A/N: And so it begins...oh wait wrong universe. Anyway, just so you know I'm not trying to turn this into a Star Wars/Star Trek version of A Thin Veneer by AlbertG. A good story BTW!

Chapter 10

Tactics and Strategy

Later that week the Jedi council and Skywalker met with Captain Keller and Admiral Hayes of the U.S.S. Crazyhorse, another Excelsior-class ship.

"Captain I know you've been consulting with the Jedi about how to integrate our forces. I would like to hear your thoughts." said the Admiral

"Yes sir. As you know capital ship sizes in this galaxy are much larger than ours. But I believe we can form small task forces and raiding squadrons around a single Venator-class Star Destroyer, larger battle groups around three to five Venators and whole fleets around eight to twelve Venators. Our ships are small but powerful. We can use them to fill in the gaps in a fleet." replied Captain Keller

"Your specific recommendations for these groups?"

"Sir, I recommend we group six to twelve vessels for a task force. I'd suggest mostly escort frigates like Miranda-class but if we can include some Excelsiors or other cruisers in each of those groups the more the merrier. For larger battle groups I'd recommend more Excelsiors and assorted cruisers than Miranda escorts. Full size fleets can be made up of three or more battle groups. That will allow the fleet some flexibility."

The Admiral nodded "Good suggestions. How will the Jedi fit into the Chain of Command?"

"Jedi Masters are considered Generals, Knights and Padawans are considered Commanders. I've spoken with the council on this, nominally a Jedi will be in command of a task force or battle group. but if a Starfleet Admiral is present he should take command and the Jedi should assist him. We've also considered assigning a tactical advisor to each Jedi General at least for space tactics. They seem to have a good grasp of ground combat." replied Keller

"Very well. I want you and Skywalker to form the first task force. I'll be sending you out as soon as your assembled. We already know the lanes for military cargo so I want you to disrupt their supply lines until we're ready for an offensive. We have a variety of ships already here and more on the way. I want you to choose four other ships besides the Agamemnon and the Resolute for now." said Hayes

"Yes Admiral."

"If that's all you're dismissed."

An hour later Skywalker sat in Keller's ready room reviewing available ships. They had already chosen a pair of frigates and another Excelsior-class ship. They were making the decision on the final vessel.

"What are the characteristics of the Springfield-class?" asked Skywalker

"Not really that different from the New Orleans-class only it has a few more torpedo launchers. It might be worth it to have one in our group. We don't know what kind of escorts the CIS uses on its convoys." replied Keller

"They probably have some armed freighters and a few of them might be carrying a bunch of fighters instead of cargo. For the really important stuff they might put a Providence-class cruiser on it but we should be able to handle just about any convoy that comes along." said Skywalker

"With a Springfield we can put out a lot more torpedoes in one volley than just having another Excelsior or other ship. How about the U.S.S. Stonehenge?" asked Keller

"Very good. It looks like we have our first Federation-Republic task force." said Skywalker

"Alright I'll put together the orders, the Admiral will sign them and we'll be on our way. What's first target?"

Before Anakin could reply the comm. system activated. "Adams to Skywalker."

"Go ahead."

"Priority transmission from the Jedi Council. They said Kamino is under imminent attack and are ordering you and several other Jedi to report there at once."

"Very well." replied Skywalker

"Lt. Adams what are Starfleet's orders?"

"Admiral Hayes is mobilizing a small fleet to assist the Jedi. We are included in that fleet."

"Of course, helm, standby to assume formation with the fleet."

"Aye sir, standing by."

A few minutes later a fleet of Jedi starfighters made the jump to hyperspace. Admiral Hayes aboard his flagship, the Crazy Horse stood on the bridge. "All ships assume attack formation Alpha. Prepare to jump to hyperspace."

The Captain of his ship, now serving as 'first officer' to the Admiral reported. "All ships in formation. Jump calculations complete."

"Initiate the jump to hyperspace." said Hayes.

In space, three-dozen ships, most of them Federation ships jumped into hyperspace. Four Venator-class Star Destroyers, three Acclamator-Class Assault ships and ten Consular-class cruisers followed a moment later.