Ok, my first update in months, but hopefully I will be able to continue on a regular schedule, but I don't make any promises. Also, with the passing of Carrie Fisher earlier this year, I have decided to dedicate my small story to all of the people who helped bring the Star Wars universe to life for all of us. The dedication will be on the first chapter, and will be updated as time passes.

Watchmen1985: Yes, I added Stauffenberg since he is considered hte face of the German Resistance. He might make a few more appearances or not. I have yet to decide. I have heard of the Wind Talkers and I know what contributions the Navajo have made in WWII, but I cannot include everything since I am having difficulty keeping up with what I have already. There may be a reference or minor character, but that would be it.

sgtfrost5: Glad you are enjoying my small TL. I am unsure exactly how I would do the V1 and V2 rocket analogues for Star Wars since there really isn't a weapon that could match them from the movies or EU, and yes, it would be disastrous if the Separatists arrived to help bail out Hitler and his supporters.


Year 14, Month 05, Day 27

Yunnan, Yunnan System

Republic of Kunia

General Sun and most of his staff stood at attention as the transport came in for a landing. Flanked on both sides by P-40 Warhawks with the characteristic shark's mouth. These were some of the native Kunians who had been through American flight school, and were now on escort duty for VIPs. They wouldn't be on that duty for long, however, since the various military branches were working on a rotation systems that he had put forward in an effort to keep experienced pilots from getting killed in combat too quickly without their being replacements. Yunnan was serving as the staging area for all supplies that were coming through the Bamar Route, and from here, they were shipped out to the various fronts.

When the transport landed, the side hatch opened and the honor guard presented themselves properly. Out of the vessel walked Madam Chiang Mei-ling, one of the members of the ruling council that maintained the functions of the Kunia until a later time when things were more st able and a true government could be formed. Following her were several functionaries, a droid, and a couple soldiers who were no doubt her bodyguards.

When she came close enough, Sun stood at attention and saluted, his staff doing the same. "Madam Chiang, I welcome you to Yunnan and the headquarters of the Kunian 1st Army."

Returning the salute, she smiled. "It is good to see you again, General. Please stand at ease. It has been a while since we last saw each other, but it is important to see just how the soldiers on the frontlines are doing. Wouldn't you agree?"

Relaxing his stance, Sun replied, "I do. I try to do the same with those I command."

Nodding in acceptance, she looked over to see Lofykam and took a few steps. Even though the Wookiee towered over the woman, Sun knew that he had nothing but complete respect for her. "How are you doing Lofykam? I've heard that you and your clansmen have been assisting in the maintenance of our equipment."

"Indeed, Madam Chiang." he answered, his enunciation of some of the words were something that many had grown used to. "We Wookiees are rrrenown for ourrr mechanical abilities. It is ourrr way of rrrepayment forrr saving so many of us."

"And we thank you for your assistance," she said, extending her hand, which the Lofykam took. "I have heard of the honor that the Wookiee people have and we are blessed to have you here. Please let me know if there is anything that can be done to help."

Even though Sun was staring forward, he heard the entire conversation and knew what Lady Chiang was doing. There had been rumors that she had been making trips all across Kunian territory, visiting various commanders and speaking with them. She was gauging which ones she could count on for support and which ones could be potential problems. With the leadership still rocky, and no doubt it would get worse after the Katanians were defeated, she would need all the support she could gather, especially since she was a woman. However, Sun also knew that she was a political shark, and would gladly support her if she made a bid for leadership. Both he and General Wei, and the various aliens that were part of the Kunian military, saw her as someone who would lead for the betterment of the Republic of Kunia. There would probably be others who would join her, seeing her as the best choice, but others would no doubt be hostile and try to have her removed from the playing field. That could not be allowed and steps would have to be taken to ensure that she was protected.

"General, I would like to see just how well our allies are assisting us in this theater of the war. Could you please take me to the Joint Command Building?" she asked.

"Lady Chiang, it has been a long journey for you," one of her attendants said. "Wouldn't it be better if you took the time to rest?"

"I am perfectly fine," she answered curtly. "I would like to meet General Stillwell and see how military operations are doing."

"Of course, Lady Chiang," Sun said bowing his head slightly, with a small smile on his face. "If you will please follow me."

...

Bringing in Lady Chiang was difficult to accomplish, especially with the reputation that Kunia had when it came to internal security. Usually there were some commanders who would leak information to other commanders to help in gaining more influence in the game that was Kunian politics, but General Stillwell trusted the lady enough to bring her in. She wasn't going to be in the main command room, but was instead taken to one of the smaller ones where she could see the overall picture, while still keeping the detailed operations secret.

"Lady Chiang, it is good to see you again." Stillwell gave a respectful bow. "I am sorry that I was unable to attend the ceremony for your husband. He was a great man."

"He was. We both worked hard to ensure that his memory would be among the greatest in the sector, to be as well remembered as Prime Minister Churchill and President Hull."

"I'm sure that he will be. His death was a tragic, but his dream of seeing the Katanian Empire pushed out of Kunian territory will become a reality," Stillwell said confidently.

