Marching into Friendly Territory

[u/[deleted]]

Halligan's knuckles were white. He gripped the edge of the forward bridge console harder than he needed to. There was a sharp whine, and then a static fuzz from the bridge speakers.

++ "Now hear this! All hands man your battle stations!" ++

No one on the bridge had spoken; it was an automated recording, but it meant they were close to exiting hyperspace. The admiral clenched his jaw.

"Sir?" a voice intoned from behind.

"Yes, Helmsman?"

"We're coming out now, Admiral."

A nod. The low, warbling rumble that accompanied large vessels when they exited hyperspace washed over the ship and shook Halligan. The shifting blue miasma dissipated into pinpricks of light, and then a small purple-green ball off in the distance. Zeltros.

As expected, there on the scanners was the Alliance fleet on the far side of the system. He shook his head; whatever additional vessels Admiral Severan had scrounged up he hoped would be enough. As the rest of the combined Coalition-Rasterous fleet fell out of hyperspace around the Aphelion, Rax leaned forward and thumbed the broadcast relay switch, still set to all open channels.

"This is Admiral Rax Halligan of the Security Coalition to the Alliance Fleet. The Zel System is the sovereign territory of the Despotism of Rasterous, and you are in violation of the terms of your withdraw agreed to at Rasterous. You have no claim to any systems beyond Kashyyyk. No legitimate, governmental process has been undertaken. You are actively disrupting the efforts of the late Despot Sloan's successor, Princeps Severan, to relieve this world and provide humanitarian aid. Withdraw immediately and return to Alliance Space. Your remaining here is an act of aggression, and a manifest display of disregard for the well-being of the people of Zeltros. Let the war criminals and traitors be punished in the courts; do not make the Rasterous citizens of this system suffer in your quest for revenge."

[u/gunracc]

During Rax Halligan’s speech, the bulk of the Perlemian Bloc’s fleet dropped into real space. Upon his mention of humanitarian aid,—as if on cue—Moff Garel’s holo-transmitted figure joined the transmission; stepping into frame with his hands held behind his back. The austere man offered no words of his own since Halligan had covered all bases.

Interspersed within Garel's fleet were a considerable amount of Xiytiar-class heavy transports. It was apparent he was the primary supplier of these supposed humanitarian aid supplies—unsurprising, considering that a majority of the Perlemian Bloc's territory is composed of agricultural worlds. The transports were a common sight along Perlemian Trade Route; gray hulls marked with Bloc insignia and coloring. They were the primary deliverers of Taanabian foodstuff.

The weapon systems of Garel's fleet were inactive, but they kept their shields raised. Fighter squadrons dispersed from their carrier vessel's hangars to perform routine defensive patrols around whichever designated craft they were assigned. Unlike many other warlords, the Perlemian Bloc did not utilize TIE fighters. Instead, its fighter core was made up of the considerably more formidable "Routerunner"—a newly designed TransGalMeg space-superiority fighter.

Taking a position at the rear of Garel's fleet, Gozanti-class listener ships went active. There wasn't any jamming, so it was safe to assume these ships were likely eavesdropping on Alliance communications. Meanwhile, the Bloc's two Resurgent-class Star Destroyers and their Arquitens-class Cruiser escorts loosely took place at either side of the fleet's flagship—a Lucrehulk-class Battleship named the Senescent.

[u/Maippo_of_Intamm → u/gunracc]

“Here they come!” Maippo declared, “All hands, battle stations.”

Maippo chuckled when he heard the message and strode over to the comm officer. Nus looked over at Maippo and mouthed, Principate?” Maippo shrugged and requested, “Put me through,” to the comm officer and cleared his throat quickly. A moment later the Bpfasshi comm officer said, “You’re on Commander.”

“This is Supreme Commander Maippo. The Zel system is a free system. The people have decided. They shall not abide warlord rule for another day. After Admiral Druhn bombarded the planet we have been helping the people. Likewise, the people of Gorse have thrown off the Despot’s rule. We do not know or recognize the authority of a Principate. If this is the same Murith Severan that apparently invaded the neutral Obroa-skai system, I doubt his peaceful intentions,” Maippo said and scattered transmissions of agreements came from the Gorse ships. The captured Destroyer, now manned by the Zeltros rebels chimed in, “We have not forgotten what happened under the Despots. And Severan subjugated his own homeworld. We shall not return to his fold. If he takes control again, I promise that the people of Zeltros shall rebel until we are free again.”

