Chapter 311 - A Cornered Enemy is Scarier Than Anything (1/2)
After General Yoda's words sunk in, all the Jedis looked at themselves, unsure. They weren't children who had seen nothing of the galaxy yet. They knew war was cruel, and that sacrifices were inevitable. They themselves had been to hundreds, if not thousands, of battles, and saw many of the soldiers under them die.
However, what Dageer was suggesting wasn't a fight that would leave a few hundred or thousand casualties. It wasn't even the sacrifice of an entire legion. No. It would be more brutal and horrific than any battle the Republic ever partook in. Dageer's plan, if it worked, would lead to millions of deaths. If it didn't, it could potentially cause the entire annihilation of the Clone Army.
The Jedis, on their infinite kindness, thought about what Dageer must be feeling while he brought up such a plan. To know that your brothers would die, and still go on... But he was right. That was their only shot at survival.
They were, however, overthinking. It certainly wasn't an easy decision to make, but any clone would have done it. If they let the Jedis hesitate more because they weren't willing to make sacrifices, more of their brothers would die.
”What... If we were to proceed with this plan, what would our next steps be?”
Dageer looked at the Jedi, a Twi'lek he didn't know the name, and pulled up a map of the galaxy. What he needed now wasn't specific measures, but just a rough idea of which planets to give up, and which to attack.
”We would need to take most of our troops on Felucia, Mygeeto, Mon Cala, Dantooine, Umbara, Christophsis, Coruscant, Kessel, Kamino, and Ryloth. Any legion or fleet that we can spare too. Then, we have to attack and take some of the seppies' systems. Especially those who are close to a neutral group. That will give them more confidence in joining the Republic.”
”And what planets should we attack?”
Dageer looked at the hologram, frowning. He was the one who came up with the idea, but his specialty was fighting. He usually left strategy for the others.
”Wolffe, Tito, take a look at it.”
The two clones stepped forward, and started analyzing the map. In fact, they had already been doing it in their heads before.
”Kiros, Zygerria, Kadavo, Raydonia, Florrum, and Onderon. And some other less important planets here, here, and here.”
”They are all important systems, with a strong Separatist force. But if we strike quickly, they won't be able to react.”
”And, by taking them, we can control the supply lines of the Separatist on three entire sectors. We wouldn't even need to attack Mon Cala, Ryloth, Umbara, and Felucia again. We could just let the clanckers waste their batteries.”
”Some of those systems are neutral. If we attack them, the others might start fearing us.”
Chancellor Palpatine intervened, pointing at Kiros, Zygerria, and Florrum.
”They are neutral only in name. Our intelligence indicates that they house a good Separatist force. And not against their will.”
General Windu got the latest reports they had, and transmitted it to everyone. Dageer already knew what was in them, because Hell Squad had been the ones to obtain them during the infiltration of a Separatist ship.
”If that tactic works, not only will we be able to avoid a loss, but also make a comeback.”
”I will take my leave, Jedi Masters, and let you make your plans. Good luck, and... How do you say it? May the Force be with you?”
The Jedis nodded, and the projection of Chancellor Palpatine disappeared. Dageer could swear he saw a slight smirk on his face.
The next days were enveloped in heated discussions, even while Hell Squad was fighting on Kiros. They barely got any rest those days, battling for hours without end, and, in the few moments of calm, discussing their offensive. Captain Rex and Commander Cody weren't much better than them.
At a certain point, after they had just captured a small town, General Kenobi saw Hell Squad standing guard. Their backs were straight, and they were paying full attention, but the Jedi could feel their exhaustion.
”When was the last time you slept, commander?”
”Three days ago, general. But we were able to catch a break here and there.”
”That is not enough. Hell Squad, go get some rest. I need you focused on the next battles, and not falling asleep.”
That was an order Dageer couldn't disagree with. Even Hell Squad needed to sleep every once in a while, otherwise they would make stupid mistakes, which could get themselves and their brothers killed.