Years after the Blockade of Naboo, the Confederacy of Independent Systems had developed new communication protocols and introduced advanced technologies for robot operations.
Ground forces no longer needed continuous communication with orbital stations, though coordination was still required, albeit with minimal impact.
However, the situation differed in space combat. The combat efficiency of Vulture droid fighters and Vulture Droids heavily depended on the command stations aboard Lucrehulk-class vessels.
Though capable of autonomous action, their tactical coordination was far more precise within the communication range of a command ship.
"They're completely ignoring our Defiant-class cruisers," Meraji said, his brow furrowed. "Are their targets the command-type Lucrehulk-class ships? But how did they guess which ships among ours are the command vessels?"
The Confederacy's formation was divided into two lines. The first line deployed Defiant-class cruisers, while the second line followed with Lucrehulk-class vessels. All carriers lacked distinctive markings.
After a single volley, the enemy had no way of determining which ship the fighters primarily launched from, nor which ship's hangar was fully stocked with fighters.
"Commander, we've detected fighter control interference signals near the flagship, likely related to abnormal activity in the enemy's communication system," the officer reported. "They may have cracked our communication frequencies or guessed them and are jamming them with counter-orders."
"What kind of tactic is this?"
Meraji was privately astonished. Obi-Wan Kenobi would never be so reckless. Who was commanding the Republic forces now?
The Republic Fleet had always relied on linear combat tactics, typically having fighter units specialize in countering enemy fighters.
"Could it be that Yularen resorted to this desperate measure to minimize losses?"
At that moment, Vulture Droids were engaged with fighters swarming around the enemy flagship, while Vulture droid fighters were attempting to attack the powerless Republic ships.
"Judging by the attack vectors, the enemy *Venator*-class fighters are indeed targeting the command *Lucrehulk*-class ships. Out of our nine *Lucrehulk*-class ships, two carry all the fighters, while the rest are transporting landing forces. How should we respond?"
If we continue advancing toward the enemy flagship, we can destroy the Republic flagship, but we'll likely lose all our fighters.
Without our fighters, the Confederate fleet will face increased risk when confronting the Delta-7 Jedi fighters, renowned for their top-tier pilots.
These Jedi fighters could potentially use their escorts to launch a fatal strike against our ships.
Alternatively, we could tighten our formation and pin down the enemy *Venator*-class ships. With ten *Defiant*-class ships against four *Venator*-class ships, the enemy has no chance of victory. Moreover, all their fighters are currently concentrated around their flagship, leaving the *Venator*-class ships with minimal escort...
"Report! A squadron near the *Venator*-class ship is intercepting a Delta-7 fighter. Data matches suggest it's Adi Gallia's personal craft... Another Delta-7 has detached from the Republic flagship group. Initially, there were three of these fighters near the flagship. During the battle, one moved closer to the flagship. The *Venator*-class ship has now entered attack range!"
"Report! The landing forces have begun disembarking at the platform in Tipoca City, but enemy fire is extremely intense! All available Republic *Acclamator*-class ships are within the atmosphere, continuously shooting down our landing craft! The *Venator*-class ships in orbit are barely paying attention to the landing forces, focusing solely on protecting their flagship!"
"The landing forces have already launched, and their objective is clear: either destroy our fighters to neutralize their support for the damaged flagship, or draw the *Defiant*-class's firepower onto the *Venator*-class ships, preventing us from continuing to attack the enemy flagship." Meraji quickly analyzed the situation. "But the core strategic objective of this operation is to destroy the clone trooper infrastructure."
He immediately ordered, "Switch all Vulture droid fighters and droid fighters to autonomous mode. Provide air cover for the ground landing forces and suppress enemy artillery with concentrated firepower."
"Cancel that order!" Passele Argonaut suddenly barked, startling everyone into turning to look at him. "Tipoca City can be destroyed later! Our top priority now is to destroy the Republic flagship!"
His voice carried a manic fervor. "Meraji, concentrate all our forces on attacking the enemy flagship!"
"But if the landing forces can destroy Tipoca City, even if Gallia retains the flagship, it will be pointless!" Meraji countered. "The destruction of the Clone Production System will have far greater consequences for the current war situation than sinking a single Republic flagship!"
"We have a unique opportunity to utterly disgrace the Jedi Council!" Passela roared. "It's the Jedi Council! If we can kill the Jedi General leading this operation... do you understand?"
"Destroying Tipoca City would humiliate the Jedi Council even more..."