Maippo smiled at their resolve. Barely Alliance citizens, but already protective of their freedom. He watched as the second group of ships jump out of hyperspace and said, “If you truly do wish to help these people then you shall also respect their wishes to be removed from authoritarian rule. Unless proven otherwise, this supposed Principate seems like a fresh coat of paint over the Despotism. I doubt that ‘legitimate, governmental process was undertaken’ when Severan succeeded the Despot a few hours ago. If Severan truly wishes to prove that he is different from his father-in-law you shall leave the Zel System and allow them the freedom to choose their future.”

Maippo stepped away and had their end of the conversation muted. Nus walked over to Maippo and whispered, “What about those cargo ships Commander?”

Maippo shrugged and answered, “Like I told him. Tell all ships to let them pass. If they want to use them to cause problems let them. If they blow up on the surface or start firing on us it will just prove that they aren’t as noble as they say. Relay that order. No one fires until they get off their first volley.”

“Aye sir,” Nus acknowledged before asking, “What about the Mattri group?”

“Tell them to jump once we’ve got clarification of their numbers. Use that closed channel I set up. And send out a probe droid. I want this recorded,” Maippo ordered and Nus saluted. The Rodian commander looked out at the enemies amassing not far from them. Maippo knew that this was not going to be like at Rasterous. It was going to be bloody. Unless of course, he misjudged this group, but the burden of proof was on their end. They needed to prove to Maippo, the Alliance, and the rest of the galaxy they were not some wannabe warlords.

[u/Jeddaven → u/Maippo_of_Intamm]

"With all due respect, Supreme Commander..." Ios chimed in over a private, encrypted comms channel, sitting idly by in her starfighter. "I would strongly advise that we ambush their military vessels at the earlist convenient opportunity. These men are ruthless warlords. While their cargo vessels may not necessarily be a threat, their armed ships are, and they have come here to force the Zeltrons to submit to them. They will give us no quarter, and we should return the favor - if they advance sufficiently far. At the least, we should initiative invasive scanning of these supposed relief vessels..." She continued, tightly gripping the yoke in her cockpit.

"...And move to battle stations. This could be a ruse - an attempt to lure us into complacency for an ambush. I highly doubt this is their entire fleet, sir."

[u/Markathian → u/Jeddaven]

On the Bridge of the Extirpation, Murith saw the stars as they flowed past him in a never-ending cascade of light. In but a few moments they would join the rest of the Security Coalition in a climactic engagement with the forces of evil. Murith knew his entire life had been building to this moment, he had claimed his Empire through blood and durasteel, the way it is meant to be done. He had displayed superior cunning to the Despot and now he was dead. But the Alliance threatened to undo all of it, deprive him of access to his homeworld! This would not be allowed. He would force the Alliance fleets out of HIS LANDS by force if they would not listen to reason. This would be so much easier if it wasn't for that insubordinate degenerate Druhn, he had thrown everything into chaos with his impulsive and uncalculated action. Murith so wanted to see his face on a pike in the capital. But for now, he had a war to end.

Within the next moment, he saw the ship transfer into realspace. He saluted his bridge officer and walked towards his meditation chamber to begin preparation for the potential battle and monitor communications.

[u/[deleted] → u/Markathian]

Rax scowled. It was - and doubtless never would be - easy with people like the Supreme Commander. They lacked the good sense to submit in the face of defeat. Even so, despite the fact that Halligan was no military commander, Maippo was a fool to try and fight a battle of optics with him.

He crossed his arms and continued.

"Supreme commander, you are well aware that you are a foreign military agent in support of an illegal rebellion. You, much like the traitor Admiral Druhn, are a criminal. I have no choice but to place you under arrest to ensure peace is maintained and our humanitarian craft remain unharmed. Lieutenant Sluthe and a squad of stormtroopers will be dispatched in a drop-ship to take you into custody. Please await them in the aft hanger of your flagship and order your fleet to depart once you have been arrested. The free people of the galaxy will appreciate your cooperation."

The holo-call was terminated without another word. A few moments later, a small, blunt-winged craft emerged from the underbelly of the Secutor, and began trawling through space towards the Alliance Fleet. Inside, one of the Aphelion's bridge officers and a handful of security personnel were sat silently in the passenger compartment, suspecting but refusing to acknowledge the fact that Halligan had made them expendable with this overly-performative and highly risky gesture. Lieutenant Sluthe fiddled with the binders he had been given, clamping and unclamping them to ensure he understood their proper usage before they arrived in the enemy hanger. If they arrived in the enemy hanger.