As long as the generals are able to keep from ruining everything, Sun thought. The threat of the nation falling back into a series of squabbling warlords was too much of a threat to ignore, and he was going to make sure that the next batch of officers he trained would be loyal to the state, and not to a general or region.

"So how has the training of our new formations gone?" she asked.

"They are doing well, Madam," Sun answered. "With the new equipment that we are receiving from the rest of the Allies, the proficiency of the men and women serving is better than it was before the war started. I've been using some of the more experienced soldiers in my command to train them in how to adapt to Separatist and Katanian tactics, and the various aliens have been helpful in other areas as well. I think by the time we begin our new campaigns, we'll be ready to liberate more of our territory.

"What areas have the various aliens been assisting our men and women in?"

"We've been using the various species in different groups. Some of them are more specialized in certain aspects than others and we utilize them to the greatest of their abilities," Stillwell explained. "The Wookiees, besides being great warriors, have technical skills that rival anything that I've seen before. They've been filling-in for some of the technicians who are unable to instruct because of the amount of equipment we have received." He smiled. "They've even shown us a few tricks that I've sent back to Washington to have added to the manuals."

"The Twi'leks have been useful in training our sniper corps, and they are extremely dangerous when you cross them," Sun explained. "A couple of my men learned that the hard way, and I almost had a riot on my hands when they first joined. Now they are some of the most deadly fighters we have. The other slaves were of various species, from human to Ryn, and we even have a couple of Lasat who were taken from their homeworld."

"No problems to speak of?" the lady asked.

"Madam Chiang, I can assure you that General Sun's command is one of the best and there is little for him to complain about," General Stillwell said, confidently.

"General Stillwell, I asked for General Sun to give me his answer, not you, so please let him speak for himself," she said, giving the American a cool gaze.

Quietly clearing his throat, Sun knew that his misgivings could offend several people within his command, and have unseen repercussions, but Madam Chiang had asked, and was a shark in the political world, so he took a chance. "It's some of the hired soldiers who I am worried about. The Mandalorians especially. I know that we paid them well to fight with us, but men like that can be a liability in the long-run. I only had to look into their history to see just how dangerous they are, from assisting Genghis Khan to the Mandalorian Wars, they are dangerous."

"You are worried about them changing sides?" she asked, and turned to look at Stillwell. "What is your assessment on this?"

"I believe that they will stay loyal to us for as long as we pay them well," Stillwell said confidently. "They may be dangerous, but they are outnumbered and if they ever decide to betray us, we will ensure that they do not last long." He then grinned.

"When it comes to mercenaries, they will always follow where the money is greatest," Chiang said finally. "Right now, they are loyal to us, because we pay them well, with your government's assistance. They also consider the Katanians as a foe worthy to fight against, and have done well in serving as shocktroops, but if they are offered a better deal, then they will turn, and kill anyone who gets in their way."

Sun could tell that Stillwell wasn't convinced completely. He remembered how he had been a difficult person to work with. This was no exception, though some of his views on different ethnic groups were diminished, there were still traces that he was could be considered a "radical American". Wanting to change the subject, he brought their attention to the central projector

"As you can see, Madam Chiang, the next operation we have will be to go after the Guandong System," he said, pressing keys to show the operation. "Albion forces will move out of parts of Bamar and conduct hit and run strikes on Katanian positions in Floevis Indou-Kunia." The map showed a series of tan-colored lines pushing into the mentioned systems. "While that is happening, we will launch an offensive into Guandong from here."

"Yes, with that system under our control, it puts us in a good position to begin disrupting Katanian shipping," Stillwell added, with a smile. "I estimate that the system will fall after no longer than a month's time. The Katanians are a strong and proud people, but we'll show them that they are nothing compared to the Allies."

That boast was backed up by history, Sun knew. It was the industrial might of the United States which crushed Japan, as did their nuclear bombs. He had also wondered exactly what the counterparts for nukes would be in this galaxy, but he had trouble wrapping his mind around what could be as destructive. "They will be tough to dislodge from the system, and with the Separatist Fleet still operating in this area, we need to remain cautious."

"Admiral Halsey managed to reduce their strength when they first arrived," Stillwell said. "We should be more than adequate to finished off the survivors." He pointed toward the Guandong System. "That system is also a large depot for the Katanian War Machine. We take that, and we will have enough equipment to liberate the rest of Kunia."

I am sure that you would enjoy being the person to take the credit and command of all forces in this theater, Sun thought.

"Your plan is ambitious," Chiang said, looking over the whole scenario, "but if you are right, then we will be able to free our home from these invaders." She turned to look as General Sun. "What do you think of this operation?"

Expecting this, Sun answered, "I think that if we do this properly, then we can take the planet in the estimated timeline. However..." He paused and looked at Stillwell before turning back at who he hoped would be the new leader of the Republic of Kunia. "I believe that we should be ready in the event that things do not go well. That Katanians will not take this lightly, and will respond in kind. They are still strong, and could bring untold numbers of men and ships as reinforcements."

