Chapter 10
Location: Planet Yag'Dhul
The deserted rocky canyon that converged in a three-way intersection was an excellent position. The valleys and rocky terrain made land-based attacks incredibly difficult and the hardened stone of the area made underground facilities the prime method for fortification. Work on the underground base had begun quickly, drilling into the hard rock contracted engineers had begun creating the necessary framework of tunnels for housing supporting the equipment and personnel needed to run it. It was a large task, but they knew that they had little time as the six V-150 "Planet Defender" Ion Cannons were waiting to be installed along with their dedicated power generators.
To protect those powerful weapons a convoy of AA-9 Freighters had arrived to deliver the eighteen large XX-10 Turbolaser Towers to their destination in protective positions for the defense of the ion cannons. Among the ships were also twenty-eight Inferno Anti-Aircraft Flak Turrets and numerous BP.2 Anti-Infantry Turrets. All of them were sealed against the outside elements due to Yag'Dhul's treacherous conditions. Smaller crews of military engineers digging deep fortified trenches and large pillboxes to cover any possible avenue of approach were also at work. Heavily reinforced duracrete was being poured into rayshield casts with the durasteel bars already present. Airlocks were placed already, and trenches were getting their covers in the more important parts.
Such other measures such as power fences, tank traps, walls, and SLD-14 shield generators were ready for use, just needed installing and power sources. These ten power generators, DSS-02's, were being installed underground in large caverns well-below the surface. They would power a large sensor that would provide target acquisition aid to the ion cannons that would be capable of wiping out large fleets with little difficulty. But not much could be done until the large power generator facilities, five underground caverns holding four of DSS-02's in an 'X' with a power relay system in the middle. It was all very impressive on paper, but time would be key to the construction phase of the facility. But most important to the facility was a prototype cloaking field over all of the base's parts that would provide the concealment needed for springing a trap upon even the most cautious of enemy commanders. Part of the RVC's offensive was centered upon this necessity to keep Yag'Dhul safe from attack.
"We are at a crossroads gentlemen," Admiral Drexel said to his assembled staff as the view of the large facility, completed but with red over all the parts not yet complete, namely all of it that mattered, was on the holotable, "Our problem is that the enemy has got a lot of ships standing between us and Sullust."
"As it stands now we know that the 21st Task Group is on station here, at Sullust, but they have a reserve reaction force made up of a hundred ships centered on a Providence-Class Dreadnought and a battleship wing of eight Lucrehulks. But the 18th Sector Army of the GAR has been keeping the majority of their forces in place while we've been beating up on the 19th Task Group whittling away their forces with our starfighter strikes," Commander App laid out, "But they still have a dozen battleships of their own and thirty Providence Class destroyers as their primary battle line."
"What we need to do is to destroy the enemy's last strategic reserves and push towards Sullust force a decisive engagement with the Separatists dividing their forces to meet both us and the local Clone forces and destroy them before enemy reinforcements can be brought in-theater. For that to happen we need to find and destroy the 19th Task Group, lure them out into the open and engage them head-on," Drexel said as he highlighted the enemy unit in question, knowing just how important it was to deal that lethal blow to the enemy, "Specifically their battle line."
"We can possibly give them a propaganda opportunity, seeing as we've been hitting them with that pretty hard they'll be looking for their own opportunity to hit back."
"Harrin, we leave our garrison with an enlarged supply and ammunition supply," Commander App responded, "We let the enemy come at us with full strength, a straight shot back to Yag'Dhul and they think that they can isolate our forces."
"But we lie in wait and destroy them in one massive attack," Drexel nodded, "Get the 1st Corps enough supplies to last in a battle against a large invasion force."
"A Clone battalion is on its way to Harrin, part of a GAR measure to make sure that we're not abusing the people."
"That's fine, us fighting alongside the Clones will be just what our reputation needs to get us the positive coverage we need."
"We always need more of that, especially with us being built off volunteers."
"Speaking of that, training's begun for the next batch of recruits, a few months from now we'll be launching a new batch of twenty legions, six hundred thousand troops, and enough crews and pilots for the five task forces they will be paired with."
"Fine, and given this kind of victory we'll have many more legions and more ships. To win this war that's what we need to do."
"To win this battle first we might have to make sacrifices, this plan effectively isolated sixty thousand troops and isolates them without support," Drexel sighed, "Make certain medical supplies are in enough supply for them, this'll be a rough week for them."
