Chapter 10: Mind Games
Admiral Madakor watched on his datapad as the new reinforcement vessels took up positions in the defense formation in orbit above Eriadu. Instead of spreading his forces between Phelarion and Eriadu, he'd placed only two super battle droid companies on Phelarion and ordered the rest of his forces to dig in on Eriadu. That way, even if the Empire took Phelarion, New Republic forces could retake it after the battle was over.
He now had two hundred and thirty-five vessels, the largest fleet in the Outer Rim in twenty years. Passion and tension was running high, and the civilian population was restless. He had to address the issue soon.
He spotted Miles, Edge and another Mandalorian warrior waiting for him in his office. "You've done well, both of you," said Madakor. "Who is this?"
The young man extended his arm and Madakor took it. It was a firm grip. "Kast Skirata at your service, sir."
Madakor eyed the lightsaber hanging conspicuously from Kast's belt. "You must be the son of Darman and Etain Skirata."
"Yes sir."
"I suppose you came of your own volition?"
"Yes sir."
Madakor nodded. "Good. A man your age should make his own decisions. You came to fight for us." It wasn't a question.
"Yes sir."
"Then you'll fight with Miles and his squad. You take orders from him. Understood?"
"Yes sir."
Madakor smiled slightly. "You already sound like a soldier. You'll do fine, son. Go to Captain Gerning at Outpost 2; he'll tell you what barracks to go to. It's essential that you get some rest before the battle, or you'll be a danger to others and yourself. Understood?"
"Yes sir. Thank you sir."
Madakor gave him a tight salute, which was promptly returned. "You're dismissed, Corporal Skirata."
"Sir!" responded the young man. He jogged out.
He turned to the two clones. "That goes for you two as well. Get some rest. Dismissed."
"Sir!" The two clones left, passing Commander Cody and Commander Merai on the way in.
"Sir," said Merai, "my fleet is in position. The battle droids have been placed at LZ Alpha and Beta and the coastlines just as you ordered them."
"Good," said Madakor. "Report to the media room and await me there."
"Yes sir," said the Mon Calamari. He left, and Cody spoke up.
"The fleet's formed up, sir," said Cody. "Recon flights haven't seen any sign of Imperial vessels yet, sir. However, our spies have sent word that a large Imperial fleet is headed towards the Seswenna Sector. They assume that around four hundred enemy ships are in this fleet."
"Who's the commanding officer?"
"Someone named Thrawn. I've never heard of him before."
"I have," said Madakor. "Not much though. He's Chiss. Brilliant strategist. He was involved in the Outbound Flight Incident, way before the Clone Wars. He decimated a superior Trade Federation armada with only a few, outdated picket vessels. He's somewhat the Empire's dirty little secret; an alien in the Navy is totally against the Empire's humanocentrist policies. But his brilliance is unmatched." He shook his head. "This could be a problem."
"The Hypervelocity Cannons will negate their numerical superiority," said Cody.
"Didn't you hear me? Numbers aren't a problem for him."
"How does he fight so well?"
"He analyzes the art of his enemies' species. Strange, I know, but he's never been wrong."
Cody said, "We may have an advantage, then."
"How?"
"You are human, and you're brilliant too. I'm a clone, so we have no art for him to analyze. Merai is Mon Calamari and just as smart as his father. There are Geonosians, Twi'leks, Quarren, and other officers of assorted species. It's a mix of races; he'll have a hard time analyzing everything."
Madakor nodded, understanding. "Clones would pose a serious problem for him, especially Jango clones. He hasn't encountered them before. You guys have cultures and subcultures you've established and absorbed over the years. He can't possibly compensate for them all."
"Which puts you both on a somewhat equal footing."
"No, not really. But it helps a lot." He looked at himself in a nearby mirror. His armor was in place, in perfect condition. He picked up his helmet. "Let's go; I have a galaxy to address."
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Madakor strode into the room, and all the officers snapped to attention. They formed up behind him, with Cody on his right and Merai on his left. Madakor pressed a button on the desk in front of him, and the view of the room was transmitted to every HoloNews station in the Empire and beyond. Across the galaxy, people watched in astonishment as Madakor gave his speech.