"What can you tell me about the Communists?" she asked, changing the subject. "I know that they do not like us, and I have heard some rumors that they are gaining influence in systems that are under our control and those that are under Katanian occupation. How large of a threat will they pose?"

"They are small, and were on the verge of being defeated when Katania invaded. I have had some of these rumors investigated, and it seems that they are just small groups. They may pose a threat, but after the war ends, I am confident that they will be defeated by your military. You have the better equipment, after all." Once again, Stillwell's confidence could easily impress almost anyone, and he probably could be right, but Kunian politics will get in the way of the war. Sun was all too familiar with that.

"Yes, I am sure we could defeat them, but the war has been hard on all of us," Madam Chiang said, and Sun noticed just how tired she looked. There were grey hairs and lines that weren't there a few months ago, and he wondered just how long she would live if she did become the leader. "However, the people are those who have truly suffered, and while my husband did his best to lead our nation, many did not care for his style." She looked straight at Stillwell. "It is these people who worry the most, who could fall under the influence of the Communists."

"Then we would need to show them that we are the better choice," General Sun said, half surprised that he had been so bold to say something. "The right choice, for the betterment of Kunia."

Both General Stillwell and Madam Chiang looked at him with mild surprise. Stillwell looked somewhat contemptuous, while Chiang seemed a little more thoughtful. "You seem to have a better understanding of how these events can affect us in the future," she said, a small smile on her lips. "Perhaps you and I can share some tea and discuss it sometime?"

Sun was mentally kicking himself. He had planned to conduct this war by staying out of the petty squabblings of the military and instead bring those who shared his views into an "alliance" and support Madam Chiang. From there, he would use what influence he had gathered, from working well with Albion and American commanders, and assisting in building up Kunia's military to where it would stomp the Communists into dust. Instead, he had placed himself in the limelight, so to speak, and had gained the direct attention of Madam Chiang. No doubt, news about this would spread, and it would paint a target on his back from potential rivals. However, there was no possible way to back out of this without looking bad, so taking a deep breath, he said, "I would be honored to, Madam Chiang."


Year 14, Month 05, Day 29

Honshu, Honshu System

Imperial Katania

Chief Petty Officer Kenichi Abe dived as fire streaked past him. His droid screamed and he looked behind him to see a droid fighter streak over him. Quickly leveling off, he fired a quick burst from his cannons, and the droid banked hard to port and vanished from view.

He didn't have to wait long for another target to present itself. The entire section of the system that he was in was swarming with Vulture and Tri-fighter Droids. They were swarming two fleet carriers and their escorts that had survived the battle in the Mariana System, attempting to inflict as much damage as possible.

"Dee-Nine, what's the status of the fleet?" he asked, gripping the control stick.

The display in front of him showed the droid's response. [Carrier defenses are being overwhelmed. 60% of ship defenses offline. 75% of fighter and bomber escort out of action.]

Abe muttered a curse. "What forces are close by?"

[Seven fighters in immediate area. Five with moderate damage and two with light. Armaments are reduced to 60%.]

Their call signs appeared on the screen and he switched to the squadron frequency. "All craft near my location: this is Chief Abe. Form up on my position; we are going to try and relieve the carriers until support craft can arrive to assist."

He received a round of acknowledgements and watched at two flights were formed. Increasing the speed of his Zero, he and his flights raced toward the swarmed carriers. Using their superior maneuverability, they managed to avoid attacks by the droid forces, pulling into tight turns and having their wingmen cover their six o'clocks.

Since the start of this series of dogfights, he had already become a double ace, killing five droids and another possible two, and it had not been easy. These droids were supposed to be very limited in their capabilities, with a basic understanding of dogfighting and relying more on their long-range weaponry and special abilities. However, this attack had shown their improvements and had wiped out several of the fighters he had led in the first few minutes of the engagement.

On the sensors, the light carriers Chitose and Zuihu were registering the bare minimum of power reading, and their return fire was sporadic at best. The few Zeros barely able to hold back the tide as more droids attacked.

"This is Chief Abe," he said after flipping on his comm. "Calling all Katanian forces in the system to converge on my location. Carriers are under attack and in need of immediate relief."

"This is Admiral Yamamoto," a voice cracked it. Abe was surprised to hear the voice of one of the most well-known naval commanders in the Imperial Navy. "Two destroyers are en route to your location. ETA is five minutes."

"Acknowledged, Admiral." Abe switched the frequency. "Chitose; Zuihu; we going to come in from above and cut across the bow to try and relieve the pressure. What is the status of your weapons systems?"

"Chief, this is Rear Admiral Obayashi," he replied, stress in his voice, yet still calm as he tried to maintain control of the situation. "Shields are down on my ships to forty percent, and I have lost have of my weapons systems. Fighters are down sixty percent and power output is down to fifty." There was a burst of loud static before he continued. "I recommend that you come in from the stern and follow the length of the vessel. What weapons I have will try to keep the pressure of you."

"Understood, Admiral. Abe: Out." He switched to the squadrons frequency. "Attention all fighters. We are going to relief some of the pressure on the carrier. We'll fly along their axis from stern to bow, and make sure that your transponders are functioning. I don't want anyone shot down because of friendly fire."