Location: I Volunteer Corps, Planet Harrin
"Morning Lullian," Wyatt heard in his room in the 1st Corps's headquarters in the medical wing.
Wyatt opened his eyes, but one of them had a bandage over his right eyebrow and was covering his eye. He looked and saw a familiar face, his platoon commander.
"Lieutenant Yuno? Sir," he tried sitting up but the headache he had prevented that.
"Relax trooper. You're fine," Yuno responded waving him down with his free hand, his other one holding his helmet, "The platoon's off the line, the Separatists surrendered after the commandos rescued you."
"We won sir?" Wyatt heard off to his right and looked over and saw Eva, sitting up in a hospital bed like him, she too was patched up, with the swelling on her eye going down, "Hey Wyatt."
"Yeah, we won, the Seppies threw in the towel here, but we've been tasked with holding the planet, get better quick you two, we'll be needing you back."
"Oh I don't like the sound of that," Wyatt winced.
"No one does, we're being ordered to dig in," Yuno responded with a shrug, "The docs say you'll be well enough to return to duty after an hour in a bacta tank."
"Fine sir."
"We'll be back sir," Eva added as her own consent.
"Good, by the way, you're being decorated, POW Medals. Not the best, but you have your bling now, try to get anymore of these will you?" Yuno joked.
"They already did sir," Wyatt said, pointing at the medal boxes on the table between the two troopers.
"Oh good, you can get the armor back on and get back to the platoon, tell the docs to hurry up."
"Gotcha eltee, we'll back," Wyatt saluted along with Eva.
"Before I go, I wanna say sorry, we shouldn't have left you behind."
"Wasn't your fault sir," Eva assured him, "Bad luck."
"Tell that to the captain, got chewed out. But I'm just glad you two made it."
The officer left the room and left the two to themselves and Eva sighed loudly, meaning that she wanted to talk.
"What?" Wyatt smirked.
"The medal, it's just kind of a way of saying that we got caught."
"I know, but we made the criteria. But the medal itself signifies more than that, you're well aware of that. You're just mad," Wyatt responded to Eva.
"You bet your ass I'm mad! Those Seppies had us looking like a couple helpless hostages to be rescued like civvies! You know how that makes us look?"
"Bad, but it happened, we're alright, and we're going to have our chance at getting even."
"Well at least your mom and dad know you're okay by now," Eva added.
"And yours too, don't try and say you're pop wouldn't be concerned," Wyatt countered.
"He'd be more relieved with what they didn't do," Eva shrugged, and Wyatt knew what she meant, the subject of taking advantage of her had been brought up by two of the guards. However the threat had never come to pass, they'd been rescued before that happened.
"Yeah, I'm relieved just as much as you."
"Good to hear," Eva responded and settled back, knowing that they were going to be fine, they had a lot happen over the past day. But now they had a chance to fight back and get even, that was something that suited both troopers just fine.
Location: RVC Training Base Charlie-6, Planet Fresia
Professor Challis, now Captain Challis, stood in front of a whole infantry company standing in formation for the first time. The unit stood in their full armor with weapons slung over their shoulders. Their parent unit, the 35th Volunteer Legion, was formed and in training. Drawn primarily from the Core and Inner Rim it was a unit of city kids, former cops, and many grizzled defense force veterans. Captain Challis himself had command of a mix of all demographics and economic statuses and he was really having to rely on his NCO's who were all veterans of planetary defense forces, some of them having more experience than most of his company had been alive.
The hot sun of Fresia beat down upon them as they stood awaiting orders, all of them somewhat tired after a long ruck march the previous night. A few of them swatted at mosquitos and bugs thinking their bright shiny armor were flowers.
"You people are at the position, of attention!" a roaring voice from a tall officer named Major Karl Saben snapped at them out of nowhere.
He was a hardass, no other words so perfectly described him. The tall no-nonsense Commenor Defense Force veteran had had a boot either on their neck or halfway up their collective asses for the past few days and already had a nasty reputation. His command of the battalion had been ruthless, his need for perfection of his men absolute. Alpha Company was no exception, and Challis was doing the best he could to keep his men on pace the way Major Saben demanded. He understood why Saben demanded so much of his troopers, but the troopers themselves, being the rank and file they were always complained without truly understanding themselves. Once more only the veterans and NCO's knew the reasons for such harsh training.
So as Saben worked his way down the line looking for infractions he started finding some. Stopping in front of one of his DLT-18 gunners the trooper unslung his rifle and held out for inspection.
"Name and operating number," Saben snapped.
