Private Vow to Thee

[Kelora Priestly]

Once the tall and imposing Imperial Palace, now the Avalonian Citadel exuded an air of regality and ancient wisdom. Towers on either ends of the palace were adorned with intricate carvings, a reflection of what the city had endured. Within those towers glowed the soft luminescence of enchanted crystals, light reached towards the night sky casting an almost ethereal glow over the city surrounding it. The citadel's architecture a blend of old Galidraani construction and Coruscanti influence, a seemless blend of futuristic design and classical aesthetics, spoke to the city's rich history and traditions.

In the citadel, in the late night hour, a meeting commenced. The room resonated with hushed intensity, against the backdrop of tapestries that depicted heroic battles and ancient legends. While the polished marble floor reflected the warm, ambient light, creating a captivating play of shadows. Soft murmurs of strategic discussions mixed with the occasional clinking of crystal glasses as waitstaff discreetly attended to the needs of those present.

The air was filled with a blend of tension and determination, underscored by the ever-present urgency of the situation. Kelora, with her commanding presence, sat at the center of the round table, flanked by Vhondryl Gallaer the High Commissioner, and Ranulph Tarkin. The subtle hum of holographic displays flickering above the table added a futuristic touch to the otherwise traditional setting. The glow of the enchanted crystals embedded in the walls cast a warm and inviting light, while simultaneously imparting a sense of gravity to the proceedings.

Ranulph Tarkin, now Chief of the General Staff, sat with a certain level of reluctance, his body language betraying a mix of pride and chagrin. The changes in the room mirrored the changes in the military hierarchy, a subtle reminder of the evolving dynamics within the Commonwealth Armed Forces. Ranulph had already appointed his successor a young man from Tholon whom he felt would be more than adequate for the job. Kelora, however had yet to meet him, and she wanted to know the name and the face of the man who was to lead her armies and defend their nation.

Gregory Navikov ​

 

[Gregory Navikov]

VOW TO THEE

The speeder arrived exactly two minutes and nineteen seconds behind the scheduled arrival time Gregory had set for it. He climbed into the white and gold trimmed craft, a frown on his face as he looked at the nervously smiling pilot of the craft. She was young, likely just entering her service within the Armed Forces Logistical Corp, but Gregory could not excuse such mistakes. Perfection was the the only way a military could afford to operate, and any crack in the system could have a cascading effect that would damage all other elements. Gregory tried not to focus too much on the matter after he made note of it in a datapad, a brief message to be sent to the pilots superior officer. He had other things on his mind that demanded attention.

The summons to the Citadel had come early that morning. Gregory had just finished his physical training for the morning and had been getting ready for breakfast when the message had come in. Sent directly by Ranulph Tarkin, Gregory's direct superior, Gregory had been summoned to the Citadel for a meeting on military preparedness. He had already submitted thirty seven reports to the office for the Chief of the General Staff, perhaps this was a recognition of that. Or perhaps a reprimand from on high, such things had happened before.

Gregory did not believe in doing anything half way. If he set out to do a task, he would accomplish it and excel in it. Sometimes that irked the wrong people, especially if his reports or suggestions revealed a failing on their part. It did not bother Gregory, but it was an annoyance sometimes.

They arrived at the Citadel, a further six minutes and thirty eight seconds behind schedule due to traffic. Stepping out of the speeder, Gregory moved with quick steps up the steps of the Citadel, passing the guards who saluted the Field Marshal in his passage. Gregory was a tall man, and he used this to its utmost as he strode through the halls of the Citadel, trying to make up for lost time. When he eventually made it to the chamber the meeting was being held in, he looked down at his chrono, grimacing at the display. He was thirty seconds early to the meeting, far, far later than he had hoped to be.

Taking a deep breath, Gregory stepped forward and pushed the door to the room open just as his chrono changed to the set meeting time. He entered the room in three quick, measured military parade ground steps, and snapped a salute to Kelora Priestly and Ranulph Tarkin, his body facing halfway between the two.

"High Queen, Sir, I apologize for my tardiness," Gregory said, maintaining his salute, "I will not allow it to happen again."

