Empire's Vanguard: Sovereignty | Star wars

14. Death of the Snake

"The death of one man is a tragedy. The death of millions is a statistic."

Joseph Stalin

|| Location: Classified, To-phalion Base ||

|| Timeline: 4 ABY ||

I surveyed the operation from my command chair on the bridge of the Intrepid. To-phalion Base sprawled below us—a former mining facility now transformed into a vital research station. This base was crucial, not only for its research but also for the cloaking device it housed. It had been relocated to this remote location to keep it out of the hands of enemies like Zaarin. But, as with most grand plans, fate had a way of complicating things.

The situation had unravelled quickly. Zaarin, ever the opportunist, had managed to place a spy within our ranks. The spy had led him straight to Tophalion Base, and now the renegade was launching a full-scale assault. My tactical display flickered with the incoming data, showing the chaotic ballet of explosions and laser fire as Zaarin's forces descended upon the base.

"Grand Moff Kodo, the base is under heavy attack," came the urgent report from my communications officer. "Zaarin's forces are engaging the defensive systems."

I could see it on the display: Zaarin's TIE Defenders and Muurian transports had overwhelmed the base's outer defenses. Thrawn's strategy, however, was designed to counter this very scenario. His plan had been clear: lure Zaarin into a trap where we could eliminate him once and for all. The base's vulnerability was an opportunity—one we had prepared to exploit.

"Prepare our fighters for immediate deployment," I commanded. "We need to ensure that Zaarin's initial wave is held at bay long enough for Thrawn to position his forces."

The corridors of the Intrepid were bustling with activity as our pilots readied their starfighters. TIE Fighters, Phantoms, and Brutes prepared for battle, their engines roaring as they launched from the hangars. Our fleet was poised for action, and every officer on the bridge was focused on the task at hand.

Thrawn's plan hinged on drawing Zaarin into the fray and then sealing his fate with a decisive trap. The Grey Wolf, Thrawn's flagship, would lead a task force including two Strike Cruisers and the Interdictor Corvus. The Corvus was crucial—it would create a gravity well to prevent Zaarin from escaping once the battle was joined. But Thrawn's forces were not yet in position, and we had to hold the line until they arrived.

"The enemy forces are now engaging the base's primary defensive systems," the tactical officer reported. "Zaarin's spy has clearly done his work well. Our defences are holding for now, but we need to keep them engaged until Thrawn's fleet arrives."