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Phase 30: Realignment

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Part 4

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CIC

Republic cruiser Victoria

Arrgaw system

A screening force of Munificent frigates was all that awaited us on arrival. As soon as they detected our presence, they ran for it, heading for the hyperlanes leading out of the system. Soon, we received mixed messages from the planet. Arrgaw was a major trade hub that, until the war escalated, enjoyed Corellian control and protection. When Corellia joined the war, the Separatists wasted no time securing the system. A Corellian fleet kicked them out, only to pull back in the face of the Separatists' Grand Offensive. Ever since then, the place had been under enemy control.

Our arrival didn't exactly change that.

"General, local resistance and government officials in hiding confirm the presence of at least two army groups worth of droids holding critical infrastructure and major population centers."

"Dispatch a task force to hold the orbitals and back up loyal forces with Ion cannon bombardment. Please impress on the locals that, at this time, we lack the ground forces across the fleet to reinforce them properly. However, supplying them with a limited number of small arms, medical supplies, food, and ammunition should be possible." I ordered.

Each of our capital ships had the armories for the ground forces it could carry, even if most of those troops were not on board. Having them present when we didn't intend to wage ground campaigns would have only increased the casualties when we lost a ship to enemy action. Thus, all the troopers we had on board were what was deemed necessary to prevent boarding actions and ensure standard shipboard security. This, of course, meant that we didn't have the warm bodies to reinforce any loyalists we stumbled upon. However, we did have a lot of weapons and vehicles they could put to good use, especially if they were in areas that allowed limited orbital support.

Taking the system without a fight presented us with specific opportunities. The ever-present possibility of Trench turning around to strike at us was a danger, yes. However, if he came this way, something the locals were unaware of if he did, then he could have only one target – the Mid-Rim Alliance. Otherwise, the bulk of the Separatist fleet would have moved on to Allanteeen, resupplied in the enemy holdings in the region, then moved towards the Core Separatist territories in the northeastern part of the galaxy.

Aside from Fondor far behind us, the only thing for Trench here was an offensive action to deny us allies. Yet, after smashing the Mid-Rim Alliance, committing the bulk of his fleet here would leave him vulnerable, low on supplies and fuel. Doing so would leave him in a position for us to smash, in turn, the core of the Separatist fleets. That would be a strategic exchange that would be too far in our favor. In the long run, the Mid-Rim Alliance could become a significant power. In the short to medium term, they had too much territory to protect with insufficient assets. The Separatists had already crippled substantial parts of the infrastructure in this whole part of the galaxy, making the Alliance's situation worse. Propping the MRA would cost the Republic time and resources that could otherwise be used against Separatist holdings.

Realistically, the war would be decided one way or another before the Mid-Rim Alliance could leverage its assets to be a decisive factor in the war. While it could still level the odds on our side, the same was true if the Separatists went too far in attacking it and lost too many assets in neutralizing the alliance. They had to do it on the cheap, or at least keep it weak for as long as possible that way.

That was the cold-blooded military answer to the problem at hand. Politics were a thing. The Separatists were still trying to dismantle the Republic politically as well. Losing what, for all intents and purposes, would be our only major ally outside a Core would be a significant blow in that regard. It might convince critical players it isn't worth it to pay the price for a victory or even fight for better terms.

I needed the Mid-Rim Alliance and deployed all forces under my command toward it. We could always get Trench and the Separatist navy another day.

"We have a dangerous opportunity here," I spoke to the whole fleet after it gathered in the system. Resupply operations were ongoing, and everyone was awaiting their marching orders. "With Operation Star Hammer a stunning success, we have created a priceless opportunity. Ever since the Separatist's Grand Offensive, the Core and Mid-Rim Alliance had stood alone, kept apart by the enemy. Right here and now, we can change this. We can open supply lanes allowing precious resources to flow into the Core to feed the industries that keep us in the war. At the same time, we can finally ensure our cut-off comrades are properly supplied and strike yet another blow to the enemy. As soon as the fleet resupplies, we will begin offensive operations against targets of opportunity in the Mid-Rim. The aim is to cripple if not outright destroy the Separatist presence in the region and ensure uncontested logistic lanes between the Mid-Rim Alliance and the rest of the Republic…."

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"For the past two weeks, Alliance forces have been on constant alert, expecting an all-out Separatist offensive. The movement of enemy forces and increased chatter detected by scouting elements painted a grim picture. The increasing fear that despite General Veil's stunning success in the Mid-Rim, the Republic war effort collapsed had led various politicians to begin talking about negotiated surrender to the Separatists quietly. At the same time, they cut off GAR forces, and many military sources pledged that they would fight to the bitter end in defense of the Mid-Rim Alliance and all the Republic stood for. Separatist forces building up at Shumavar, Triton, and Enarc Ryndellia after the system fell again under enemy control were expected to begin an all-out assault soon. In contrast, small enemy battle groups pin down as many Alliance and Republic assets across the Mid-Rim as possible. We all knew their targets – Eriadu and Naboo…."

Theed News Service

"We have breaking news from the Regional Alliance HQ at Theed! Admiral Tigellinus just confirmed that all know Separatist naval units coreward from the Alliance are currently on the move. Contrary to expectations, the enemy forces are reported to be pulling out. At the same time, the long-feared offensive against Eriadu and Naboo has failed to materialize."

Theed Chronicle

"My fellow citizens of Naboo, the Mid-Rim Alliance, and the Galactic Republic! I come before you this day with vital news. In the past hours, Republic forces under the overall command of General Delkatar Veil struck at Separatist worlds across the Mid-Rim. As of now, major Republic fleet elements are striking down the Rimma Trade Route, the Hydian Way, and the Enarc Run, crushing Separatist resistance in their way! We are no longer alone! The Separatist's lies lay exposed for the galaxy to see! The Republic holds firm!"

Speech by Queen Neeyutnee after MRA naval elements established communications with advancing Republic forces

"President Beolars Bribbs, this is Admiral Trent from the Republic navy. The only terms we will accept are the unconditional surrender of Sullust and the intact surrender of all remaining SoroSuub assets in the system. If you choose to resist, I have a message from General Veil: 'As soon as I am done with Darknell, I can come to finish the job.'"

"We surrender! Just keep that butcher away from Sullust!"

an exchange between Admiral Trent and President Bribbs of Sullust

"We have a treat for you tomorrow! Theed will be the place of a joint Republic-Alliance military parade in honor of General Veil's victorious return. As the Queen said earlier, we are no longer alone in this fight, people! The hyperlanes linking us with the Core are once again open and under Republic control. The enemy forces building up to take us out are pulling back to defensive positions instead of risking General Veil's wrath! Things are looking up! Trade with the Core should resume soon, and we will finally have access to various goods and vital supplies that have been at a premium for so long!"

Theed Chronicle

"Brigadier Gideon Tarkin and Admiral Tarkin have left Eriadu after Republic reinforcements reached the system. They are en route to Naboo to participate in a strategic meeting between Mid-Rim Alliance leaders and Republic representatives."

Theed Royal Informational Service