Kelora Priestly

 

[Kelora Priestly]

Kelora turned her gaze from Ranulph to the newly appointed Field Marshal. "Marshal Navikov," she addressed him with formality, "a pleasure to make your acquaintance, but we must skip the pleasantries, I'm afraid." With a subtle motion, she invited him to take his seat at the table. "You understand how dire our situation is at the border. Planetary defense forces are on high alert, and as we speak, Admiral Sun-Shin leads the Concordia to Narjarka along with the rest of the Strike Fleet."

The urgency of the situation hung in the air, a persistent weight that had endured for too long. Kelora maintained her composed demeanor, but the gravity of the circumstances demanded immediate action. "I wish to hear your plans for defense." Commanders from Salteract and Najarka's armies had been summoned for this crucial conference.

The Sith presence at Solem, Taul, and Saijo had triggered a heightened state of alert within the Commonwealth. The High Queen had been vigilantly monitoring the Sith occupation of the region, recognizing the imminent threat it posed. Though faced with a dire situation, Kelora masked any hint of desperation behind her regal facade. "The Commonwealth has been on high alert, constantly monitoring the Sith since their occupation. Now, we must act." She awaited the Marshal's presentation, hoping for a thorough strategy that could turn the tides in their favor. The fate of the Commonwealth's defense rested on the shoulders of those gathered in the Citadel, and the High Queen expected nothing less than a comprehensive plan to repel the impending threat.

Gregory Navikov ​

 

[Gregory Navikov]

VOW TO THEE

Gregory nodded his head, going at first to an at ease position, before he pulled out a chair at the table and sat down. Gregory allowed his eyes to scan around the room, noting the body language and position of every individual present. He categorized them; those that showed intelligence and poise in their postures, and those that looked like they would rather be anywhere else. Some would be useful, others liabilities, but he would not be able to deal with them today. Today, he was here to give a presentation.

"As you all know," Gregory began, "the Sith Order are a highly dangerous force. Beyond their Force abilities, the Sith have proven to be keen military commanders, masters of subterfuge and espionage, and political savants that have seen the fall of much of the Southern Outer Rim. They are not a numerous foe, but every one of their warriors must be considered a high value target, and their military a hardened veteran force, not a rag tag band of berserkers like the galaxy might expect."

Gregory looked down at his datapad, typing in a few commands and accessing his personal file directory. He sent a copy to the datapads and terminals of those in the room. Opening one of the files, Gregory activated a holographic project within the datapad, displaying a small, spinning map of Commonwealth space. Gregory reached up, drawing a finger along the southern worlds of the Commonwealth.

"I have no doubt that the Sith have already begun to infiltrate our worlds," Gregory said, a frown on his face, "we have seen evidence that is is one of their opening tactics across the Outer Rim, so our first objective should be counter espionage. The mass deployment of our intelligence agents to track down any contacts the Sith might be making. We cannot allow Sith operatives, or even Sith themselves, to send reports of our military preparations to their masters while we are still mustering. We need every advantage we can get our hands on. In short, the complete and total extermination of all Sith, and Sith aligned contacts, within the Commonwealth."

Those in the room began to speak, and Gregory looked around in agitation. He continued on, intent to cut off more interruptive speaking. "For military matters, I would propose the use of strategy Plan Vermillion." Gregory tapped a few commands into his datapad, and icons representing Commonwealth ships began to move, assuming a sphere formation around the worlds nearest Sith space. The perimeter they created was vast, with the outer most edges at the boundaries of solar systems. "Plan Vermillion calls for extensive reconnaissance and patrols in force. Squadrons would be deployed to watch for any Sith infiltration, or the beginnings of an invasion. Both outcomes would call for the overwhelming response to localized threats."

With a few more key taps, Gregory created a false fleet of Sith ships, and played out a scenario where the Sith drove back the smaller Commonwealth squadron. As the Sith fleet advanced though, the dispersed Commonwealth squadrons across the system began to converge, enveloping the singular Sith fleet, and wiping it out in another simulated battle. "Any and all incursions," Gregory said, "must be met in space with the full might of our forces. In space, the odds are more in our favor against the Sith, and tactics, not the Force, will determine victory. If that should fail though..."