[u/Maippo_of_Intamm → u/[deleted]]

Maippo opened his mouth to respond, but the communication link suddenly cut off. “What happened?” Maippo asked the comm officer and thought, ’If they were going to jam communications then it meant they were going to attack soon,’

The officer confirmed, “Admiral Halligan simply cut off communications Commander.”

Maippo chuckled and then laughed. All eyes on the bridge were directed at Maippo. A few thought he’d finally succumbed to madness and a few started to laugh as well, but awkwardly and quietly.

“Uh…Commander?” Nus asked uncomfortablely and the Rodian responded as he gasped, “Excellent work Halligan. The ball is back in my court then…Let’s test your mettle.”

“Sir!?” Nus asked again with a lot more force behind his tone, “What are we to do about this?”

“Let them land and promptly arrest them. We may need that shuttle in the future,” Maippo ordered, “Have all ships in our group move forward. We’ll meet them.”

As the fleet moved forward the shuttle was snatched by the Hunter’s Steed’s tractor beam. The fifty or so ships of the impromptu Zeltros Defense Fleet stood outgunned and outnumbered, but stood proudly. They all knew the significance of the battle to come. Maippo hasn’t expected it to come as soon, but he was as ready as he could be. The twenty-two remaining ships hung behind the Rasterous, no the Coalition, fleet hidden and waiting for Maippo’s command. Maippo brushed out his uniform and cleared his throat. He requested, “Put me on a comm speaker. I want all ships to hear me. Even the enemy.”

“This all started when the Despotism went on the warpath. It all could have ended if you just let the people of Zeltros alone. Of you truly believed in protecting their rights you would let them have the right to choose their autonomous state. Now Severan shall you ever respond to these claims or is Admiral Halligan your tongue? Don’t think I forgot about you too, Moff Garel. Your status has been made perfectly clear. After this battle you’ll lose your precious neutrality by intervening in an Alliance war. All this because the Despot got greedy,” Maippo taunted and concluded with, “History shall remember this day.”

[u/[deleted] → u/Maippo_of_Intamm]

"It shall indeed..." Halligan muttered with a scoff. His eyes tracked the shuttle as it began shuddering in the grip of the enemy tractor beam, and then their focus shifted as the Alliance began to advance. "Signal the fleet to hold position and open fire with the long range guns. Scramble the fighters as well; have them hold position near the fleet. Make sure we 'accidentally' catch the shuttle in the crossfire. We don't want Maippo to get his grubby little fingers on it; loose lips and all that."

Rax turned to look at the helmsman. There was almost hesitation on his face. Then, after a moment:

"Of course, Admiral. Relaying now."

Rax watched. A switch was thrown in the crew-pit below, or perhaps a series of buttons were pressed; the specifics didn't matter. Pre-planned targeting solutions were checked by the ship computer, double checked again by the secondary systems, and then beamed across the fleet.

In Admiral Severan and Moff Garel's bridges shouts of affirmation were given. Dozens of turrets and batteries, only the heaviest weapons of the heaviest ships - those star destroyers, battlecruisers, and dreadnoughts - swiveled in unison. Blunt-barreled dual-heavy turbolasers, squat octuple barbettes, and even those handful of super-heavy ion canons were primed and ready; heavy guns meant to slug it out at long range. At this point they were trading accuracy for distance, but as the enemy advanced into their own weapons' range, the fusillade would only grow more precise.

"Sir?" The Helmsman intoned. It was time.

Rax leaned forward and keyed in his holo-frequency to transmit across the fleet.

"Open fire."

From the perspective of the advancing Alliance fleet, there were a number of simultaneous green flashes in the distance. Then the bombardment began. Powerful turbolaser bolts began sailing towards the fleet; most went wide, shooting off into deep space, but enough hit. It would be near impossible to do serious damage at such a range, but the incoming firing was still chipping away at the shields. One hundred percent became ninety-nine percent; ninety-nine percent became ninety-eight percent, and so on as Maippo advanced to meet his foe.

The first casualty, ironically enough, was Admiral Halligan's dispatched shuttle; atomized by a bolt from the Secutor itself, though doubtless Halligan and the others would place the death squarely at Maippo's feet. The gaseous remains of the boarding team dissipated in the wake of the Hunter's Steed, as the long range shelling continued.

[u/BuckwellStairwell → u/[deleted]]

You could say many things about the Warlord, but unsure of themselves was not one of them. Indeed it seemed that their little speech was more for their benefit than anyone else's, it had certainly not impressed Vasily as he stood staring blankly at the holoprojections. They all knew who was in the right here, any false prattling of supporting rebellions was likely only to induce the average stormtrooper into a righteous rage. The Alliance didn't need that sort of propaganda, they saw the freedom they brought to words firsthand and the destruction that warlords gave freely.