"Miitbaden, RT-8223," the man said quickly and Saben snatched the repeating blaster from his hands and put a finger at the base of the barrel where the air holes ended and came out with black soot.
"Oil residue on the rear barrel locking pin recruit meat," Saben informed the kid and rubbed it off on the gunner's pristine white and red plastoid chest plate and turned away after tossing the weapon back, "Fifteen drop!"
He moved on down the line once more while the previous offender dropped into pushup position and went to a grenadier and the girl pulled her weapon out for inspection.
"Name and operating number."
"Guyl, RT-8215," the girl responded quickly and firmly.
Saben looked at the weapon and then at the grenade pouches and opened one up and took out a rocket grenade and then reached into the pouch itself and came out with a large dead bug.
"Is this the only bug you're carrying recruit?" Saben questioned the girl as he held the dead insect up to her helmet visor.
"No sir."
"I doubt that very highly, fifteen drop!"
There was a slight chuckle from the rank behind the first one and Saben heard it and the trooper he saw as guilty had the officer in his face within a second while the girl began her own pushups.
"Did I hear something from you recruit?" Saben questioned the man right to his face.
"No sir!"
"Oh that's a problem because I think I did, and I think you were telling me what I did hear. How do you know such things recruit?" Saben responded, knowing how hard a position this man was now in.
"I-I don't know sir."
"I sense hesitation, you want to repeat your answer with some more, confidence!"
"I don't know sir!"
"No you don't, twenty-five drop! Sergeant make sure he counts right because he apparently doesn't know!" Saben roared at him and moved on down the line, stopping occasionally to glare at individual troopers before moving to the officers, and stood in front of the company, "Because of these infractions and many others I don't have all-day to list, every recruit and officer in this company now has another ruck march!"
Every single recruit and officer in the company groaned internally, many of them clenching their teeth in anger. This was not the sort of thing they had hoped to be doing today, especially since they'd just done one last night. Their hope today was to go on the range and get some trigger time. But no, that wasn't to be, for now at least.
"And don't worry recruits, you still need that range time, but you don't need sleep as much. Your training schedule today will be completed as required, but at your own cost!" Saben informed them, "Captain Challis!"
"Sir!" Challis responded loudly.
"Mountain Glenn," Saben said with a humorous grin on his face.
"Mountain Glenn, yes sir," Challis responded with a salute, after grinding his teeth in sour anger.
"Fall out!"
"Alpha Company!" Challis roared as he dropped the salute and turned to his troops in a sharp about face, "Left, face! Forward march!"
The unit began its march and Challis quickly assumed the lead at the head of the company with the platoon leaders in step with their platoons at their sides. Next to him was his company first sergeant, a man by the Kelrein, without doubt the most experienced man in the unit. The short stocky man was unfazed by most anything their training had to throw at them but seemed to have been keeping his peace with everything thus far, not really talking to the officers very much as he had some reservations about them all. So he held the unit guidon, a red flag with the Republic Seal and their company letter, battalion and regimental number on it, and he kept his peace.
They marched onwards, through the base, and then out of the gate of the base towards what was known as Mountain Glenn, a tall hill off six miles to the east with a small GAR base located along the dirt path. The Clone Troopers here were always fresh from the front on leave for rest, and were usually somewhat intoxicated and a popular past time of the Clones was to berate passing RVC companies. It was a bit humiliating each time, as new Clones were always there, so the insults never let up. And a mile down the road in open swampy terrain the company found their way to the front of the base.
"Oh great," Kelrein said under his breath, "They're waiting for us sir."
"I see them," Challis responded, seeing the Clones in their garrison uniforms on the wall along the road, "Get a cadence going First Sergeant. Let's show these Clones a good look at Alpha Company."
"Yes sir. Alright! Get in step lads!"
The troops got into a firm marching set, legs and arms swinging as one movement like over a hundred copies of the same person. The unit was looking good as they approached the Clones who each had on their black garrison uniform tunic and pants with their left arms showing the patch of the 104th Clone Battalion, the Wolfpack. Well over twenty of them were chilling out on the wall, in a complete state of relaxation as they watched the approaching company.
"Look there boys, it's amateur hour!" a clone voice called out as soon as they were near.
"Ignore them sir," the thick accent of Kelrein said, "Eyes front."
"Hey rookies! Having fun with training?!" another Clone taunted them.
"Yeah, it's all they're good for," one of his buddies laughed and thus drew more laughs from several other Clone Troopers.