Gregory typed more commands, and the hologram zoomed in towards Needan. "Should the Sith break through our fleets, or somehow slip through undetected, I propose Plan Aurelian." The new map showed simulated landings of invading forces, with each landing zone being quickly attacked by columns of units representing the lighter, more maneuverable Commonwealth armor. Further ships were engaged by Commonwealth air units, creating areas of denial. "Much like Plan Vermillion, Plan Aurelian calls for the overwhelming concentration of might against individual threats, annihilating them before they can group together and bring their own overwhelming force and numbers against us."

The next display showed a worst case scenario; invading forces establishing beachheads and driving back the Commonwealth armored forces. The vehicles withdrew behind massive defensive lines, manned by both Federal and local infantry units. "Should our attack fail and the enemy gain ground, a war of attrition is our best option. We will withdraw all our fast reaction forces and armor back to defensive positions held by the army. Supported by close range air units and artillery, the defense lines will seek to cost our enemy dearly. Any weaknesses," Gregory pointed to a column of armored units and the elite Commandos pouring out of the defense lines into a gap that had formed in the invaders formation, "will be exploited by swift and brutal counterattacks."

Gregory turned off the datapad, glancing around the room once more, before locking his eyes on the High Queen. "In an ideal situation your Majesty," Gregory said, "this is how I would fight a war against a foe like the Sith. Commit everything we have to block the Sith in space before they can use their enhanced abilities on the ground. If they break through in space, destroy any and all landings before they can grow to prevent the Sith from organizing and using their abilities against us. If that should fail, a war of attrition, where they Sith must pay a bloody price for every ounce of ground they take. The Sith are powerful foes, but if they can be overwhelmed in quick order, despite the potential costs and risks, they can be defeated. Their numbers are limited, and every Sith we can kill will be a dire cost to their efforts."

 

[Kelora Priestly]

Kelora absorbed the young Marshal's plan with unwavering attention, the hushed whispers of the Secretariat of Intelligence and Security accompanying the discreet delivery of a small folder to her. She placed her hand atop the folder, a silent acknowledgment of its significance, and continued to focus on Navikov's meticulous strategy. His thoughtful presentation concluded, prompting her to remark, "As thorough as I had hoped." With deliberate movements, she opened the folder, revealing the intricate web of intelligence woven by the Commonwealth's agents. These agents, a legacy of the First Order's Security Bureau, were a force to be reckoned with, regardless of the state's attempts to downplay their prowess.

Her gaze shifted to Fleet Admiral Galeway, and she inclined her head, granting her the floor. "Marshal Navikov, a pleasure to meet you," Galeway began, her voice resonating authority. The Navy, she reported, had already implemented patrol routes and established warning systems. Admiral Sun-Shin enroute with the Concordia to Najarka, while Admiral Creed coordinated the defensive efforts of the Home Fleet. The Commonwealth, adept at both offense and defense, strategically positioned its fleets – a spear (Strike) and a shield (Home). "However," Galeway suggested, "given the options presented, perhaps it would be best to utilize both Aurelian and Vermillion together, a two-pronged strategy that would best serve the Commonwealth."

General Tarkin, a seasoned voice in the room, immediately followed Galeway. "We'll need to send more equipment to both Najarka and Salteract," he declared, acknowledging reports from the Secretary-Generals of Domestic and Economic Affairs regarding increased factory production. Tarkin projected a holographic display of the Commonwealth's special forces – the Dragoons, Lancers, and Rogues – already deployed and engaged in covert operations. He nodded approvingly towards Navikov.

"Good, then I expect all the reports on my desk in the morning," Kelora declared, closing the folder delicately and surveying the room. The members of the Defence Staff, whether present or via holo-call, quietly listened. Her gaze shifted between Navikov and General Tarkin. "I expect coordination with the Generals of Najarka and Salteract. Marshal Navikov, please work closely with your subordinates in the special forces. I wish to be kept as up-to-date as possible with their progress."

"Fleet Admiral Galeway, I would like you and the Admiralty Board to meet with me before the next session," she ordered, her mind already mapping out the intricate coordination needed. "For now, Marshal Navikov, I'd like to address the issue of antiquated equipment. You are likely more aware than anyone here that the Commonwealth has relied on inherited technology from our forebearers. However, we can no longer depend on such outdated equipment. I trust you have a plan for updating our equipment. General Tarkin suggested you might have one." The room buzzed with a sense of purpose, the weight of responsibility carried by each individual palpable in the air.