"No! Sinking the Republic flagship and killing Gallia will disgrace both the Republic and the entire Jedi Temple!"
"Agent Enforcer, you're confusing personal ambition with strategic objectives," Meraji said coldly.
"I suggest you shut up, Commander, and obey the orders of someone older and more experienced than you!" Passela spat. "I order: All Corps, concentrate fire on the enemy flagship! Execute immediately!"
"Understood."
Meraji sighed helplessly, a bitter taste rising in his mouth.
***
"Hold the line!" Lancis barked into the comms channel, his voice echoing to Aayla Secura on the other end.
SPHA-T self-propelled howitzers thundered continuously, while AT-TE heavy walkers and AT-RT reconnaissance walkers deployed on the sky platforms unleashed a torrent of fire.
The engines of *Acclamator*-class assault ships and ARC-170 starfighters shook the heavens as a brutal battle raged above Tipoca City.
Separatist fighters were providing cover for the landing craft, but fortunately, their numbers were limited.
Clearly, the Separatist's main fighter forces were tied up in space battles.
As far as Lancis knew, the enemy had successfully crippled the Republic flagship *Justice*, though how they managed it remained a mystery.
"Aayla, report the situation," Lancis demanded, leaving no room for pleasantries. The battle was at a deadlock, and he had no time to waste.
"We're driving the enemy back from the defensive zone! Their robots tried to rush the clone incubation chambers, but my Legion has formed a near-perfect ring defense... Unfortunately, they took out our SPHA-T, allowing more enemies to land successfully. I urgently need reinforcements!"
"I'll contact Shaak Ti," Lancis promised. "She'll lead reinforcements to support you."
Shaak Ti's sector was currently relatively calm, serving as the flank where Master Rancisis planned to lure the enemy deeper. Nearly all of the Confederacy's landing craft had been shot down in that area.
"Good... Snipers! Locate the enemy's firing positions!"
Aayla's command came through the communication channel, followed by a cut in the transmission.
"General Rancisis!" A clone trooper's holographic image suddenly appeared on the holotable. "Commander Alpha-17 reports that the first line of defense at the Third-Generation Clone Factory is about to be breached. They're requesting emergency reinforcements!"
"Reinforcements will arrive immediately," Lancis replied, then issued orders. "Warrior Dogen, detach a battalion to support Alpha Squad."
"Understood, Master," Dogen nodded, then turned to a clone trooper. "Are you ready?"
"Standing by, Commander!" the trooper responded loudly. "All hands on deck!"
The situation had become extremely critical. The victory over the "Dark Reaper" had given many Jedi a false sense of security regarding Obi-Wan and Anakin's capabilities. They believed that as long as Obi-Wan commanded, the war wouldn't be too difficult.
But everything changed when the Separatist forces gained a commander who wasn't entirely foolish.
Lancis wasn't particularly skilled at assessing so-called "commanding talent." Obi-Wan Kenobi was steady and pragmatic, excelling in positional warfare and prolonged campaigns. He could achieve strategic objectives with minimal losses, earning him great prestige. For years, he had been widely recognized as one of the finest commanders in the Jedi Order.
However, the vast galaxy never lacked for talented, intelligent life. This time, the Confederacy of Independent Systems' commander delivered them a harsh lesson.
The enemy had successfully breached all three defensive lines. They had sown chaos in the first line, forced their way through the second, and were now locked in a desperate battle with the third line.
The situation had reached a critical point...
"What are those amphibious robots trying to do?" The Kamino Defense Force General's communication channel opened. "Master, are they planning to attack the city's support structures?"
"It's highly likely, General," Lancis said, rubbing his temples wearily. "Regardless, if Master Twi'lek can't neutralize all the amphibious units, your forces will have to meet them head-on..."
Suddenly, another urgent transmission cut through the battlefield rhythm.
"This is Anakin Skywalker, calling Master Rancisis!" The young apprentice's voice came through, tinged with urgency. "Obi-Wan Kenobi's fighter has been hit and crashed into the sea!"
"By the Force!" Lancis murmured, sighing. He was about to speak when Anakin continued, "But he's still alive! I'm going to rescue him now..."
"Cancel that order, Skywalker!" Lancis immediately countered. "Focus on destroying the amphibious robots! The Kaminoans will rescue Obi-Wan... General..."
"Understood. We'll send a rescue team immediately."
The Kamino Defense Force General responded promptly...
But Anakin had always acted on his own.
He impulsively attacked a marine creature in Kamino's waters, damaging his starfighter and forcing an emergency landing.
Then...