The surviving pilots all responded and he led them on a long banking turn. He was going to try and stay out of range long enough to where the droids wouldn't see them until it was too late. After a final check with the rest of the squadron, he put full power to the engines, and accelerated. Closing the distance between them and the carrier, he could see the droids begin to turn toward this new threat, with the remaining weapons in the carriers attempting to stop as many as possible.

The two forces met, and the Zeros sped through the swarm, and making their way across the carriers hull. The pursuing droids attempting to catch up with the fast craft, but the defensive fire from the carrier began to increase, and the pursuers were whittled down. Abe banked to the left, bringing him and his flight between the two carriers, drawing several droids behind them. The overlapping fire from the two carriers began to reduce the number of droids chasing them, but the flight still suffered a loss from friendly fire.

Silently cursing, Abe was interrupted by his astro droid as it whined in terror. Laser cannon fire raked only a few meters in front of him, and he quickly dived.

"Droid fighters, Twelve o'clock high!" his wingman cried out, and the comm was filled with static.

"Shit!" Abe said, and he juked to the right, avoiding a missile that a droid had fired at him. He pulled the stick into his stomach, his fighter reacting quickly and his inertial dampener trying to keep up with the high-g maneuver. Seeing the two droids before him, he pulled the trigger and fired a burst of fire. He watched as his first group of lasers hit the lead droid, resulting in an explosion. The second one was more difficult to hit, as it jinked to one side, and then another, avoiding the concentrated fire of the Zero until they were a couple hundred meters away.

"Dee-Nine, route all power to forward shields," Abe ordered, and fired another burst. He was rewarded with a smoke trail from the droid fighter.

The droid, sensing that it was about to reach its end, unleashed a barrage of missiles at chief Abe.

"Bring electronic counter measures up! Full power!" Abe maneuvered his fighter between the paths, flipping his fighter as he barely avoided a missile. He fired a quick burst, hitting a missile and clearing a line of sight at the droid. No droid is going to get the better of me, he thought, and fired another burst. He managed to see the droid begin to tumble before his droid warned him of an incoming missile, and three seconds later, he the many others of the Katanian military to fall victim to the droids.

...

In the command station of the Katanian Home Fleet, Admiral Yamamoto and other Flag officers watched as the exercise concluded. The droid fighters, while not exactly up to par of those of the Imperial Navy, had shown that they were more than capable of filling in the role of lost pilots and fighters. These droids had also been programmed with some of the same experiences of Katania's last surviving aces. While it had proven impossible to bring them from the fronts, there were several who were in the Home Systems that had been recovering from injuries they had suffered earlier in the war.

"How did the droids do?" Yamamoto asked, turning toward one of the aides in the room.

The Lieutenant looked down at his datapad at the incoming information and answered, "Preliminary reports show that the droids performed at an estimated sixty-five percent compared to our aces, however, they did perform better than new pilots."

That's not difficult to accomplish, though it is better than no pilots at all, Yamamoto thought.

"Impressive," Admiral Kameto Kuroshima said, nodding. This was the first time he had actually seen them in action, and had been a little skeptical about using droids. "While not able to fully replace our lost pilots, it will come in handy to replenish our losses. When can we have the first formations?"

"That's the problem," a Navy Commander said. He was Lieutenant Commander Hideto Aki, and was the man who had been put in charge of the program to bring Separatist droids into the Katanian fleet. "We are still having difficulties adapting our tactics to fit in with their programing. That problem could possibly be solved in another month's time, and we should have enough to reequip our carrier forces." The General Staff officers began to murmur amongst themselves, but stopped after Aki cleared his throat. "However, the main problem is that we do not have the manufacturing capability of replacing all of our losses. The one ship that could is the Defiler, and it's fallen under the command of the Imperial Army."

"But I was led to believe that all of the Separatist ships had manufacturing capabilities," Admiral Nakazawa Tasuku said. "Was I mislead in that assumption?"

The thinly veiled threat was not missed when Commander Aki replied, "Not at all. It is just that the ships do not have the capability to replenish on such a large scale. The equipment that we salvaged could lift some of the burder, but we need the Defiler to produce more."

"They will never allow that to happen," Admiral Yano Hideo said. "They see the war as their chance for glory, and will never relinquish control of that ship. Not when it gives them so much power."

"What would it take for us to increase production of these droids using our own facilities?" Admiral Yonai asked.

"We would have to retool some of our facilities, and manufacturing lines, then the personnel who manned them would also have to be trained," the commander explained. "If we stopped production immediately, we could have line up and running at fifty percent in three months, and be at a full one hundred percent in eight."

"I will forward your report to the Navy Minister," Yonai said after thinking for several seconds. "If you can think of any way to lower the transition time, please note them. We'll be looking into any possible methods of this." He then turned to look at the other officers in the room. "The same goes for all of you as well, and be sure to inform your subordinates. We need ideas and we can't ignore anyone's ideas on this."

There was a round of acknowledgements from everyone. Yamamoto agreed with this. They desperately needed time, and if these droids could do that, then maybe there was a chance they could sue for a peace that was not going to gut the Empire.

