Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars

Foreword: In observance of V-E Day, this chapter is dedicated to those who lost their lives on the battlefields of Europe. To all of the soldiers who didn't come back, whether they be American, British, German or Russian, to all of those who were lost to the horrors of the Holocaust, and to all of the civilians who were caught in the crossfire. You may be gone, but you are not forgotten.

Chapter Eight: The Battlefronts

"Gentlemen, and ladies, we have languished in inactivity and laziness long enough. We outnumber the enemy, both on the ground and in space. The Republic cannot hope to match the Confederate Navy ship for ship; we must use this. We have already made the galaxy fear us; now we shall set it ablaze." – High General Darth Vader, addressing the Confederate Admiralty

The Raxus Times, 07/14/998 ARR (After Ruusan Reformation), One Month and Three days after the Battle of Naboo

This just in!

The world of Phindar, which has steadfastly resisted our noble military forces since the beginning of the war, has finally been secured! As part of a larger operation planned by High General Vader, Confederate Naval forces launched a daring attack on the Republic held planet, and after two days of fierce fighting our forces accepted the surrender of the planetary government. While Phindar is a minor world, this marks a momentous moment in Confederate history, as for the first time the majority of our nation's territory is now linked together. Surely this is a sign of divine favor!

As mentioned above, the capture of Phindar was but a small part of a much larger naval operation currently being carried out by our honored Navy. Under the overall command of High General Vader, the Navy has carried out multiple attacks against Republic worlds and infrastructure, and our firm has heard from reliable sources that the operation has so far met with spectacular success! Several worlds have been captured by our ground forces, and the fronts edge ever closer to the Core. Surely Palpatine is trembling in fear by now!

While High General Vader was unavailable for commentary, we were able to reach one of his direct subordinates, newly promoted General Rune Gunray who is a distinguished officer in his own right, and he had this to say: "We have enjoyed tremendous success in the operation so far, and new gains are made each day. This would not have been possible without the heroic efforts of the Navy and the bravery of the Army, and I speak for all of the Officer Corps when I say that we are extremely proud of our boys."

The general refused to give any more details, citing national security, but he did say that both he and High Command expect even more results from this operation, and that if everything goes well, the tide of the war could be irrevocably turned in our favor.

For further details, turn to page A-6.


Report Number 550-128-3, Republic Intelligence Service, ARC division

Operative Designation: Null ARC N-11, "Ordo"

Recipient(s): Staff Sergeant Kal Skirata

Classification Level: X, Authorized Personnel Eyes-Only

Date of Report: 07/16/998 ARR

Buir,

It's just like we thought, Phindar was just the beginning. Azure, Velmor and Nazzri have fallen. Roche and Kashyyyk haven't been hit yet, but they're in danger of being cut off. It seems the Seps have actually started using their heads. The fleet just doesn't have enough ships to counter them. I've talked with a few of my Navy buddies, and they all say the same thing; we'll be lucky to stop the Confederates at Tanaab if they launch a genuine assault. There's a rumor going around that Vader wants to try and connect Onderon with the rest of the Confederacy, but I'm not sure. It's not important enough for the kind of firepower he's throwing at us.

There've been reports of Sep fleet activity around Bestine and Thyferra. I don't think I have to say why this is concerning. Although I'm not sure they plan on trying to take Fondor yet. Even the Confederates don't have the ships for that kind of operation with what they've been doing recently.

In this report you'll find all of the data I've managed to gather on the Sep navy in the past month. I speak for the rest of the vode when I say it doesn't make any sense. While Grievous has been acting on his own in the Confederates' southern territories, Vader's got most of their fleet hitting us practically everywhere. At first glance it's obvious he's using his numbers to stretch us thin, but other than the push in Sector Q-8 there haven't been any concrete offensives.

This just isn't Vader's style. We know he likes to hit hard and fast from Naboo, but this goes against his usual playbook. It's like he's trying to make us look everywhere at once and lose sight of the details, and from what I've heard of the situation in command it's working. What's his plan?


Excerpt from Confederate After Action Report on relief of Cato Nemoidia in Operation: Comet, 08/09/998 ARR

Status: Objectives achieved, Navy has opened up supply lines to Cato Nemoidia. Troops and supplies are being moved in and civilians and other assets are being evacuated with all speed.

Personal Note: While our primary goals were reached, we took heavy casualties. I fear we have lost too much in relation to what we gained. A dozen Munificents, five Providences, and three Lucrehulks. The majority have been lost with all hands.