As the troops marched to the entrance a Clone Commander walked out of the entrance between the sentries in his full armor. His black hair was cut to the standard military cut and he had a cybernetic eye. This was Commander Wolffe, a legendary Clone Commander serving under Jedi Master Plo Koon.
"Oi, quiet down you lot!" Wolffe snapped at his troops harassing the RVC company.
"That's a change," Challis said under his breath.
"Aye, not your average Clone sir," Kelrein agreed
"Let's show some appreciation," Challis nodded, "Company, eyes…right!"
The RVC troops, who had their rifles on their right shoulders turned their heads to the right and the officers who had their blaster rifles still slung over their shoulders grabbed the slings with their left hands and saluted normally with their right hands, looking to the right as the leading elements passed Commander Wolffe. So Wolffe and the Clone sentries returned the salute as they passed, a gesture of respect. Once they had passed Wolffe returned to the interior of the base and the company continued on towards Mountain Glenn.
Alpha Company marched uphill, moving up the dirt trail at the march. The unit continued on and their disgruntled attitudes returned. With nothing but their in-step trudging boot hitting the hard packed ground their minds had an opportunity to think and feel. One of them was feeling quite peeved at the moment unfortunately.
"I'm gonna say something," one of their larger troopers carrying a dummy rocket launcher and an A280.
"Say what?" his comrade next to him asked, questioning his friend's intentions.
"Captain Challis!" he called out.
"What is it?" Challis asked the man.
"Permission to speak freely sir?"
"Granted."
"Sir how come we are always out marching when other companies are out on the firing range and learning how to be soldiers," the man said sourly, "We get less sleep and more PT than anyone else. Why is that sir?"
"Why do you think private?" Challis smirked.
"Major Saben hates us sir."
Challis chuckled a bit at that notion, he knew the reason why, they didn't have facilities for all the companies to be out on the range at one time or out training on combat, or anything else. Alpha Company had the nightshift, volunteered by Captain Challis himself. He knew of the treacherous conditions of lack of sleep, exhaustion, and general wear and tear on a unit. He was preparing them for that. It surprised Major Saben that a professor would do this, the most trying workload for a company to handle. It had a rough impact on his company, and he had to alleviate their grumbling.
"Major Saben doesn't hate us private. He just hates you."
A series of laughs echoed across the company as they all appreciated the joke. It was a welcome relief and they enjoyed it. The only thing that caused it to stop was another company from another related battalion marching towards them from the top of the hill. The company commander gave Challis a salute as they passed and Challis returned it at the same time as demanded of an officer to another of equal rank. Both companies marched on by one another at a good pace and for the troops of Alpha Company it was a sobering reminder that they weren't alone.
"Sir, private channel," First Sergent Kelrein asked of Challis.
"Yes First Sergeant?" Challis asked as he looked to him over his shoulder as an acknowledgement.
"Do you mind if I speak freely sir?"
"Seems to be a lot of that going on."
"Aye sir, the boys...we've been watching you sir. You learn fast, you're tough. It's becoming a real pleasure serving under you," Kelrein started out.
"Thank you Frist Sergeant. I hear the men really look to you though, you're a veteran, you know more than most anyone," Challis responded to the man.
"Aye I guess you can say that sir. I made the trip down the Spine in the Stark War and I've blasted me fair share of pirates and crooks even before that. After a while these long marches become just nice little strolls."
"I suppose that you know what we're doing out here?" Challis asked.
"Aye, you volunteered us. Each battalion has a night fighting company that's usually its lead strike unit. You want us to be that company," Kelrein chuckled, "I get it."
"You're not mad First Sergeant?"
"Of course not sir, you've been here every step of the way, no one can say you're not at least leading us from behind. You've already learned the most important lesson there is."
"What's that?"
"Do as you do, and lead from the front," the grizzled veteran responded.
"I suppose that is the point of being an officer isn't it?"
"Not as many take that to heart sir, especially the Seppies, that's why we'll win this war."
Location: Battleship Kiroh, Flagship of the 19th Task Group
The 19th Task Group was in a poor state, of its original six hundred ships it had lost a hundred of them in the past week. Their forces were stretched thin, and every time they lost a small flotilla guarding a planet against invasion they were harassed or outright obliterated by massed starfighter strikes. Rear Admiral Ana Der had been holding out for reinforcements, but there was increased pressure against the 25th Task Group and her other reinforcements were sent there to protect Sullust. But Praetor-Class Battlecuisers were leading a push by the Jedi and the Clone fleet.