"Unless, of course, you have other strategies that you wish to present. Marshal," she acknowledged and yielded the floor to the young man once more.

Gregory Navikov ​

 

[Gregory Navikov]

VOW TO THEE

Gregory nodded his head at the High Queen's words, a brief flash of pride at the high praise, at least to Gregory's mind, she gave. Being thorough was to be expected, and anything less would be an insult. He turned his gaze towards Galeway, dipping his head in greeting and acknowledgment as the other military officer began to talk on the matters of the fleet. It was an area that Gregory knew about in abstract; it was not his field of focus, and trying to become a master of both ground warfare and space warfare would be a division of focus that would impede his perfection of both, though he still dabbled in it.

When his direct superior, Tarkin, began to speak, a small smile tried to fight its way free from Gregory. Praise from your direct superior was always good, it often led to further promotions down the line. Further hearing the deployment of the Commonwealth's special forces to the front line of a potential conflict was also good. They would have time to prepare themselves and those worlds incase a threat truly emerged. They would be able to act as an insurgency to delay the enemy for the full Commonwealth response to arrive.

He nodded his head at the High Queen's words, already thinking of ways to coordinate the efforts of the special forces on those worlds, as well as how he would address the local planetary command forces. While not technically their superior, it was common practice that a federal military officer held seniority over a local one. He would have to avoid ruffling feathers, but if his goals could be achieved faster by pulling those feathers out entirely, he would do so.

The matter of logistics were brought up next. He had indeed put some thought into it. You could not fight a war without necessary supplies and logistical support routes. To win a battle, you needed to only be lucky. To win a war, you needed to have logistics. "Full military production is necessary from every world within the Commonwealth," Gregory said, opening another file in his data vault. "We have been lucky for some time since First Order equipment was produced to such a high quality, it has endured, but enduring is no longer enough. For the Commonwealth to survive, and potentially grow, we must thrive on the battlefield."

The new file that was sent contained many sub-files, each on detailing an armored vehicle in one form or another. Unlike contemporary First Order or Imperial vehicles, this list of vehicles tended to be smaller and on tracks rather than propulsion legs. "I recommend the adoption of a new system of war vehicles, focusing on firepower and maneuverability over visual and psychological impact. These vehicles would be capable of outmaneuvering our foes, and delivering a lethal punch where it hurts the most."

Another file opened, another sent to the assembled meeting. "For logistical purposes, new equipment should be prioritized to federal forces. They will be the units deployed on the widest array of battlefields, and will need the advantage of modern equipment. Local forces, who will adopt a more defensive role no matter what, will be a lower priority. Holding defensive bastions works as well with a thirty year old blaster as it does with a fresh one. Once the federal military is modernized, we can turn to the local planets, starting with those closest to Sith space."

A new holographic image floated above the table, a massive ship with an extended cargo hold. "This," Gregory said, "is the Hephaestus Class carrier. The front section is a factory, capable of producing these smaller vehicles and weaponry for infantry forces anywhere. The rear compartments are storage containers, capable of detaching and deploying to the surface of a world. The Hephaestus Class will allow the Commonwealth to resupply its forces anywhere in the galaxy, as well as serve as a mobile armory to assist worlds in need of support. As long as they are supplied with resources, and protected by our Navy, the Commonwealth Army will be able to fight a war long term, no matter how far away we are from our homeworlds, or if under a world is blockaded. The Hephaestus Class," Gregory began, typing a few more commands into the datapad and showing the craft landing on the surface of a planet, "can also become a ground factory."

Kelora Priestly

 

[Kelora Priestly]

Kelora attentively listened as the Marshal presented his next proposal, nodding in acknowledgment of the fortune they had inherited from the First Order's advanced technology. However, the reality was clear—they could no longer depend solely on this technological advantage. If they were to not only survive but also thrive, developing their own cutting-edge technologies was imperative. The files sent by the Marshal contained details on new armored vehicles—smaller and track-based, a departure from traditional propulsion. Questions formed in her mind, but she patiently awaited the conclusion of the Marshal's presentation.