"As some of you may know, I, Admiral Antidar Madakor, have broken off from the Empire and established a New Republic free of any tyranny and corruption in the Seswenna Sector. Even as I speak, an Imperial fleet bears down on us, intent on suppressing us. They may defeat us or be defeated themselves, but they will ultimately lose, because while their objective is to destroy us, their ultimate goal is to destroy freedom. Freedom is an idea, and ideas cannot be destroyed. No Imperial force, of any size, can destroy freedom no matter how hard they try, because tyrants everywhere create their own enemies. What will happen here must and will be remembered. This battle, this fight for freedom, will echo for eternity, and our actions will be carved in history.
"To my soldiers and officers: it has been an honor and a privilege to have you under command, my brothers and sisters in arms. Dieing by your side will be the greatest glory I can hope to achieve. I am immensely proud of you all, especially my vode of the 7th Sky Corp. Remember, we are soldiers, sworn to protect this New Republic at any cost, and you have followed and held to that oath in a way no Imperial ever could. Dismissed, and may the Force be with us all."
Across the Seswenna Sector, clones, officers and civilians responded with a huge standing ovation. Rebels who came across the holo feed and independent systems hostile to the Empire joined in. Even Tyber Zann, on his way to Eriadu with his gift to the cause, clapped his hands. Not since the formation of the Rebel Alliance had anyone openly defied the Empire like this. Admiral Thrawn, sitting on the bridge of his ship the Admoniter, gave a small respectful nod to a man he deemed a worthy foe. And Janek Sunber, now acting captain on a Victory II-Class Star Destroyer, started wondering whether staying with the Empire was the right choice.
Madakor tapped a few buttons, and the feed was reduced to only the Seswenna Sector. "To the brave citizens of the New Republic: The battle that is coming will have far-reaching damage and cause much pain and suffering to us all. Transport vessels are prepared to take all those who wish to avoid the battle, and I strongly urge especially mothers, children and the elderly to leave. These vessels will take you to the Hapes Consortium, with whom I have brokered a deal. Anyone else who wishes to assist us will be given a temporary commission in either the Army of the New Republic or the New Republic Navy according to their background and expertise. Those with combat experience are preferred, but we will accept those whom we deem fit to fight, both men and women. I bid good luck to you all, and may the Force be with you."
Naturally, this resulted in another joyous uproar. However, Madakor had finished with his speech. It was just as well, because Captain Switchblade appeared, obviously frantic.
"Sir! Sir!"
"What is it?" asked Madakor.
"Three unknown vessels inbound!"
"Imperial?"
"No, but…"
"But what?" asked Madakor, beginning to get irritated.
"They're…well…huge!"
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"You have got to be kidding me," said Madakor.
"Fierfek," breathed Cody, obviously in agreement with the Admiral.
There were two Legacy-Class Star Destroyers, both 1800 meters long, held position in front of the fleet. It was the vessel they were flanking, however, that caught everyone's attention.
"A Mandator II-Class Star Dreadnaught, sir," said Cody. "19000 meters long, covered in gun batteries of every type. Only two have ever been built. I know that Pride of the Core is at Kuat. This must be Apocalypta."
A holo of Tyber Zann appeared, and Madakor instantly blew his cool. "I really don't have time for this, you chakaar!"
"Please, stay calm, Admiral," said Zann. "Let me introduce these lovely vessels. That Legacy-Class on my portside is Leviathan, the other Legacy-Class is Gargantuan, and the one I'm on is aptly named Apocalypta."
"If you're trying to intimidate me, it's not working."
"Oh, no. These vessels are my gift to your cause."
"Thanks. What's the catch?"
"One: you don't attack my Consortium. Two: you don't side with Black Sun, the Hutt Cartel, or the Empire against us. Three: I'd like to have open trade between the Consortium and your new Republic."
"Trade of what?"
"Oh, this and that."
