Prologue:
In the last year of the Clone Wars, the Republic would be pushing into Separatist territory, capturing worlds and ensuring their factories were used to fuel their own war effort. During this time, Republic scouts discovered the world of Celith and now plan on taking it for its vast resources and industry…
At a space station in Hutt Space, a fleet of ships prepare for what is to be a hard fight. On the flagship, a venator named the Spearhead, the top heads of the invasion gather to plan their attack.
“...they have a tight defense over orbit, including two Providence-Class, several Recusant-Class, two Lucrehulks and five Munificents...” a clone officer says as a woman enters the briefing room, a lightsaber at her side. “...and our own fleet only has four Venator-Class, a handful of Arquitens-Class, several Acclamator-Class and three heavy cruiser Dreadnaughts.'' With his report done, a man wearing a similar uniform nods his head. He wore the same grey, dreary color but his rank was that of an Admiral. He waved his hand and nodded towards the woman as the officers and soldiers saluted.
“Welcome, General, we just started the briefing, so far our opposition will be tough, but we can manage it as half their force was sent to strengthen Grievous’s main fleet.” He pointed at the holo-map, “Their command ship is one of the Lucrehulks in their defense fleet, but we are uncertain which one of the two it is.” The map highlighted both Lucrehulks as the others waited for a response. “Understood Admiral, what is our fighter number compared to theirs?” She asked, leaning over the table as the holo-map changed.
“We should be at equal standing but since we are invading, they’ll have their militia's fighters launch from the surface to aid their defense fleet, but our intel suggests their prime minister is one of the top minds on their planet. He might hold the fighters on the ground and have us battle with their fleet.” On the map it shows a few images representing their fighters and the enemies, flying around each other simulating the battle. “The defense fleet is the least of our problems, general.” A clone lieutenant spoke up, “Intel says that the local government has stepped up conscription and have their own standing armies alongside their droid forces.” “Meaning that their numbers are either doubled or worse, tripled than what intelligence had determined.” The woman finished his statement, nodding her head as she turned her attention towards the viewing glass of the bridge. “Gentlemen, we are tasked with taking this planet and though the odds seem to be against us, I trust in all of us that we can pull through and break their defense and eventually, seize this planet from control of the Separatists.” The admiral and clones clapped, some gave a little cheer as the woman went back to the table, “The council gave us this mission so we can relieve our forces and ensure the main Separatist armies could not use Celith’s industrial capabilities to continue this dreadful war. May the Force be with us as we go through with this.”
The admiral nodded, patting her on the back as the lieutenant smiled. “Agreed general, we’ll have that planet before we know it.” “And perhaps with it taken, the war may come to an end sooner.” The admiral chimed in as the jedi and clone returned their attention to the holo-map…
-- -- -- -- --
The sun rose over the horizon, people began flooding the streets. Large transports came and went delivering cargo, smaller civilian ships zipped past them on their daily route taking workers from the housing districts to the industrial sectors. Life on Celith was calm as the planet was not on the frontlines of the war and their factories pumped out war material including droids, weapons and vehicles as well as civilian goods, luxuries and service droids for day to day maintenance.
Since the start of the war, Celith was one of the many few that voted to secede from the Republic, and devoted their resources to the war effort in order to ensure their freedoms and ideals would be protected once the Clone Wars erupted. Celith was ruled by a nobility, with a council dedicated to representing the people who elected them into their positions from the various states that made up the planet. Now, with the Republic entering Separatist space and pushing them back, the planet began to prepare for an invasion…
Inside a room, surrounding a round table, a group of men and women sat arguing amongst each other as commando droids stood guard at the doors. “...the Republic would not dare invade Celith. Our defenses are too strong, we have millions of battle droids and we have an industry to keep pumping out droid forces if need be.” “-As well as hundreds of thousands of brave patriots who have already enlisted into the militia to defend their home planet.” “A Republic invasion is unlikely, and to think you and your-” Yelling and bickering at the opposing side were a handful of representatives, some old and some young, but they consisted of those who believed they were invincible since Celith had always been an untouchable planet, even in the days of the Old Republic. Their other half were made up of mostly younger representatives that had recently been voted in a few months prior. Their paranoia of a Republic invasion was due to the devastating loss on Umbara, and ever since they’ve brought up the matter of calling back the detachment of their ships they had sent to General Grievous’s main fleet. However, their attempts at calling back their fleets was denied as Count Dooku always had a hand in ensuring their detachment stayed.
