation. I left one of Hondo’s Corona class frigates in system while assembling the Little Revenge, Hondo’s other two frigates to the Little Revenge’s starboard, the Buckler and Teardrop were on the portside. The Lucky Kelp and Prince’s duty were booth on the portside, further separated from the rest of the formation. The rest of Little Squadron was around the two Mon Cala frigates while Bastard Squadron was spread around the Republic corvettes.

  A few minutes later we jump towards Targonn and prepare for battle with the foolish Dictator-Forever. His Captain Squeak had informed us he had a Recusant light destroyer alongside a new Munificent cruiser and a squadron of Vultures. He had bet almost all of his ships at our inability to counter attack and he had just lost.

  It took a about half a day to reach the edge of the system and we re-entere realspace a few minutes later. Seemed Squeak had been honest.

  “One Munificent, one Recusant light destroyer. Recusant is in front, to our starboard. Hostile fighters unknown.”

  “Hondo, You are to run the line and fire a testing volley against any planetary defenses. Helmsman, bring us in between the enemy ships, move the Mon Cala frigates to attack the Recusant, the Corvettes and fighters are to assemble into a screen. Finally move Bastard Squadron below us.” I order.

  “Shields to front, prioritize the Recusant with opening volleys.” Mi-Kus follows up.

  “Sir, enemy transmission.” I hear from Sargent Slas.

  “Put it through.” I say.

  The tactical display shrinks to depict the fat face of Dictator-Forever Caw who immediately started shouting: “WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS, THIS INTRUSION UPON MY SOVEREIGN TERRITORY?”

  “Dictator-Forever Craw, for your assault on Republic territory you have inevitably been found criminally responsible for the actions of your subordinates either through negligence or malice. I have received permission to dethrone you and install a Republic friendly government in your stead. Surrender now to face justice, or else.”

  “I WILL NEVER YIELD TO THE LIKES OF YOU!”

  “A pity. Cut him off.” I say as I watch the four Republic ships and two privateer frigates soar ahead of us.

  The Targonnian ships take an unusual amount of time to fire off their first volley, all of which miss the Republic ships by a wide margin. The second volley was no better and the returning salvo of light turbolasers smash one and all into the Targonnian ships.

  “If those were our shots we’d need to flog the gunners, at the very least we’d cut their pay and put them in remedial classes.” Mi-Kus mutters.

  “Fire at will.” I say and watch as a volley of turbolasers fly past the bridge and smash into the Recusant. The shields of the ship already buckling under the pressure.

  “Poorly maintained too.” I add.

  “What was the point of it all.” Mi-Kus asks as we move in between the Targonnian ships and unleash broadside after broadside into the rapidly failing shields.

  “Without General Kenobi’s permission we would not have been able to launch a counter attack so quickly. We may have had to leave Targonn to his dominion until General Koth returns.” I say.

  “Munificent’s shields are down.” I hear.

  “What’s Hondo’s status?” I inquire.

  “He reports the theater shield withstanding his preliminary bombardment of the capital complex.” Comes the report.

  “Pull him back.” I order and turn to watch the Munificent buckle under the pressure and slowly be turned into debris.

  “Helmsman, bring us through. Best not attempt a repeat of Saleucami.” Mi-Kus orders and I nod in affirmation.

  “Sir, Prince’s Duty reports the enemy Recusant is surrendering.”

  “Captain Chain deploy Second and Fourth Platoon to secure the ship. I want Third Platoon on standby in the boarding gunship for emergency reaction.” I order and watch as the Captain salutes and begins repeating the order through his comms.

  “Sir, should we comm the Dictator-Forever?” Mi-Kus asks.

  “No. Pull our ships together. Put Hondo’s ships on guard duty for the Recusant, then have the ship moved further away from the planet and its engines temporarily disabled. All Republic ships, please move above hostile capitol complex.” I order and watch as the men move to follow the order.

  “Sir, didn’t General Kenobi forbid a bombardment of the Capital?”

  “Why yes he did, Captain. However he did not stipulate that strategic bombardment was not permitted. He simply said that countless civilians were not to perish. I have interpreted the orders to permit the targeting of government complexes and military barracks. Do you have a different interpretation, Captain?” I ask.

  “No, sir. Better get this over with quickly.” My second says and I smile at his affirmation.

  “Begin scanner sweep of probable military installations and target the capitol complex.” I order and wait.

  “We have multiple possible targets.” Comes the eventual reply.

  “How certain are we of each target.” I ask.

  “I wouldn’t bet on anything except the capitol complex.” The sensors officer replies.

  “Very well. All ships open fire on the Targonnian capitol complex, hold off on any torpedoes. Five volleys then pause.” I order.

  A moment later the first volley of turbolaser and laser cannon fire soar towards the surface. The second volley leaves before the first enters the atmosphere and the third follows as the first volley smashes into the surface with prejudice. The fourth volley follows as the second follows in the footsteps of the first volley and the fifth volley leaves the ships just as the third volley impacts. I wait a moment to let the sensors get a readout of the surface after the final volley impacts the capitol complex.

  “Enemy theater shields appear to be fluctuating. It is difficult to tell how effective our bombardment was.” I hear.

  “I can wait for a better readout.” I say watching as the tactical display shows all ships still in formation and the captured Recusant where I wanted it.

  “Sir, the primary buildings of the complex, including the Dictator-Forever’s personal residence appear mostly undamaged. Secondary buildings, such as the servants quarters and the outer walls and administrative offices appear to be much worse off. Three shots, which were off by half a degree appear to have missed and landed within the production facilities just outside the complex. The production facilities appear to have been poorly shielded, if at all.” Comes the eventual report.

  “Hmm. We will establish our blockade. Inform Senior Captain Strom he is to take command of his ship alongside the Prince’s Duty and Lucky Kelp to establish a preliminary blockade. No vessel is to leave the surface and no vessel is to land without Republic clearance. Inform him I hope to return with necessary ground forces to conduct the campaign within the month if possible.” I order and hear Sergeant Slas relay the commands.

  Mi-Kus speaks up then: “Sir should we give the Dictator-Forever a parting gift alongside the blockade?”

  I tilt my head in thought before nodding: “Sergeant Slas, please put this through all local comms channels.”

  It takes a few minutes before she answers: “Ready, sir.”

  “People of Targonn, I am Commodore Dericote of the Republic. Your Dictator-Forever has invaded Republic allied territory and thus incurred the wrath of the Republic. A blockade is now in effect on your world. Our objective here is to depose your leadership. We hope to mitigate any casualties and advise you to stay in your dwellings unless absolutely necessary. Long live the Republic.” I say.

  I receive a nod that the transmission has been cut before giving my orders to assemble the task-force and prepare to return to Dac. I could really go for a drink right about now.