That's just the ships. Two hundred thousand organic soldiers lost for one planet. And the Council wants the fleet to try and open up supply lines to the other Purse Worlds as well? High General Vader, I know you feel the same as me. Operation Comet was a good plan, and has succeeded beyond our wildest expectations, but if Cato Nemoidia is an indication of the price we're going to pay to achieve similar results in the future, then I have serious doubts about the advisability of continuing. And plus, we just don't have the ships to maintain such supply lines. We're better off consolidating what we have.


Journal Entry of CT-5763 "Asher", Senior Commander of the Tenth Legion

08/15/998 ARR

What a clusterfuck.

That is the only word I can use to describe the state of the Tenth Legion. I know I haven't been in the military that long all things considered, but never in my entire career have I been this frustrated with a unit.

It's not the vode that are the problem. They've been the poster boys for military precision and excellence. Things were a bit stiff between me and the troops not inside the Fourth Battalion, but they've warmed up to me now.

It's those damned militia. I don't know what Command was thinking, putting Rahm Kota of all people in command of the Tenth. The man has no trust for us clones whatsoever. His "soldiers", and I use that term as loosely as possible, are no better. I've had to call in Kento to break up five separate fights over the past two weeks. I would break them up myself, but the first time I did that the damned militiaman started attacking me.

Honestly, I'll be surprised if we'll be able to see action before the end of the year. It's probably for the best. My officers say that they're still having issues integrating the command structures of the clone units and Kota's men. With the way the war's been heating up the fronts are becoming even more dangerous. Dealing with near mutinous militiamen and an asshole of a General on Kuat is a dream compared to what's going on at the front.

It's not all bad though. I've still got Kento with me, and I truly believe he's the only reason there's any communication between Kota and I. The guy's got a real knack for diffusing tense situations. And he's doing a great job of maintaining morale too. The boys love him. I'm absolutely sure that if he ordered it they'd march into hell with smiles on their faces.

There's also that other Jedi I picked. Mallie Brightstar. I haven't seen her in combat yet, so I can't give my judgement on that, but otherwise I'm glad I picked her. If Kento is the man you'd break your arm for, Mallie is the woman who would put it back together. The troops are as fond of her as they are of Kento. She's got this aura about her that makes her seem like the most approachable person in the galaxy. Apparently she decided to become a Jedi healer. Perhaps she should be put in charge of the medical battalion. She'd certainly fit right in.

I probably shouldn't put this down where someone can read it, but I noticed something yesterday. I was heading to the mess hall for lunch when I saw Kento sitting under one of the trees in the base courtyard. At first I thought nothing of it, but then I saw something in his hands. It was a sketch of Mallie, no, sketch doesn't do it justice. Every detail was perfect, down the way the girl's dimples appear when she smiles. He was just staring at it like nothing else mattered. Kento seemed… I don't know, sad? No, more like bittersweet. Like looking at her brought back memories both good and bad. I don't know why he would feel that way though. So far those two have gotten along just fine.

Somehow I get the feeling that if I asked Kento about it he wouldn't know the answer anyway.


Excerpt from the letters of High General Grievous, Concerning High General Darth Vader

08/22/998 ARR

It's refreshing, not being the only soldier in an army who knows what they're doing. I don't know what kind of war could have spawned someone like Darth Vader, but whatever it was I know it must have been far bloodier and crueler than anything we could hope to achieve. The man is a peerless commander. I'd hate to have him as an enemy.

It is strange. I almost feel a kinship with him. Like everyone else with the right clearance I've read the report. All four of his limbs replaced with prosthetics, and he is unable to eat proper food, having to rely on nutrient supplements. He can't even breathe without his respirator. Though I speculate that the reason for his month long leave that just started is to look into at least partially fixing those flaws.

Regardless, to suffer through so much, to be so cripplingly injured and yet still have the drive and ability to fight and win… There are many Kaleesh who cannot claim to have such resolve. I do not think even a Mandalorian could muster the same willpower as Vader.

In spite of all that, I can't help but feel some annoyance at him as well. This new offensive that he's launched is impressive to be sure, but what does he plan to make of it? Aside from the capture of Phindar and a few other minor worlds as well as the supply route opened up to Cato Nemoidia we have nothing to show for this investment of troops and material. What's the point of a massive attack if you don't plan to take anything important?

Bah, what does it matter? I'm certain his plans will become clear soon enough, but now is not the time to worry about that. I have my own area of the war to attend to. The attack on Eriadu will begin soon, and when it falls we'll have gained the biggest hyperlane hub in this region of the galaxy. I expect it to be a quick and easy victory.


Medical facility 550-129, Polis Massa

09/24/998 ARR

For the first time in in a long time, Darth Vader took breath.

Without the respirator.