The national armed forces were slated to receive the new equipment, with planetary forces having the option of second-hand choices. The border worlds, crucially positioned, would be the first to benefit from the technological upgrade—a decision with which the High Queen wholeheartedly agreed. Her attention shifted to the holographic image hovering above the table, revealing a massive ship with ample cargo space—an intriguing concept she vaguely recalled from history, used by nations like the Confederacy, the Galactic Alliance, and the Sith Empires of the early 840s.

"A well-put-together presentation, indeed," Kelora commended the Marshal, though not without raising a critical concern. "Not to question the plan itself, and General Tarkin, please intervene if I am mistaken. Small, tracked vehicles may prove a liability against the Sith's gargantuan counterparts like the AT-ATs or M6s. Is there hope for retrofitting our existing machinery? Our nation's industrial strength shall certainly be put to the test." The factories were already working at full capacity, producing starfighters and corvettes from every shipyard owned.

General Tarkin offered his perspective, "I believe Marshal Navikov intends to integrate these newer, smaller, and more agile vehicles into our army, Your Majesty. There is still a place for our more mechanical monstrosities, despite their age and condition."

"I see," Kelora acknowledged, shifting her gaze between General Tarkin and Marshal Navikov, and then to the assembled individuals. "In the coming days, I shall visit Salteract and Najarka myself. General Tarkin and Marshal Navikov, you will accompany me as we meet with Admiral Sun-Shin and the Marshal of the Starfighter Corps, Matthias Halscott." She noted the commonality recently promoted between Halscott and Navikov.

A final look around the room signaled the conclusion of the meeting. As they prepared to traverse from Dosuun to the distant edges of Commonwealth space, Kelora emphasized the unique environments of Salteract and Najarka. Najarka, with Kiruaagam as its sole habitable sphere, boasted a tundra climate where only a few nomadic tribes thrived. Salteract, on the other hand, was a salt-ridden, dusty world, featuring cities carved into stone and rock along bodies of water. The capital, Bedaoshan, stood among these stone structures. The High Queen urged her team to dress appropriately for each world's climate, marking the beginning of their strategic journey across the Commonwealth's frontier.

Gregory Navikov ​

 

[Gregory Navikov]

VOW TO THEE - SCENE CHANGE

Location: Najarka System | Kiruaagam
Tag: Kelora Priestly

The journey to the tundra world was a relatively short one, though it was filled with a certain trepidation. Gregory had made several requests for the High Queen to remain on Dosuun and be represented here by one of her ministers or through holographic communication. For the leader of the Commonwealth to travel to a frontier world of the organization was dangerous enough, but to do so while the encroaching Sith forces were a scant few light years away was a risk beyond imagining.

Gregory had sent word ahead for the mobilization of the planets militia forces, and requested, not ordered, that all steps be readied to protect the sovereign of the Commonwealth. The Federal Forces with the party were at peak readiness, each one primed by briefings Gregory had conducted on the possible avenues of risk that might emerge, and the fifteen contingency plans that were to be prepared in case anything went wrong. Fifteen. Gregory was disgusted with himself he had not been able to come up with more during the journey to Najarka. There were still far too many possibilities that Gregory was not comfortable with.

The shuttle Gregory was in touched down on the tundra world, the ramp lowering and Commonwealth Commandos moving quickly down the ramp to either side, blasters raised and checking for threats. The local militia forces waiting on the ground were taken by surprise by the display, but they recovered quickly as the Commandos quickly fell into formation on either side of their parade positions. Gregory met with the local officer that had been assigned this meeting, one of the generals chief lieutenants. Apparently the general himself was busy ensuring everything was prepared for the High Queen at the military headquarters.

Gregory figured he just did not like the cold.

 

[Kelora Priestly]

Air raid sirens, drills, and emergency warning signals had become an unsettling routine on Najarka. The capital city mirrored the heightened state of alert, with broadcast signals abandoning their usual melodies for the wails of sirens. Najarka Defence Forces raced through the streets, conducting drills, checking buildings, and setting up checkpoints. The overcast sky of the tundra world temporarily darkened with the sight of Star Destroyers, and the piercing screams of TIE fighters echoed above.