"There is another matter that needs to be discussed," Yamamoto said, stepping forward to gain the attention of everyone. The room was silent as all looked at him, and he knew that this would either ruin him, or perhaps help his home. "We need to begin conducting this war in a civilized manner," Yamamoto said finally.

"And why should we do that?" one of the more vocal flag officers in the room demanded. "We have never received the respect that we rightfully deserved from the gajin. After the Great War, we received nothing for our efforts in defeating Getov, and then we were forced to sign the Washington Naval Treaty. That was an insult to our country, and showed that they have no respect for us."

"That is not reason enough to make ourselves no better than the Army," Yamamoto countered.

There was a buzz at the comparison, and one officer shouted, "Admiral, don't you dare compare us to those fools."

"Why not?" Yamamoto stood there alone in front of some of the top members of the Navy General Staff. This was something that he had considered doing, but had been waiting for the right opportunity. Taking a quick glance at Admiral Yonai, he saw a look of interest. "When we fight, we destroy all Allied vessels and leave survivors to die. This is not how we need to fight, or how we are to be remembered when the war is over." He looked around the room before him. "Everyone here knows that we cannot win this war. If you do not, then you are as foolish as the Army. The Allies will conquer our worlds."

Everyone was quiet, and he allowed it to hang for several seconds before he reached for his ceremonial katana. Unfastening it from his belt, he held it before everyone in the room. "Who here knows what this is?"

He held it in front of him for a couple of minutes before a commander answered, "It is your ceremonial katana, Admiral,"

"Correct. We all remembered when we were presented this, and the pride that came with it." He paused. "Do you know what a katana represents? It represents discipline, and the proper usage for those who wield it. Of honor, and loyalty to the Emperor. Gentlemen, we have failed in upholding the code that we have sworn to uphold with our lives. We treat Allied prisoners as less than human, but there is honor in living, not throwing your life away in a meaningless cause.

Yamamoto took a deep breath before he continued. "We need to show the Allies that we are not the devils they have made us out to be, and to start, I recommend following the laws of the Geneva Convention on the treatment of POWs. There have been many unsavory acts performed by us, but perhaps this can help in easing the punishment that the Allies will not doubt impose upon us."

The room was silent, and Yamamoto was fearful on how his message would be received. It wasn't until he saw Admiral Yonai take a step forward and give him a respectful bow of the head. "Admiral Yamamoto speaks with wisdom beyond his abilities." He turned to look at the other admirals. "We know that we will lose this war, but we will fight this in an honorable manner.

"I want orders sent to all Naval forces that the treatment of Allied POWs is to be in accordance with the Geneva Convention," Yonai said firmly. "If any officers fail to follow this, I want a record to be made to show that steps were made to ensure that this order was followed."

As Yonai continued to give orders to the other Staff officers, Yamamoto took a deep breath to try and calm himself. There were many actions by the Imperial Navy that Katania would pay for, and he himself would no doubt face some sort of punishment for the attack on Pearl Station. However, this small step, he hoped, would show that not all Katanian people were monsters, and that some shreds of honor survived. Perhaps, even the Emperor himself would learn.


Year 14, Month 05, Day 32

USS New Jersey

Sulawesi System, Batavia Melayu

Sitting in his quarters, Admiral Halsey read over the latest casualty reports in the attempt of securing the last of the Sulawesi System. While most of the Imperial Katanian forces had been driven from the system, there were still the remnants of the Army and Marines who had been left behind. Estimates placed it around a regiment of men scattered across the planet. They could be dealt with later.

He had finished reading about the securing of the Marianas System a week prior, a fight that was probably worse than it had been on Earth in terms of equipment lost. Most of the large landing ships had been damaged beyond repair and would have to be scrapped for parts. It was the crash-landing of those vessels and the resulting chaos afterward that had resulted in the large number of casualties, suffered by the Marines those first couple of days. It wasn't until afterward, when the Fleet had managed to gain orbital superiority that the tide had managed to turn. Orbital bombardments had managed to wipe out about half of the defending force, with most of them being danger-close strikes.

The remaining defenders, had to be rooted out the traditional way, with boots in the ground and sweeping through the vital parts of the planet and ensuring that the Katanians couldn't pose a threat to the occupation force. What the Marines hadn't expected were the Banzai charges. While not very effective in the long-run, the psychological effect that it had on the men during and after showed. There was a high rate of self-inflicted injuries and even several suicides before the doctors called for those who showed high rick to be moved to a less stressful part of the occupation, placing them in support roles. It had helped, but there were still those who showed combat fatigue and other signs of shellshock.

In the end, the Fifth Fleet had lost most of its Marine Landing Craft from anti-orbital defenses and the surprise arrival of the Katanian fleet. Most of the battleships and heavy cruisers had suffered heavy damage and would need a couple of months in the yards to be fully repaired, and the invasion force had suffered a fifty percent casualty rate, with fifteen percent of that number killed while the rest were wounded. It would be a while before the Marines would have those vessels built again and their numbers replenished.