"Please specify," growled Madakor. "I have an Imperial armada coming down on me and I'm in no mood for playing games."
"Simple matters, really. Raw industrial material of all types. I understand this will take a few months, maybe years, but if the Empire is gone, it will be worth the wait."
Madakor didn't have time. "OK, you have a deal."
"Good. Also, did you know that Apocalypta has a Spaarti Cloning Factory? I was surprised to find 70,000 clone troopers in stasis, plus a whole lot of vehicles. A small army, in fact. These soldiers should help you crew this vessel, but you will need a lot of people to crew the other two."
"I'll manage."
"Forgive me if I don't share your optimistic appraisal of the situation. I've put too much stake in this gamble to lose it. Some of my best men will assist. They are former members of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Imperial Navy, so they are familiar with the ships' systems."
Madakor's eyes narrowed. "Why are you helping us?"
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend. An old saying. Now, if you don't mind, I will leave."
"Wait," said Madakor, but the transmission cut out. Seconds later, a shuttle left the Apocalypta and jumped into hyperspace. He turned towards Cody. "Have squads sweep the vessels and secure them. Let the Consortium men stay at their stations, but attach disabling bombs on their reactors and weapon arrays. If they try anything underhanded, blow them and let them drift."
"Very good, sir," said Cody. He issued the orders, and asked Madakor, "If they are what Zann says they are, then won't you go on Apocalypta?"
"Why?"
"She is the most powerful vessel in the fleet, after all. It is your duty to be on her."
Madakor nodded slowly. "Captain Autem!"
The young officer snapped to attention. "Sir!"
"You are being transferred to Guarlara, and as of right now you are the commanding officer on that vessel. Get on a shuttle and report to your new command."
"Sir! Yes sir!" Autem left the bridge, while Cody looked at Madakor for an explanation.
"You are the second-highest ranking officer in the Blood Fleet," said Madakor. "Bloodshine has been the flagship of this fleet for a long time. If I'm going to command the fleet from Apocalypta, I want Bloodshine to be under the command of my second officer. Understood?"
"Yes sir."
"Sir," said a clone, "Scouts have reported contact at extreme range. Drive profiles match those of Imperial-Class Star Destroyers. Estimated number of vessels: ten."
"ETA?" said Madakor.
"Approximately one standard hour before they hit the edge of the system. Four hours until they reach firing range."
"Shall we engage?" asked Cody.
"No," replied Madakor. "We'll remain where we are. Have the scouts shadow the enemy advance force from a safe distance. I want regular updates on their progress."
"Yes sir."
"As of right now, you are the commanding officer on this vessel. Assemble Group Beta in a low orbit at this position at this exact time. I will take Group Alpha and hide half on the dark side of Phelarion. The rest will form up behind Apocalypta in a dipping-crane formation."
"Very good, sir."
The dipping-crane was a tactic used since delta-shaped capital ships were in existence. The vessels would 'dip' their bows 'downward' to bring all their main guns to bear. It was a very basic tactic, but it was a very devastating tactic as well. Madakor found that, often, simple was the best. The vessels of Group Beta would be positioned in such a way that, when the Imperial force finally arrived, they would not be seen. When the Imperials reached firing range, Group Beta would have orbited around Eriadu enough to bring all their guns to bear. The Imperials would take heavy fire from both sides, which meant that their shields would be down and they'd probably sustain heavy damage. Then the planetary Hypervelocity Cannons would finish off the weakened vessels.
The strategy would certainly account for several vessels, but it could only work once. After that, the battle would be won or lost by the skills of the individual pilots, gunners and officers.
"Sir," said the OPS clone, "Incoming Imperial vessels. Right behind the advance group. Well around four hundred vessels, and all have capital ship drive profiles."
"I guess we'll have to report to our stations," said Madakor. He clasped Cody's gauntlet and gave it a brief shake. "May the Force be with you, old friend."
Cody returned the gesture. "Same to you, sir. I hope to see you soon." He snapped a tight salute, which was promptly returned. Then Madakor turned, walked out and didn't look back.
There was a battle coming up, and there was still work to do.
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