It was both thrilling and terrifying, inhaling and exhaling without hearing that mechanical sound that had plagued him in every waking moment. For a moment he was sure that it was only a dream, and that he would only wake up to the existence that he had endured for a lifetime.

But he did not wake, for he already was awake, everything was real, and as this thought passed his mind a massive grin spread across his not-as-scarred face.

That was another thing he had the inhabitants of Polis Massa to thank for. While they had been unable to completely heal the worst of the scars, a good deal of them had been removed. This had given his skin a complexion pale as bone with a few sharp white lines –the spots where the worst scarring had occurred - crisscrossing his head.

He examined his face, turning it this way and that in a mirror that had been set up in the room while he was asleep. For the first time he was able to see his real face. It was an emotional experience. Vader felt as if, at last, he had regained just a little more of his humanity.

"Ah, you're awake."

At the sound of the serene voice Vader turned away from the mirror toward the door to see one of his healers standing there. He could never really tell what gender each Polis Massan was by looks alone, but through the Force he could feel that this one was male. It- he- stood with his arms crossed in front of him, a feeling of complete serenity emanating from the alien.

"Are you satisfied with the results?"

At that Vader's grin returned, and he nodded his head once. "Very much so. You and your people have my thanks."

"We were merely doing our duty," the still unnamed Polis Massan replied. It was true. The people of this asteroid would never turn away a patient in need, no matter who they were.

"How long was I asleep?" Vader asked as he moved to a corner of the room where his upgraded armor rested. It was a truly magnificent sight, and he could not wait to see how its upgrades would perform.

"Seven hours, thirty three minutes and fifteen point zero five seconds," the Polis Massan replied as Vader stripped from his hospital gown and began donning the armor. "Your recovery rate is truly remarkable, as any normal member of your species would have been under for far longer. Our doctors were wondering if they could have a sample of your blood for analysis."

Vader smirked as he heard the man's statement. Remarkable indeed. His greater connection to Force had always allowed him to recover at an enhanced rate compared to other humans. It had not been enough to save him from the injuries of Mustafar, but he knew that if it had been any other being the results would have been much, much worse. Then he remembered that he had been asked for blood.

"I'm afraid not," he answered as he finished applying the last of the armor save the helmet. It was much lighter and more flexible than before, and briefly the Sith indulged himself by rolling his shoulders and twisting his torso. He would enjoy this greater range of movement greatly. "Like I said before, no trace of my presence here can be left. There are certain individuals whom I would rather not know about this."

The Polis Massan shrugged. "Oh well. It was worth a try."

With that Vader finally put on the helmet, but as he finished he noticed that like before it sealed itself to become airtight. His eyes widened at the implication, and his suspicions were only confirmed when that hated death rattle of a breath echoed around the room.

"What is this?" he half asked, half demanded as he whirled on the Polis Massan, the helmet once again making his voice a deep baritone. Many would have trembled in fear at the cyborg's obvious ire, but to his credit the healer didn't even flinch.

"We encountered… complications when we began trying to heal your lungs," the alien explained, his voice steady and calm. "Our scans failed to show just how extensive the damage was. We did the best we could, but the wounds were allowed to fester for too long."

"I thought you said you could fix it!" Vader yelled. He realized that he shouldn't be taking this out on the doctor, but his hopes had been raised so high. To suddenly have them dashed in such a manner…

"I'm sorry, Lord Vader," the Polis Massan replied, and Vader could sense the truly genuine regret in the words. "We tried every ethical medical technique that we knew. If we had been able to treat the wounds sooner then perhaps we might have been more successful. However, it wasn't a total loss."

"Explain."

"You see, while the damage to your lungs was severe, and believe me when I say that it is a medical miracle that you could even survive with such damage, we were able to affect some repairs. You will notice that you awoke without your respirator, and could talk and breathe without relying on it. You will be able to experience that for five hours per day. After that, you must put the respirator back on, or the results will be… unpleasant."

A bit of Vader's earlier happiness now returned to him. So he would not be rid of the respirator, but he could still experience life without it, if only for a limited time. He could accept that.

"We were able to completely repair your esophagus however. You can now eat normal food without a problem."

The shout of joy that followed caused several Polis Massans that were down the hallway to jump in surprise, and one even dropped the tray of vials they had been carrying.


Excerpt from the Republican newspaper The Patriot, thirteenth edition

10/02/998 ARR

Citizens! The time has come for us to unite! The cowardly Separatists continue to wage their misguided and immoral war, uncaring for the unparalleled destruction and death that they leave in their wake. The butchers Vader and Grievous will surely see both you and your families put into slavery to fulfill the ambitions of their craven masters. We say no! Our noble Republic has stood for 20,000 years and withstood every test that has been thrown at it. Revan himself could not conquer us! What hope do the Confederate upstarts possibly have?