“Representative Almune, I respectfully ask you to sit down and wait for the Prime Minister to arrive before you plague us with your unruly voice. In fact I think-” Before Laura could finish her sentence, the doors opened and the prime minister stepped into the room. Up on their feet, they bowed as he entered, behind him, the Empress and her super tactical droid followed in along with her royal guard.
“Representatives, I hope you all are discussing the betterment of Celith and not bickering amongst yourselves like last time.” His tone was serious but his demeanor was hard to read as he both looked concerned and relaxed. “Yamato here has intercepted communications from Hutt Space.” Silence followed until a burly representative on Almune’s side spoke up. “Prime Minister, what does a Hutt’s transmission have to do with-” “The message intercepted was not from a Hutt, Representative Stikman… Yamato, brief the council on what you had decrypted.” Following orders, the droid stepped forward and inserted a metal rod into the console. In front of their eyes, the council watched the holo-projector display a jedi knight and a Republic admiral along with a clone trooper. Together, they watched the transmission play out.
“This is Jedi Knight D'leanne Persoy, reporting to the Jedi Council. Preparations for the invasion are nearly complete. One question I have is would we be able to procure two more venators and some more clone battalions to assist us as our forces may not be enough to capture the planet.” The two stand still as they get their reply from an unknown person. “More clone reinforcements you ask, receive you shall. Capture the planet you must. End the Clone Wars soon, we will.” As the transmission played out, a council member raises her voice, causing Yamato to pause the recording. “What does any of this have to do with us?” Their voice held a hint of fear, making her fellow peers murmur as they waited for the prime minister to answer. “Yamato, keep playing the recording so they will understand the situation we are in.” The droid nods as the room hushes.
“...the planet of Celith is one of strategic importance, Knight Persoy, their industry and resources are aiding the Separatist’s war effort and must be captured if we are to ever get near the end of this dreadful war.” The jedi bowed as the admiral saluted before the recording stopped there. Immediately the room erupted into chaos as half of the room began shouting allegations and boasting how they were in the right while the other half began panicking at the news that the Republic was going to invade Celith. The service droids and palace guards attempted to restore order to the room but could not until the empress cleared her throat and stood from her seat. She made her way towards her podium as Yamato moved out of her way. Her movements were elegant and it captivated the room as even in her young age, she held such authority and knew how to take command of a room, even if it were with unruly politicians. At the podium, her guards saluted as they did their signature royal salute. Several probe droids flew around her as it was rare for the head of the noble family to ever speak so publicly unless it was something of importance.
Before speaking, the prime minister pressed a button signaling the probe droids to begin broadcasting to the entire planet. Soon, across Celith, she was on display for the masses to see. Even in the factories, production stopped as the workers turned their attention to their empress.
“My brothers and sisters of Celith.” She began her speech, revealing her voice to the people who had never heard her speak before. Their eyes widened as she continued on. “I come to you with breaking news that we intercepted from the Republic.” Her expression changed as it shifted from one of warmth to pain as a small frown formed on her face. “The dreaded senate and the Jedi Council have ordered an invasion of Celith- Our home. They have already begun to mobilize and dare to use Hutt Space to try and hide their sinister plans.” She paused, allowing the people to take in that an invasion was soon to come to their planet; their home. “But the light shall always reveal what lies in the dark, and their plot was revealed to us before they could act. So I come to you brothers and sisters, that it is time to take up arms once again instead of relying on our battle droids to defend our homes, let us show the Republic that we are willing to resist their pitiful invasion!” In the streets some people gave a little cheer, but the idea of war coming to their planet still sat over them like a weighted blanket. “I ask you all to recall when the Republic gave us ridiculous taxes and when we voiced our words, they denied us any say due to our status as an Outer Rim World?” This question grabbed their attention, some nodded while others murmured as they listened on. “Do you recall when they sent Jedi knights and a task force to pacify our government? Which resulted in the death of my brother, our beloved crowned heir?” She continued, bringing up the atrocities that the Republic committed against them, turning silent nodding to verbal “yes’s” and soon, cries of pain as the grievances towards them were stacked but soon, the tipping point came. “And do you recall when my mother and father went to the senate to proclaim neutrality at the beginning of the war but as their cruiser neared Coruscant they were annihilated by their fleet? Do you recall them massacring not just my family, but members of your families as well? Have we forgotten what the Republic has done to us, the blood that is on their hands is immeasurable and cannot be forgiven!” These words caused the people to forget the fears they once had, the concerns that lurked in the back of their heads no longer remained. The only thing in their heads was the patriotic emotions they had