The squadron of ships approached the enemy and engaged in battle. Several CIS frigates managed to turn toward the new threat, but the Lucrehulks hardly needed to — they were already positioned broadside to them.
A fierce duel ensued. Hundreds of turbolaser bolts streaked toward the enemy, and just as manycame back in response, splattering across the ships' deflector shields.
Meanwhile, fighters poured out of the hangars, joining the general melee. Commander Tano's starfighter, along with a dozen Torrents, circlednear the Marat, driving off the persistent Vultures.
"Attention, Yellow One — a group of bombersapproaching from above!"
"Blue Leader, we need support!"
"This is Green One, we're coming to help! Move to square two!"
Marshal Commander Blam appeared on the bridge.
"I see you're having fun here, Captain?"
"We ran into some clankers," the captain replied. "We've just engaged an enemy squadron attackingLantilles."
A red Delta-7 flashed across the bridge screens.
"Commander Tano's going all out," Blam nodded. "Where's the General?"
"He's having fun with the turbolasers," the captainsaid, pointing toward the Jedi.
"How's it going?" the clone asked.
"So far—" Ragnos began, but was cut off by General Vekt's triumphant shout.
"Got it! Up to the fucking brim, bitch!"
Ragnos and Blam glanced simultaneously at the surveillance screen. One of the Munificent frigates suddenly dove downward.
"Direct hit on the enemy ship's bridge!" reported the observer. "The ship is uncontrollable!"
The frigate, having lost helm control, began to descend sharply, its stern "nibbling" the void while its bow tilted upward — exposing the vulnerable lower hull, which the Republic gunners immediately exploited.
Meanwhile, the Marat, like the other ships, was closing in rapidly. Soon, the shields were down, and the first reports of damage from enemy fire began to come in. However, after a time, the Separatist ships began to retreat. The Republic forces managed to destroy another frigate and seriously damage the left hangar of one Lucrehulk, though the Acclamators had sustainedmultiple hits as well.
The Jedi removed his headset and, with an almost imperceptible movement, appeared beside the officers.
"Well, looks like we've driven the tin cans off — but the repair dock's already crying for us."
"Yes, sir," Ragnos nodded. "We're not the only ones."
The Zabrak gestured toward the damaged Republic ships.
***
Our next steps were as simple as pie. Having taken the fighters on board, we headed for Lantilles. Once in orbit, we took a shuttle down to Sector Headquarters — communications were still down. Upon arrival, we discovered the cause of the interference: the Separatists had damaged the planet's communications hub. Saboteur droids — damn them. Moff Terbon himself told us this during a general meeting. The man was really furious.
"The CIS chose the perfect time to attack. Commander Rinaun's squadron was urgentlydispatched to the Roche System, and Commander Tirimaki's squadron won't arrive for another couple of hours." Terbon nervously paced in front of us, hands clasped behind his back."We relaxed after the victory at Kamino — and now we'repaying the price. Intelligence, what do you have to say?"
"No data has been received, sir. And now that the communications node is down, we're cut off from Coruscant for at least two days."
"Unacceptable! I'm giving you twenty-four hours to fix it!"
Spotting me, Terbon pointed in my direction.
"General Vikt? what's going on with that factory?"
"It was destroyed in the attack."
"Destroyed? Why the hell would they do that? It was their factory — worth a fortune?!" The Moffstepped to the tactical table and brought up a holographic system diagram."That's not like themat all."
"The squadron was commanded by adroid. Apparently, he decided that was the only optimal course of action."
"Shit," Terbon said inappropriately. "What are your losses?"
"One cargo ship. All the fuel reserves at the factory and those loaded onto the transport — roughly fifteen hundred tons. And the Lantillese Dreadnaught. We've also taken personnel losses, and we're already short on equipment."
"Shit," Terbon repeated grimly. "General, land your ships on Pad Six. Offload your men into the barracks, then wait your turn for repairs. There's no contact with the Jedi Council right now anyway, so rest while you can."
"What about reinforcements?"
"Later, General — everything later! We'll see what orders come from the Council. You report directly to them anyway. Right now, we have biggerproblems. We've lost Diado, and the situation in the Roche System is unclear. The Separatists have gone berserk since their defeat at Kamino. Judgingby the reports, it's not just our sector."
Yes, it's strange. It would have been more logicalfor them to lie low and wait for reinforcements.
"Captain, you heard the order," I said, turning toward the Zabrak.
"Yes, General. Permission to proceed?"
"Proceed."