In contrast, Kiruaagam, situated in the subtropical region around the world’s equator, welcomed the High Queen and her guards. The bitter winds, racing down from the mountains, sliced through clothing with ease. Despite the concerns of her staff and the Secretariat for her safety, Kelora remained resolute. High Commissioner Vhondryl Gallaer had adjusted their plans to travel from the distant world of Unnipar to Najarka, but Kelora insisted he stay on Unnipar to negotiate their recent application to join the Commonwealth. She would personally oversee the defenses of both Najarka and Salteract. Meanwhile, her wife, Nassira, stayed behind on Dosuun, not only to maintain calm among the people of their capital world but also to safeguard Kelora's line, as Nassira was soon to give birth.

Stepping down the lowered ramp, flanked by guards, Her Majesty surveyed the landscape before her. General Tarkin quickly joined Marshal Navikov's side, extending a respectful greeting to the Queen, "Your Majesty, a pleasure to have you here on Najarka. You are acquainted with Marshal Navikov, of course, but may I introduce Najarka’s General Eluasha Sylrue."

Kelora acknowledged General Sylrue with a nod as the general bowed in respect. "A pleasure, though I wish our meeting were under different circumstances," Kelora expressed with a touch of regret in her voice.

“Indeed,” agreed General Sylrue, a Chiss who had ascended through the ranks of both the First Order and the Commonwealth Military, having grown up on Needan. “If you would all follow me, Najarka Central Command is eager to speak with all of you.”

The High Queen glanced at Tarkin and then Navikov as they were escorted by Commonwealth Commandos and Her Majesty’s Royal Guards. Specialized speeders and older hover tanks flanked the convoy as they made their way toward Central Command’s bunker. Throughout the journey, the dense Najarkan jungle seemed to echo with ominous threats beyond the planet’s borders.

In the bunker, General Sylrue swiftly guided them to Central Command’s core. Duraplex and plexiglass made up the numerous screens, each displaying various nodes and miniatures being manipulated around. The bustling activity of the personnel monitoring the situation ceased the moment the High Queen entered. General Sylrue effortlessly put them at ease as Commandos, Guards, General Tarkin, and Marshal Navikov entered the room. Sylrue introduced her staff quickly and then led the entourage to the main screen.

“We have patrols established here and here, with TIEs working round the clock,” Sylrue indicated, bringing up various plans and pointing to the locations of patrols both on the planet and in the surrounding system. “We have agents behind the line now, at Solem and Taul, both old First Order holdouts gathering information.”

“Marshal Navikov, I believe you had a few ideas for our defense as well?” General Sylrue inquired, offering to yield the floor to the Marshal.

Gregory Navikov​

 

[Gregory Navikov]

VOW TO THEE

Location: Najarka System | Kiruaagam
Tag: Kelora Priestly

Gregory snapped a crisp salute as the High Queen and her delegation, including a comfortably large number of guards, walked down the ramp of their starship. Even on a Commonwealth world, you could not be too careful, and Gregory cast his eyes around the perimeter every few seconds, making sure that all remained in order.

The High Queen spoke with General Syrule, a woman Gregory had been in contact with briefly during the journey to Najarka. She seemed competent enough, though why she chose to remain within a local garrison rather than join the federal forces and do her duty to the whole Commonwealth, Gregory was uncertain. It could have something to do with the Chiss population that had settled on the world, a climate similar to some of the old Ascendancy worlds. She could wish to protect her people, but the best way to do so would have been to ensure the whole Commonwealth remained strong.

They entered the waiting convoy of vehicles, and Gregory nodded with appreciation at the number of hover based craft used in the escort. In most situations, tracked vehicles could be considered more reliable, but when it came to escort duty, hovercraft were the better option. The risks of a possible mine detonating and crippling vehicles was mitigated, and in dangerous scenarios, they would be able to traverse across all terrain quickly, even abandoning travel routes and going cross country.