I will tell you. They have no chance at all! The recent attacks on our worlds are nothing but a smoke screen to make us all think they have the advantage, when the reality is that Confederate morale is already crumbling! This writer predicts that the GAR will even have the war ended before the year is out, we are so close to victory!

But we can't let our guard down yet. Even while the army fights on, they are counting on us, the people, to have their backs! Every rifle made, every MRE packaged, every walker manufactured, will help to keep our soldiers fighting! It's our job to keep them supplied with these vital materials, and no matter how unimportant each individual piece may seem, all of them play a role in bringing us victory.

So it's up to you, brave citizens! Do your part! There are numerous ways to contribute, whether by working in the factories, donating food to the military, or buying bonds. Every beings' contribution counts! Let's show those brigands on Raxus the strength that has carried our nation to glory! Let the Eight Pointed Star fly over the Rim once more!


Captain's log of the Lucrehulk class carrier C.S.S. Fires of Mustafar, Assigned to the Hydian Way for Convoy Raiding

10/18/998 ARR

We hit another convoy today, totaling about seven ships. They had a couple of bulk cruisers for escorts but those proved to be no problem for us. We destroyed one and crippled the other, while all transports were destroyed, thankfully with minimal problems. I don't need another black mark on my record after what happened at Corsin.

The Republic's been getting better at avoiding our raiders. At the start of this assignment I could count on hitting about two convoys in a day, three if we were particularly lucky. Now the average haul is four convoys a week. Not bad, but definitely not what we used to get. Ah well, at least our enemy is competent. It'd be boring if the Republic was full of nothing but idiots.

We'll have to move again soon. I've gotten reports that a couple of Venators were sighted at Ploo, probably looking for us. A couple of weeks ago I probably would have tried to take them out, but the idiot that was my fellow captain just had to hit that convoy with the three Acclamators. I don't know whether I should feel glad that he's gone or sorry for his crew. Lucrehulks are carriers, not super battleships.

I'm just glad that I only have two more weeks. I think after this assignment I'll request some leave. Three and a half months is a long time to be on a ship, even one as big as this. Yeah, I think I will do that. Get some time on the homeworld and see my family again. Kaz's birthday is coming up. I think I'll surprise him.

After that, who knows? Maybe they'll assign me to that new battlegroup that General Vader's putting together. What did they call it? Death Squadron, or something like that? All I know is that any fleet that gets put under him will surely see some action. At least there I'll actually feel useful in this damned war.


Communique from High General Darth Vader to the 22nd Suppression Fleet, based at Jaemus

10/29/998 ARR

At 1400 hours today the fleet is to begin general mobilization of all available ships. Crews will enter general quarters at 1530 hours and begin conducting combat simulations for orbital combat and subsequent planetary landings. These will last for three days.

At 0800 hours of the third day Death Squadron will arrive at Jaemus, and assume command of the 22nd Suppression Fleet. From there, we will proceed to Muunnilist, where the fleet will clear the system and establish a naval blockade before additional forces arrive to subdue the Republic Garrison.

This is the culmination of everything we have worked toward for the past five months. Failure is not an option.


Message from Republic High Command to the 10th Legion, stationed at Muunilist

10/30/998 ARR

General Kota,

We have received intelligence that Vader plans to retake Muunilist. The 187th Legion has been dispatched to reinforce your forces. ETA is approximately twelve hours.

Hold the line general. If Muunilist is lost, then the entire North falls with it. We cannot lose here.

Good luck, and may the Force be with you.


Author's Note: Hello everybody! I've got a new chapter, fresh out the oven and just for you! You'll notice that it's a lot smaller and in a different format than different chapters. This is on purpose, to give you a bird's eye view of what's happening across the galaxy. That, and this chapter serves to facilitate a time skip from where we were in the last chapter. At the end of this, it is close to five months after the Battle of Naboo and the war is approaching the end of its first year. As you can tell, that year is going to end with a bang.

Before I leave, I'd like to address the matter of Vader's partial recovery. Many people, both in reviews and PMs, repeatedly asked me to heal him completely. This is the compromise I give them. The reason I didn't completely heal Vader is because it is canonically stated that his wounds are simply impossible to completely repair. They are so severe that no operation, no matter how invasive, will completely fix him. It is a testament to the skill of the Polis Massans that they were even able to partially heal Vader. The improvements made both to Vader's armor and body will be looked at in the next chapter.

I think that's all I had to say. Next chapter we're jumping straight back into the action, and it's going to be much, much bigger than the fight at Naboo.

Til next time.