been fed. “Brothers and sisters of Celith, the time is now. The Republic wishes to take our home from us, but we will make them pay for every inch of ground that they may take. Whether it be from your homes you fight or in the factories that produce the millions of armaments for our armies, we shall prevail. Glory to the Kingdom of Audaiya! Glory to Celith!” In the streets, the people cheered as they embraced one another. Masses made their way to the recruitment offices, present militia members dawned on their uniforms and the droids began marching to their positions in anticipation for the invasion. In the factories, workers gave a rallying cry as they resumed working and some went into overtime. Across the planet, thousands of millions now lined up to join the Militia and others pressed for longer hours in the factories to contribute to what would be the battle for their home…
-- -- -- -- --
On the Spearhead’s bridge, D’leanne stands with the admiral and lieutenant as she feels through the force the cries of millions that sends chills down her back. She holds her head causing the clone to steady her as she stands. “Something wrong, general?” He asks as the admiral gives orders to the crew leaving him to care for her. “I just… it felt like there were millions of voices, all of them eager to fight.” She looks at the clone longingly but then shakes her head and stands straight, hiding face as her cheeks turn a bit red. “Just be prepared lieutenant, the Celithians are most likely aware that we are mobilizing an invasion against them so… be careful when we get there and don’t rush in head first like you always do, am I understood, Trace?” She turns and gives him a stern look as he stands at attention. “Wouldn’t think of it, General. Let's just get our boys down there and into the fight, ain’t that right, Davos?” He smirked as the young admiral turned and nodded. “Indeed, Trace. I also concur with General Persoy here, we have some reports that the Empress of Celith has rallied her people in preparation of a Republic invasion. How they found out our plans is something to me, but we must remain on schedule.” “Yes, every second we waste is allowing for the Celithians to fuel the Separatist war machine.” Davos and Persoy along with Trace stood together at the helm, watching the various crafts come and go from the main hangar bay.
In the next few days, Persoy and the 715th would prepare for the invasion as elements of the 101st, 293rd and 38th Legion were dispatched to reinforce their forces. On Celith, the Kingdom of Audaiya continuously pumped more and more droids from their factories along with weapons, vehicles and munitions not just for the droids but for their ever growing militia whose numbers soared overnight.
The Siege of Celith would be a costly one for both sides…
In the last year of the Clone Wars, the Republic would be pushing into Separatist territory, capturing worlds and ensuring their factories were used to fuel their own war effort. During this time, Republic scouts discovered the world of Celith and now plan on taking it for its vast resources and industry…
At a space station in Hutt Space, a fleet of ships prepare for what is to be a hard fight. On the flagship, a venator named the Spearhead, the top heads of the invasion gather to plan their attack.
“...they have a tight defense over orbit, including two Providence-Class, several Recusant-Class, two Lucrehulks and five Munificents...” a clone officer says as a woman enters the briefing room, a lightsaber at her side. “...and our own fleet only has four Venator-Class, a handful of Arquitens-Class, several Acclamator-Class and three heavy cruiser Dreadnaughts.'' With his report done, a man wearing a similar uniform nods his head. He wore the same grey, dreary color but his rank was that of an Admiral. He waved his hand and nodded towards the woman as the officers and soldiers saluted.
“Welcome, General, we just started the briefing, so far our opposition will be tough, but we can manage it as half their force was sent to strengthen Grievous’s main fleet.” He pointed at the holo-map, “Their command ship is one of the Lucrehulks in their defense fleet, but we are uncertain which one of the two it is.” The map highlighted both Lucrehulks as the others waited for a response. “Understood Admiral, what is our fighter number compared to theirs?” She asked, leaning over the table as the holo-map changed.
“We should be at equal standing but since we are invading, they’ll have their militia's fighters launch from the surface to aid their defense fleet, but our intel suggests their prime minister is one of the top minds on their planet. He might hold the fighters on the ground and have us battle with their fleet.” On the map it shows a few images representing their fighters and the enemies, flying around each other simulating the battle. “The defense fleet is the least of our problems, general.” A clone lieutenant spoke up, “Intel says that the local government has stepped up conscription and have their own standing armies alongside their droid forces.” “Meaning that their numbers are either doubled or worse, tripled than what intelligence had determined.” The woman finished his statement, nodding her head as she turned her attention towards the viewing glass of the bridge. “Gentlemen, we are tasked with taking this planet and though the odds seem to be against us, I trust in all of us that we can pull through and break their defense and eventually, seize this planet from control of the Separatists.” The admiral and clones clapped, some gave a little cheer as the woman went back to the table, “The council gave us this mission so we can relieve our forces and ensure the main Separatist armies could not use Celith’s industrial capabilities to continue this dreadful war. May the Force be with us as we go through with this.”