As they were eventually guided into the command bunker, and Gregory nodded in greeting as they were introduced by the Chiss general. Pleasantries were kept refreshingly short though as they turned their attention to the main screen in the room, displaying battle plans and defensive positions. At their core they were simple, yet solid plans. With the mention of operatives at work as well, this was turning into a promising start. They would need to build from there.

"Thank you General," Gregory said, stepping forward and indicating the map that was already on the screen. "As the frontier of the Commonwealth, the defense of Najarka and all its citizens is a top priority." Gregory began to type in several commands to a nearby terminal, and the screen began to be covered in multiple overlapping lines, new formations of units and vehicles represented by triangles and circles forming a confusing and overlapping diagrams.

"It will begin rather simply as you can see," Gregory said, indicating the new formations. "The defenses of Najarka are solid as they are, but can be expanded with further assistance from the federal government. The first priority will be the expansion of defensive works and bastions around all habitation center on this world. The protection of our citizens is the first priority, for it is they that represent to true spirit of the Commonwealth. Multiple bunker lines, and fortresses of anti-air batteries will need to be established to prevent enemy forces from breaching the cities from the ground, and the air."

Gregory hit a few more commands, and the map shrunk down, displaying a broader view of the region. "Long range anti-air batteries and starfighter patrols will be used to create 'no go' zones for enemy forces. Rather than trying to protect everything, we will concentrate our defenses and air power in concise positions to ensure enemy entry is prevented. Enemies will have to concentrate in pre-sighted and known positions, allowing our artillery, and fast reaction forces part of Plan Aurelian."

Gregory turned back to look at the assembled officers and political figures, a grim look on his face. "At this time, a determined enemy assault will likely break through our defenses. We are on the clock to reinforce this world and prepare for the worst, but we will not surrender this world. As a show of the Commonwealth's determination, I shall be relocating my personal command to Najarka to oversee further defensive preparations for this world."

 

[Kelora Priestly]

Kelora listened intently as Marshal Navikov unfolded his plans for Najarka's defense, absorbing the strategic details with a discerning eye. In comparison to Salteract, Najarka faced a harsher reality, and the proximity to the Sith made the strategic space between the worlds challenging. What unfolded before her felt reminiscent of Dosuun's efforts after the Siege and during the Reclamation—lines of bunkers, makeshift but effective, barbed wire, laser turrets, and blasters. Turning this into a war of attrition seemed a viable strategy, considering the Sith's seemingly limitless resources, which, in reality, weren't as inexhaustible as some might have believed.

General Sylrue appeared more focused on the diagrams brought in. Kelora's gaze shifted toward the Chiss leader, observing her scrutiny of the diagrams. Then the General spoke plainly, "We certainly welcome you, Marshal," and continued, "we have several bases throughout the region that should aid in creating no-fly zones. We've also prepared forces in the tundra, and Najarka has been experimenting with Ascendancy technology. Perhaps this can help ensure the Sith go only where we want them to go, mhmm?"

The High Queen nodded in approval but looked toward the Marshal and then General Tarkin.

After a moment or two she added her say, "if necessary, we could have Needani forces bolster Najarkan lines. There are no shortage of volunteers there." As far as populations were concerned Needan outpaced Najarka, "of course, federal forces should be at the forefront of these defenses. We'll want planetary forces focused on the city's interiors, creating a layered defense system in terms of troops." But there was one thing that she was concerned about, "but perhaps what worries me the most, and you'll forgive me Marshal."

"Nations such as the Sith normally have weapons to cut right down to the point. While I'm not suggesting that they possess such a weapon, I am neither denying their might. As such, we should be prepared." Orbital weapons have been employed in the past, and there was no guarantee that the Sith or any other enemy of the Commonwealth wouldn't hesitate to use them. "Shields, such as they are, are not always effective, but perhaps they may help our cause." At the very least, shields would provide planetary forces with time to assemble and prepare.

Her Majesty looked between the men and women in uniform, "I shall speak with Fleet Admiral Galeway and the rest of the Admiralty on the matter. What I need, and what I expect, is for Marshal Navikov's plan to be seen through to the letter."

"Of course," Sylrue responded rather quickly. She turned to the Marshal, "Anything further to add, Marshal Navikov?" The room awaited the Marshal's additional insights.

Gregory Navikov​