"Master Rancisis," Solo Victor's holographic image suddenly appeared on the holotable, his gaze focused and steady, devoid of any panic. Instead, he exuded a calm resolve. "My forces are initiating a counterattack against the enemy fleet. Please order all *Venator*-class Star Destroyers to attack the enemy communications ship. Simultaneously, have all fighter squadrons... immediately exit the atmosphere and join the offensive in space."
Originally, Obi-Wan and Anakin were assigned to the second formation, tasked with intercepting the robot landing craft and not participating in the orbital dogfights.
Now that Obi-Wan's fighter had crashed and Anakin's whereabouts were unknown, the battle had deviated from the original storyline, though it was still heading toward a different outcome along the same trajectory. If the Republic lost the space battle, the Kamino energy shield would be breached, allowing the Separatists to conduct orbital bombardment. That would be too late.
Solo didn't want to see too many variables introduced into the battle. Even the slightest deviation could, through the butterfly effect, lead to massive changes in the future, wiping out his only advantage.
The future would inevitably change, but for now, he could only make adjustments that wouldn't cause massive disruptions.
"Warrior Victor!" Lancis hesitated, his fingers unconsciously stroking the lightsaber at his waist, his brow furrowed. "The second line of defense still needs..."
Abandoning ground artillery support would undoubtedly put immense pressure on the third line of defense, and he worried that the cloning facilities might fall.
"There's no need for that anymore!" Solo interrupted Lancis decisively, his voice firm and resolute through the communication channel. He raised his hand to summon the holographic tactical map. The red-marked Separatist fleet was concentrating its firepower on the *Justice*, while the green-marked Republic fighters remained scattered throughout the atmosphere, clearly wasting their potential. "You're already engaged with the enemy, and the third line has entered the battle... We no longer need fighters and *Acclamator*-class ships to serve as ground artillery! The enemy's main forces are in space. Their landing forces lack air cover and will eventually be wiped out by us!"
Solo's finger traced a clear attack trajectory across the tactical map. "Order all ships from the second line of defense to launch and flank the Separatist fleet from the rear! The third line must hold their positions. Kamino's ground defenses can withstand until we secure victory in space!"
His voice carried the influence of the Force. "Master, the outcome of this battle will ultimately be decided in space! Whoever gains control of space supremacy will dominate the supply lines and firepower support. At that point, the Separatist forces on the ground will be nothing but fish in a barrel! We can't be held back by local conflicts any longer. We must concentrate our forces and strike at their core—the Defiant-class flagship equipped with the Ion Pulse Cannon! Order the attack now, Master! If we delay any further, the *Justice*'s shields won't hold!"
Lancis had many questions about this Warrior. For instance, his decisive and even ruthless nature seemed to contradict the Jedi Code. Moreover, since the Battle of Geonosis, his actions—conquering Donovia, confronting Asajj Ventress, and so on—had all carried a strong individualistic streak. The Jedi Council even referred to him as a "non-conventional Jedi."
But there was no doubt that Solo's analysis was spot-on, his tactical deployment aimed straight at the heart of the matter. Lancis himself could sense the faint energy fluctuations emanating from the *Justice*.
The flagship's situation was indeed critical.
He closed his eyes, immersing himself in the Force, sensing the flow of energy across the battlefield.
The space battle raged most fiercely, the Separatist assault driven by a desperate, all-or-nothing madness. Meanwhile, though the ground fighting was intense, the Republic's defenses remained resilient.
The Force's guidance aligned perfectly with Solo's analysis. Opening his eyes, he cast a deep look at the once-unknown Jedi Knight before him.
"Very well," the Force's silent waves resonated. After a moment of silence, Lancis nodded stiffly. "Mobilizing the *Acclamator*-class ships will take time. At least thirty minutes to complete formation and launch."
"That's enough! I'll keep the enemy fleet engaged with our existing fighters to buy time for the *Acclamator*-class ships to form up!"
Solo's expression seemed to relax in relief. Based on the known story arc, he had even considered allowing the Separatists to destroy Kamino. But Palpatine couldn't possibly have failed to prepare a contingency plan. This was the overt narrative, and if the story shifted to an unknown branch, his future deployments might become far more difficult.
Lancis continued, "You will command all aerial offensive operations. Any questions?"
The tactical thinking honed through countless space combat simulations, now amplified by the Force, crystallized in his mind.
This would be Solo's first experience of large-scale space combat. Taking a deep breath, he suppressed the fear—no, the *excitement—*in his chest and replied firmly:
"No problem!"
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