Shaking his head he brought his thoughts to the present. He focused on the next endeavor, and the one black mark of his career from back on Earth. The liberation of the Philippines, or Felipinas as it was known in the Sector.

Halsey remembered how he had been drawn away from the landings in Leyte Gulf. Reports had come in that several Japanese carriers had been sighted, east of the Philippines. True to his way of thinking, he had aggressively pursued these carriers, leaving a force of over two-hundred thousand men on the Island of Leyte to fend for themselves.

At the time, he had received reports that the Japanese Center Force had been damaged enough to where it would pose very little threat to the invasion, and saw the carriers as the main threat, not to mention that it would result in the destruction of the last of Japan's carrier fleet. What he had not known, was that the Center Force had turned around and was going southward, back to the Leyte Gulf, and the undefended American invasion force.

He had received a report from a reconnaissance plane that Admiral Kurita's Center Force had turned back toward the San Bernardino Strait, but had ignored it, believing it to be either a mistake or some form of deception. Every other attempt by his subordinates to inform him of the possibility of the Center Force coming back were rebuffed, and the might of the American Third Fleet continued to sail northward.

The only thing that had saved the American fleet was that the Japanese had little to no coordination or central command authority, something that had plagued the American command when the invasion of the Philippines had begun. The Japanese fleet encountered the ghosts of Pearl Harbor, where six battleships, five of them having been severely damaged or sunk at Pearl Harbor, had stopped the Southern Force. The Center Force had been stopped by Task Unit 77.4.3 (Callsign: Taffy 3), a group of six escort carriers, four destroyers, and three destroyer escorts managed to singlehandedly slow the Center Force long enough for their commander to order a withdrawal.

After the avoidance of that near fiasco, Halsey's abilities had been called into question, and he had worked hard to defend his reputation. However, his status as a commander was never really the same afterward.

Halsey had wondered why he had taken everything of the Third Fleet with him when he chased the carriers. He could have easily done it with the three carrier groups that he had as part of his command, but he had instead taken everything. He had managed to convince himself that it had all made tactical sense, that he needed overwhelming firepower to crush the Japanese Fleet once and for all, but deep down, he wondered if it was because he had missed out on fighting in Midway. He had been stuck in bed while someone else had taken credit for the battle that had turned the war in the Pacific, and he had been reduced to being a subordinate to General MacArthur.

A beep from his deck drew him from his inner thoughts. Hitting the switch, he says, "Halsey, here."

"Sir, you're meeting with General MacArthur and his staff will be starting in ten minutes," his yeoman said.

Grimacing, he replied, "Thank you, Chief. I am on my way." Switching off the comm, he knew what this would be about.

Grabbing a datapad and several datacards, Halsey exited the room and began walking to the big conference room. It was not that far of a walk, only taking a few minutes, but being in the military had always taught him to be punctual. Upon entering, he could see his staff was there, all of them discussing what would be coming next. Across the table, were several empty chairs, but they would not stay that way for long.

Taking a seat in the middle of his group, Halsey placed the datacards on the table and arranged them according to their content. No sooner had he finished that the comm beeped. Taking a deep breath, he and everyone else in the room stood as the holoprojectors showed General MacArthur and his staff on the opposite side.

"Admiral Halsey, it is good to see you," the general said, hands behind his back and his uniform immaculate. "I take it that the systems we control are secure?"

"There have been little to no incursions by the Imperial Katanian Navy," Halsey answered, standing erect and also having his hand folded behind him, "but the forces that were left behind on the planets will pose problems while we continue to occupy them."

"They will either surrender or die. Either way, it is of little consequence," the general countered. "We are here to discuss the next step to cutting off the Katanian Empire from their resources, and that means we are going to liberate the Felipinas. I made a promise to return to them, and by God I intend to keep that promise."

The Felipinas, a commonwealth made up of two systems, one with a single planet within the habitable zone, and another having a gas giant and several moons in the same zone. It was also a series of systems that followed a hyperspace route that let from the Batavian Indies to the Katanian Home Systems.

"We all know that it was originally planned to blockade the systems themselves, and bypass them, like many others that we have done in the Pacifica Region," MacArthur explained. "However, the intelligence reports we have received, including their known order of battle, makes these systems too dangerous to leave." The table brought up a holographic display of the Felipinas and the surrounding systems. "Originally, Admiral Nimitz wanted to conduct an invasion of the Formosa System, to cut supplies from Indo-Kunia as well, but I managed to convince him otherwise.

"An invasion of Formosa would require far more men for an invading force than we have in the entirety of the Pacifica Region. This was brought up during a meeting between myself, President Hull, and Admiral Nimitz that we discussed this and came to the conclusion that the liberation of the Felipinas would be the better choice."

Not to mention that it raised your ego, Halsey thought. However, he did admit that the liberation of the Felipinas would secure a close ally in the region for years to come.

"As to the invasion, Admiral Halsey," the general said, looking at the him. "I want your fleet to begin a series of raids throughout the Felipinas, hitting their bases, yards, and defenses. I also want you to hit Formosa and parts of Kunia proper, so as to make them think we will be taking that system away from them. I want the damn Katanians so confused that when we finally liberate the Felapinas, they won't know what hit 'em."