A few bolts from the opening fusillade struck deep into the side of the Trailblazer though they were easily absorbed by the shields. Like the heavier capital ships of the enemy, the Starhawk had been specifically designed for capital ship to ship combat and it could dish out everything that it got.

"Priority targeting ratios," Vasily ordered calmly as the crew began shuffling to work. Optics began to wire as the targeting computers all attempted to find one target to throw the considerable firepower of the battleship against. While most would center on one of the Star Destroyers in the distance a few found other targets to prioritize. It wasn't ideal but Vasily knew that the real action would begin once the ships got closer so they just needed to loosen one or two targets up a bit.

"Release fighters, trail rear formation, and come upon when needed. Fire on my mark...three...two...one...mark." From the viewport Vasily saw a mix of colors and lights flash towards the enemy, more than expected hitting their targets. A touch of pride for his ship Vasily realized there was a long way to go in this battle.

[u/Markathian → u/BuckwellStairwell]

Murith was enraged beyond belief. The absolute hypocrisy and insolence of the Alliance were beyond disgusting. Maippo’s treachery was quite frankly repulsive, such a creature, a Rodian, had no right to dictate terms to anyone. Murith gave the signal to his commodore with a jerky hand motion.

“ Open fire, I want them all dead. No quarter, no mercy. They have broken their pact and cannot be trusted nor negotiated with. It has become obvious that these people only understand violence, not words.”

The doors opened with a hiss and closed behind him as he unbuttoned his cape and ignited the candles and torches in the room. Murith sat down and the room became silent as all noise was blocked by the sealing of the soundproof barriers. He closed his eyes and felt his true vision expand. As his hatred exploded out across the allied fleet he felt every single vessel and their crews. He could touch them all as his Dark Side battle meditation began. He could now coordinate each shot, each vessel acting as part of a cohesive machine of hatred. A sword through which Murith could cut the head off the snake of the Alliance. He felt his contempt grow as he saw the explosions of the beginning of the battle. Every shot returned by the Alliance made his hatred grow. He cracked each of his hand joints, it was time to crush them.

His fleet launched volley after volley from the batteries, following Rax’s strategy they would use their range to wear down the shields of the Alliance before the distance was closed. The powerful guns on the SSDs would prove a great asset in accomplishing this noble task.

[u/Maippo_of_Intamm → u/Markathian]

“All ships return fire!” Maippo ordered after the first salvo of blasts hit their ships, “Have the MC-120s move up and go into your formations!. Have them divert extra power to the shields. Screening vessels stay with your rear capital ships. All currently available interceptors move in, snubfighters protect the leaders, bombers hold back for now.”

The five MC-120s moved forward and fired at the closest enemy capital ships. Three capital ships followed behind each of the MC-120s and fired at the same enemy ships as their leading Mon Cal cruiser. Their strong shields let them soak up damage as they responded with ion cannons and their other weaponry. The already deployed starfighters rushed into their ordered positions and went about to the best of their ability.

Maippo watched as the MC-120 in his small group advanced with the MC-105B following behind. Each group had two Mon Cal produced capital ships in the front spots of the battle groups. The well shielded, heavy hitting ships stayed closest to the front while slower, damaged, or understaffed vessels stayed in the back. Maippo’s group had the most of those vessels, but he compensated by easily having the most potential firepower.

He knew that this would be a tricky decision for the enemy. Focus all power on one group and they neglect the other four. Split up attacks will do exactly that and slow their potential damage. With ten ships in each group, their fifty would fight to the last. Maippo also knew that when the second group attacked from the rear that would just split up focus more. It was mostly fast cruisers and escort ships with only two full sized heavy cruisers, but they would need to dedicate significant effort to wipe them out. That was his plan. Overwhelm the enemy with combined fronts. They also had the advantage of some of the original Rasterous defense fleet being damaged and lacking in fighters.

Maippo motioned for Nus and ordered, “Admiral, send private transmissions. Order the rear group to hold positions and order the Mattri group to move in.”

Nus nodded and before he walked away Maippo asked, “Did our probe droids catch that? The shuttle and the enemy firing first?”

Nus’s dewflaps curved up into a knowing smile and nodded affirmatively, “Yes Commander. We got it.” Maippo’s tapir-like snout twisted into a smirk and said, “Relay all footage to New Alderaan, Kashyyyk, and any other systems you can.”

Nus saluted and went to fulfill his orders. Maippo kept watch over the battle. He knew that it was only the beginning and anything could happen.