Echoes of Light: The Confederate Crusade

Chapter II: The Battle of Muunilinst

The Republic fleet arrived above Muunilinst with precision, Star Destroyers and assault ships moving into a tight formation as they prepared to launch the ground assault. From the command deck of the lead vessel, Jedi General Obi-Wan Kenobi observed the capital city of Harnaidan below, the gleaming towers of the InterGalactic Banking Clan's headquarters standing tall amidst the empty streets. The eerie stillness of the city, devoid of any civilian life, unsettled him deeply.

In the assault transports preparing to deploy, Captain Fordo and his ARC troopers made last-minute checks on their weapons, casting wary glances at the silent, hollow city below. The entire Muun population had seemingly vanished, replaced only by columns of droid forces standing ready.

As the transports descended, Obi-Wan's voice came over the comms, firm yet cautious. "Remember, we're here to secure a foothold. Move swiftly, stay alert, and let the Force guide you."

Fordo gave a sharp nod to his men, but his instincts were on edge. "Something feels off, General," he replied, his gaze scanning the buildings. "They've cleared out, almost like they're inviting us in."

Obi-Wan took a deep breath, his senses reaching out through the Force. He could feel a presence—a familiar yet distant one, filled with a quiet strength that held no malice but radiated intense resolve. Silas Dorne. His former ally was here, orchestrating something far more sinister than they had anticipated.

The Republic forces landed, and the clones quickly took up positions, advancing through the city with tactical precision. Despite their reservations, they moved with purpose, picking off the droid patrols with ease and pushing deeper toward the central banking district. For a brief moment, it seemed as though they would reach their objective unchallenged.

The Droids' Perspective – Cold Calculations

From hidden alcoves, doorways, and alleyways, B1 and B2 battle droids observed the advancing clones. Their directives were simple yet relentless: encircle, suppress, eliminate. Each unit registered the Republic forces' positions, updating the networked grid with mechanical precision.

    Protocol Engaged: Defensive Suppression. Maintain Position. Await Signal.

In the data streams of their circuits, the clones were merely red dots on a targeting grid, advancing targets to be neutralized. The droids felt no fear, no anticipation—only a single-minded purpose to carry out their programming. They lay in wait, concealed and silent, like a mechanized trap coiled to spring.

Then, a signal pulsed through the network, and the cold directive flickered across their systems: Engage Hostiles. Execute Containment.

    Command Confirmed: Commence Fire.

The droids emerged from cover in a perfectly synchronized sweep, their blasters lighting up the empty streets as they unleashed a hailstorm of bolts at the advancing clones.

The Trap Springs – The Republic's Perspective

The first wave of blaster fire took the clones by surprise. What they had assumed to be minimal resistance erupted into a coordinated onslaught, cutting off their lines of retreat and hemming them in with ruthless efficiency. Blaster bolts rained down from all directions, forcing the clones to scramble for cover amidst the narrow streets and debris-strewn pathways.

Fordo cursed under his breath, rallying his ARC troopers into a defensive position. "Hold the line! They've got us surrounded!"

The clones responded with disciplined efficiency, laying down suppressive fire as they tried to regroup. But the droids continued advancing, their ranks bolstered by hidden reserves that emerged from the shadows, seemingly endless in number. The clones fought valiantly, but they were outnumbered, trapped in a funnel of relentless blaster fire.