TH-09 observed the planet his fleet had just arrived at.
Va'aart.
That was the name listed in the organic files. But the tactical droid understood the designation more efficiently as **ER-23-FJH-522**. Organics had a strange habit of assigning meaningless names to objects—labels that conveyed little useful information.
Still, that was not the priority.
Destroy the enemy base on the planetoid.
Seize control of the fuel plant orbiting the gas giant.
Nothing else mattered.
"Report," TH-09 said.
"No enemy ships detected in orbit," the sensor operator replied. "However, we are observing activity in the orbit of the gas giant."
TH-09 processed the information instantly.
"All combat ships: execute maneuver QW-2213. Establish orbital positions. Block approaches to the enemy base and cover the transport vessels. Begin communications jamming. Frigates TY-324 and TY-326, prepare to execute protocol DA-213/1."
The tactical droid clasped his manipulators behind his back.
"Roger, roger. Transmitting orders," replied the Recusant's captain.
Across the bridge, droid operators manipulated the glowing displays. Their movements were efficient and precise. Each unit executed its programmed task flawlessly.
TH-09 appreciated that order.
The fleet shifted into formation.
The massive Lucrehulks descended into lower orbit, remaining just beyond the reach of the Republic's planetary defense cannons while still within the gravitational field. It was the optimal tactical position.
Any Republic fleet arriving from hyperspace would emerge outside the gravity well, giving the CIS ample time to analyze the situation and respond.
Behind the Lucrehulks, the Munificent frigates formed two defensive lines, one slightly above the other, shielding the transport ships from attack.
Their communications arrays began flooding the surrounding space with interference, jamming enemy transmissions across every frequency.
Twenty minutes later, the formation was complete.
Four holograms flickered to life before TH-09 — the tactical droids assigned to command the ground assault.
"Begin deployment of combat units at coordinates FG-342, FD-244, FA-434, and FW-356," TH-09 ordered.
"Immediately afterward, commence the assault on the Republic base."
"Beginning execution," the droids replied in perfect unison.
---
Watching hundreds of Separatist transports descend from orbit was not a pleasant sight.
Especially when you knew they were coming directly for you.
This time the Lucrehulks were not the only carriers. Each Munificent frigate carried four C-9979 landing transports as well.
They wouldn't be able to unload everything at once.
But they didn't need to.
I closed my eyes briefly and reached out with the Force.
My consciousness brushed against the enemy flagship. For a moment I saw the image of the tactical droid directing the invasion.
Good.
A droid commander.
I had been worried it might be an organic strategist.
I opened my eyes and looked toward the sky where the transports were descending.
"Alright," I muttered, raising the modified rifle.
"Let's see what you can do."
I switched the weapon to **stream mode**.
A brilliant blue beam erupted from the barrel.
The energy lanced upward into the descending formation.
Five C-9979 landing craft were struck almost instantly.
For a moment they continued flying, their hulls pierced by glowing holes. Then their reactors failed.
Five enormous explosions lit up the sky.
Burning wreckage rained down toward the mountains.
"Not bad," I murmured.
I switched the weapon to the **disruptor setting**.
This time I fired a concentrated emerald bolt.
The projectile struck another transport directly beneath its cockpit.
The craft disintegrated in a violent chain reaction—and twelve escorting Vulture droids were caught in the blast and vaporized along with it.
Now the droids noticed me.
Vultures peeled off from their formations, racing toward my position.
I kicked the speeder into motion, racing across the rocky terrain.
Another shot.
Another transport spiraled downward in flames.
Another explosion.
Within minutes the landing formation began adjusting its descent paths.
The droids diverted toward the mountain valleys instead of the original landing zones.
Which meant they now had a much longer march to reach the base.
Exactly as planned.
---
Then our hidden artillery joined the battle.
Two proton cannons opened fire from concealed positions.
The first cannon fired four shots before enemy fighters located it.
One transport exploded under the fourth hit.
Seconds later the gun was destroyed by a strafing run from Vulture droids.
But the second crew…
They fought like demons.
Ten shots.
Five transports destroyed.
When enemy fighters finally located them, the gunners had already abandoned the position and escaped on their speeders.
I allowed myself a small smile.
"Not bad," I said quietly.
"We managed to reduce the landing force by over a hundred transports."
But even as I watched the burning wreckage fall from the sky, I knew the truth.
"I'm afraid it won't slow them for long."
---
On the bridge of the Recusant, TH-09 listened to the incoming report.
"The enemy anti-aircraft fire was more effective than predicted," reported one of the tactical droids. "Two artillery units were deployed directly at the landing zone. One hundred and twelve transports have been destroyed."
For a fraction of a second, the tactical processor recalculated.
"Impossible," TH-09 replied flatly.
"Continue the offensive."
"At current speed, ground forces will reach the base perimeter in seven minutes."
TH-09 analyzed the situation again.
The enemy commander had executed an unusual maneuver.
But it was only a temporary disruption.
Without air superiority, the Republic still did not control the battlefield.
The tactical droid enjoyed holochess. One of the engineers who helped test his systems had often played games with him, insisting that the strategy exercises improved the droid's tactical reasoning.
TH-09 had agreed.
The enemy had made a move.
Now it was time for his response.
And unlike holochess, nothing prevented him from making **two moves at once**.
"Deploy all bomber squadrons. Strike the Republic defensive positions."
"Frigates TY-324 and TY-326 — begin maneuver DA-213/1."
From the Lucrehulks' enormous hangars, long formations of **Hyena-class bomber droids** launched into space.
They were a recent addition to the CIS arsenal.
An evolution of the Vulture droid fighter.
The Hyena featured an elongated body and an expanded weapons bay capable of carrying missiles, torpedoes, or bombs. Like its predecessor, it retained the ability to transform into a walking configuration for ground operations.
Its improved reactor allowed it to operate independently for up to two days.
Each bomber carried six proton bombs in its payload cassette.
Perfect for striking ground targets.
The bombers accelerated toward the planet.
Below them, the Republic defenses waited.
Meanwhile, the two Munificent frigates began maneuver DA-213/1, deploying their wings and braking screens as they adjusted position.
TH-09 calmly observed the unfolding operation.
The next move had begun.