It was a good plan, and the fact that something similar had worked on Earth was a testament to that, but there were a couple of factors that made Halsey unsure. First: the surviving Separatists fleet that had arrived in the system a year ago. From the reports back then, and information gathered from Operation: MAGIC, about half of that fleet was still operational, leaving a very powerful force that could cause problems for the Allies. The second problem was probably the other person who had come to this theater after their death. Halsey was sure of it now. Admiral Yamamoto, the man behind the attack on Pearl Harbor, had come to the galaxy and was fighting for the Katanian Empire. It was probably the only reason why he was still alive.

"We still have to worry about their fleet. While it has been reduce in strength, considerably, they still have the Separatist fleet that arrived last year, and Yamamoto is still alive," Halsey added. "Both of those could make things difficult for us."

"I am not dismissing them, Admiral." MacArthur blew some smoke from the cigar he had in his mouth. "However, Yamamoto, according to our last intelligence reports, had him stuck behind a desk in their Home Systems, while the commanders of the Separatist fleet are filled with businessmen and droids. I believe that they will not be a considerable threat to the campaign, but in the event they are, I place full trust in you and your capabilities, Admiral. You have done well, and I am confident that you will continue."

Praise was something that Halsey did not expect, especially from a man who was know for having an ego the size of a carrier (from Earth). "Thank you, General," was all he managed to say.

"Now, the Filipina guerrilla groups have been providing us with information on where the Katanians are operating, and have promised to help in maintaining order and keeping routes clear when the invasion begins," MacArthur continued.

Halsey listened as General MacArthur laid out his grand strategy to liberate the Philippines and fulfilling his promise to return to the people that he respected. Knowing what the man was going to do, he allowed himself the time to think about what to do now. Yamamoto was probably one of the most dangerous commanders in the Japanese Navy, and had been known to be a gambler. He could consider himself lucky that the Katanian Empire wasn't in any position to do any to that, but he could not dismiss the possibility that he could somehow influence the way their General Staff operated. He couldn't dismiss the Separatist fleet, or the droid fighters they have. Some of them were truly dangerous, and if the Katanians could properly incorporate them into their fleet, then the war could become far more difficult.

Only time can really tell, he thought, and I'll be dammed if I allow myself to be questioned again for my decisions.


Year 14, Month 05, Day 33

CSS Defiler

Trinh System, Katanian-occupied Indou-Kunia

Captain Dokai Gemedi, commanding officer of the Lucrehulk battleship Defiler, looked out at the planet his ship orbited. It was a planet that was covered with dense jungles, with broad rivers and deltas, and wildlife that was unique to this planet. However, he saw none of this. All that he saw was a planet that was farther from the front where he had started since coming to this miserable sector, and the pulling out of Bamar had been a blow to his pride. He commanded one of the most powerful ships in the galaxy, much less the Terran Sector, and here he was, on the border of Indou-Kunia and Kunia itself.

"Damn barbarians," he muttered. He had been brought to this region to provide support to the Katanian Army in suppressing guerrillas that were operating here. One of the most prominent being a human named Ho Chi Minh, a man who had led his forces in hitting several depots and outposts manned by the Katanian military. There had also been reports of Albion forces conducting hit-and-run attacks on the systems along the front, but nothing else had been heard on the incidents.

Since coming to the Terran Sector, Gemedi had been learning more about this area of the galaxy since becoming more integrated with Imperial Katanian Command. He had come to the conclusion that the Allied Powers were nothing more than Empires who exploited those who they saw as "primitive", and it was same with the Katanians, especially when they dealt with aliens. He had seen their glares and subtle grimaces and sneers. However, he knew that any attempt by them to cross him would result in very unfortunate events. While their soldiers and surface combat vehicles were good, none of their space forces could match the Defiler.

The ring carrier of the ship was heavily armed, with 164 point defense laser batteries, 473 assault laser cannons, and forty-eight turbolasers. All of these were designed to protect the Core Ship, which was armed with twenty-one point-defense quad-laser batteries, forty-eight assault laser cannons, and three turbolasers. The total armament of this vessel was capable of holding off a flotilla of Republic ships, and could hold off a larger force of Terran vessels. All of this did not include the invasion force of hundreds of thousands of battle droids and their vehicles. His single ship could threaten an entire region of this pitiful sector if he wanted, but he had learned early on that the Allies could not be underestimated.

Despite the setbacks he had experienced, he had the respect of the Katanian Army. He found their actions distasteful in certain aspects, like the treatment of aliens they found, but he had no qualms for how they treated Allied POWs. After the embarrassment he and the other Confederate vessels had suffered when they had arrived, he had very little contempt for them, and when the Army had approached him in helping them ensure that the Allies did not reopen the Bamar Route, he had eagerly joined, bringing the most powerful ship in the Sector under their control.