All the reinforcements they'd been promised hadn't been sent to her and her fleet. Sullust was the most important Separatist world in the area, and she was protecting mere mining worlds that had very little association with the alliance. But to her, it was an important stepping stone to a great career to become a full admiral. However she realized she was up against an old teacher, Admiral Cynan Drexel. As a young cadet she was sent by her planet's militia to be the first one to be trained in the Core from the Anaxes War College. She'd done well enough there to gain recognition and command of her current fleet, but she questioned her ability to face Drexel.
"New intelligence report Admiral," her advising tactical droid stated calmly.
"Let's hear it."
"Hostile forces have moved out of Harrin's orbit leaving an occupation army on the planet. Republic forces are continuing their offensive against Sullust and Republic deployments suggest that the Republic Volunteer Corps is remaining in place to prevent this fleet from aiding in our defensive efforts. My calculations indicate that the Republic fleet will remain at Yag'Dhul to protect the Republic's lines of operations," the droid listed off.
"And what do your calculations say of our ability to take Harrin?" Admiral Der said calmly, rubbing her chin as she thought of a plan.
"Task Force 19 is only eighty-three percent combat effective, but retains the advantage of numbers and strategic depth and flexibility. I calculate that the RVC stands only a thirty percent chance of holding the planet and driving our forces out of orbit."
"The last time we thought that of these people we lost the 15th," Der responded quickly, reminding him of the eight percent chance that the RVC had of remaining on the defensive."
"The odds were acceptable and the attack was within possible parameters," the droid responded.
"And if the dreadnought attacks us directly?"
"If the Basilisk is deployed then our forces have a sixty percent chance of success with a conventional battle plan."
"Admiral Drexel will turn those odds around. I know him, he's the best the Republic has as far as I'm concerned. Which means we'll have to hit them hard and in a way they won't see coming," Der said calmly as she allowed a plan to form in her mind.
"His past tactics and academic records have been analyzed and taken into account," the droid dismissed her concerns.
"Right…prepare the main fleet, gather all available forces at our disposal," Admiral Der ordered, "We're going to push them back."
"By your command."
Location: Senate Building, Planet Coruscant
"And with the surrender of the Separatist forces on the planet Harrin the Republic Volunteer Corps has now captured three major worlds and destroyed more than eight hundred Separatist ships," the holographic image of the Holonet New reporter Erik Syno stated confidently.
The image was on a desk with footage of the destruction of an entire droid army and the footage of rapidly moving columns of RVC vehicles that stretched to the horizon on the holoprojector.
"Battle droid losses by the rebels are being counted in the millions, and elements of the enemy's Sabaoth Squadron have also suffered heavy casualties. The Republic Volunteer Corps has also reported only light losses in their offensive against the enemy. This is a stunning development for the Republic as it has now taken the initiative and launched a new offensive. Republic military spokesmen are declaring that Sullust itself will soon be under siege and the Southern Outer Rim will be under Republic control once more."
Padme shut off the news feed on her desk as she and a few other senators watched it and took it in humbly.
"It seems the war has entered a new stage I'm afraid," Padme sighed as she leaned back into her chair.
"Or it could be the beginning of the end," someone else said confidently.
"While the success of the Volunteer Corps has been impressive they are fighting on a secondary front. The enemy's main forces are being sent against the Jedi and the Clones. While they are helping…our forces are just barely holding the line," Bail Organa shook his head.
"But we have seen an increase in public morale. Their forces have done wonders for those worlds on the fence about joining the Republic or the Separatists."
"But if the RVC is destroyed…it could backfire on us."
"It will only make them martyrs, what we should fear is a massacre by those patriots in the RVC."
"If that happens…who knows what will happen to our war efforts."
Padme put a very succinct point on all of that, "We will only know until it is too late to change things either way. I have been advised that my Queen has lifted the ban on volunteers joining the fight. The RVC is only getting larger, and if that continues the risks to everyone will grow."
I was very happy with the previous chapter and felt like I could hammer out another one so here it is. If anyone has any input as to what you would like to see as far as what kind of plots or a versus scenario like Grevious or Dooku vs. Anaxes Knights or a battle with Clone and Volunteer forces fighting side by side let me know.
Also, I will be posting a new Star Wars story about a post-Endor battle of the New Republic versus the Imperial Remnant. It'll be small-scale, very personal and very character driven. I might even have a tie-in to this story that hints to this story's future. So if you want to see that let me know in a review.
Next Chapter Preview: The Siege of Harrin begins and an icon of the future draws its first blood.