However, he and the Army had been unsuccessful in that, and had been pushed back and reassigned to where he was now. He had also learned that the Army knew nothing on how to hold a system. They believed that a system could be held by holding specific planets, without the need for orbital support. It was doctrine that had eventually lost them the Bamar Route and had resulted them in being pushed back. This did not include their contempt for the Navy, and those who saw him as nothing more than a support vessel.

The only aspect they both agreed upon was the treatment of POWs. The Katanians viewed those who surrendered and allowed themselves to be captured as dishonored, and treated them appropriately. He saw them as barbarians who deserved everything that came to them, which was why he had volunteered his forces to "clean up" the POW camps in Bamar before they pulled out. All traces were destroyed and all that remained were charred areas.

He remembered watching as his droids slaughtered the Allied prisoners. Giving them false hope and suddenly crushing it was more satisfying than anything else he had seen since arriving. The only things that could have made it better was destroying of the Enterprise and the killing of Admiral Halsey by his forces.

"Captain, we are receiving a transmission form the surface," one of the droids reported, bring him from his thoughts.

"Bring it on the main screen," he said curtly. Straitening his tunic, Gemedi turned toward the viewscreen and saw the Katanian officer in charge of the planetary garrison appear. "Colonel Takamura, how are you?"

"Captain, there is a village that has been under suspicion in providing support to the rebels in the system," the Katanian Colonel answered gruffly. "We want your forces to raze it to the ground as an example to those who would defy the Katanian Empire."

I have been reduced to a subordinate, he thought. "I will send a squadron of bombers to wipe it off the face of the planet, Colonel." Hiding any trace of contempt until the Terran officer vanished. He turned to one of the droid officers. "Load Xenon Flight with a standard strike loadout. NAV, I want us moved into overwatch position."

After receiving the acknowledgements from his droids, he brought of the tactical display of the planet. There were several Katanian formations that were overlooking numerous small villages in a valley. He wasn't sure if these villagers were indeed collaborating with the enemy, but it would serve as an example of what happened when you crossed the Katanian Empire. Several minutes passed until he received a report from the launch bay that the bomber wing had been launched, and were en-route to their target.

These bombers had been loaded with a standard payload of conventional and incendiary bombs. However, there was a particular weapons loadout that he had been interested in using. Gemedi had received the weapons shipment a couple of weeks ago, but he had not seen the right opportunity to use it. Even if he had, he would need authorization from the operational theater commander to use them. The weapons had been developed under the leadership of a General Shirō Ishii as part of the Epidemic Prevention and Water Purification Department.

"What sort of diseases have you worked with?" he had asked upon first receiving the shipment from the Katanian General.

General Shirō had given him a smile filled with pride as he named off a few of the diseases. "Bubonic plague, cholera, smallpox, botulism, and a host of other diseases," he had explained. "We have perfected the delivery of these pathogens in the use of bombs that are filled with carrier fleas and mites. We have found that they have the best chance of passing these diseases to various species. It could prove useful to the Confederacy in causing panic for the Republic."

Gemedi had been curious about the results of these diseases and had requested the relevant information. The good general had been reluctant to share classified information, but has relented in giving the general research and results. It wasn't what he had hoped for, but it had been more than expected, and could serve as a base for future developments for the Confederacy.

The associated information had been handed to him by courier and the list had been impressive, and made him thankful that most of his crew were droids. Looking down at that information on his datapad, he began to think about what sort of uses these weapons could have in the Clone War. Certainly General Grievous and the other top commanders in the Confederacy would find ways they could be deployed.

"Lieutenant," he commanded, and up came one of the few Nemodian officers on his ship.

"Yes, sir." the officer said, standing at attention.

"I want the information on this datapad copied and sent on the next courier ship to Confederate High Command," he ordered, handing the officer the pad. "Ensure that it is to leave on the Omega One shuttle with the ordinance we had received from our Katanian 'friends'."

The officer looked down at the datapad for a quick second before tucking it under his arm and stood at attention. "I shall see to it personally, sir."

"Good. The contents of those containers will prove useful to our cause."

"Captain, we are receiving a Priority One message," the droid at the communication station reported.

"Put it on screen," Gemedi ordered coolly. It would have to be important for this to have been sent to him.

On the screen came the face of a Katanian Army General. While they usually prided themselves on being difficult to read, Gemedi could tell that he was distressed. "Captain, you are being reassigned to the Guandong System. Orders have already been cut and sent to your theater commander. The Kunian military has just launched an offensive to take it from us."

That's why Albion forces had been launching raids into liberated territory… "I have just launched a strike mission on Trinh, but when they return, I will begin immediate departure preparations, General."

"I expect you here as soon as possible," the general said gruffly. "The Defiler can turn the tide of this battle, and I will not allow the gajin and their puppet masters to retake any conquered territory."

"Don't worry, General," Gemedi assured. "I will be there." The Katanian General gave him a curt nod and the screen went blank.

As he waited for his bombers to return from their mission, he made sure that the courier shuttle departed before the jump to lightspeed. When they made the jump to the front, he couldn't help but think that perhaps he would finally have the chance to see just how his new weapons performed.

Colonel wants a village bombarded and destroyed for suspected assistance to the Allies, and possible assistance from the French colonial forces