The admiral nodded, patting her on the back as the lieutenant smiled. “Agreed general, we’ll have that planet before we know it.” “And perhaps with it taken, the war may come to an end sooner.” The admiral chimed in as the jedi and clone returned their attention to the holo-map…
-- -- -- -- --
The sun rose over the horizon, people began flooding the streets. Large transports came and went delivering cargo, smaller civilian ships zipped past them on their daily route taking workers from the housing districts to the industrial sectors. Life on Celith was calm as the planet was not on the frontlines of the war and their factories pumped out war material including droids, weapons and vehicles as well as civilian goods, luxuries and service droids for day to day maintenance.
Since the start of the war, Celith was one of the many few that voted to secede from the Republic, and devoted their resources to the war effort in order to ensure their freedoms and ideals would be protected once the Clone Wars erupted. Celith was ruled by a nobility, with a council dedicated to representing the people who elected them into their positions from the various states that made up the planet. Now, with the Republic entering Separatist space and pushing them back, the planet began to prepare for an invasion…
Inside a room, surrounding a round table, a group of men and women sat arguing amongst each other as commando droids stood guard at the doors. “...the Republic would not dare invade Celith. Our defenses are too strong, we have millions of battle droids and we have an industry to keep pumping out droid forces if need be.” “-As well as hundreds of thousands of brave patriots who have already enlisted into the militia to defend their home planet.” “A Republic invasion is unlikely, and to think you and your-” Yelling and bickering at the opposing side were a handful of representatives, some old and some young, but they consisted of those who believed they were invincible since Celith had always been an untouchable planet, even in the days of the Old Republic. Their other half were made up of mostly younger representatives that had recently been voted in a few months prior. Their paranoia of a Republic invasion was due to the devastating loss on Umbara, and ever since they’ve brought up the matter of calling back the detachment of their ships they had sent to General Grievous’s main fleet. However, their attempts at calling back their fleets was denied as Count Dooku always had a hand in ensuring their detachment stayed.
“Representative Almune, I respectfully ask you to sit down and wait for the Prime Minister to arrive before you plague us with your unruly voice. In fact I think-” Before Laura could finish her sentence, the doors opened and the prime minister stepped into the room. Up on their feet, they bowed as he entered, behind him, the Empress and her super tactical droid followed in along with her royal guard.
“Representatives, I hope you all are discussing the betterment of Celith and not bickering amongst yourselves like last time.” His tone was serious but his demeanor was hard to read as he both looked concerned and relaxed. “Yamato here has intercepted communications from Hutt Space.” Silence followed until a burly representative on Almune’s side spoke up. “Prime Minister, what does a Hutt’s transmission have to do with-” “The message intercepted was not from a Hutt, Representative Stikman… Yamato, brief the council on what you had decrypted.” Following orders, the droid stepped forward and inserted a metal rod into the console. In front of their eyes, the council watched the holo-projector display a jedi knight and a Republic admiral along with a clone trooper. Together, they watched the transmission play out.
“This is Jedi Knight D'leanne Persoy, reporting to the Jedi Council. Preparations for the invasion are nearly complete. One question I have is would we be able to procure two more venators and some more clone battalions to assist us as our forces may not be enough to capture the planet.” The two stand still as they get their reply from an unknown person. “More clone reinforcements you ask, receive you shall. Capture the planet you must. End the Clone Wars soon, we will.” As the transmission played out, a council member raises her voice, causing Yamato to pause the recording. “What does any of this have to do with us?” Their voice held a hint of fear, making her fellow peers murmur as they waited for the prime minister to answer. “Yamato, keep playing the recording so they will understand the situation we are in.” The droid nods as the room hushes.
“...the planet of Celith is one of strategic importance, Knight Persoy, their industry and resources are aiding the Separatist’s war effort and must be captured if we are to ever get near the end of this dreadful war.” The jedi bowed as the admiral saluted before the recording stopped there. Immediately the room erupted into chaos as half of the room began shouting allegations and boasting how they were in the right while the other half began panicking at the news that the Republic was going to invade Celith. The service droids and palace guards attempted to restore order to the room but could not until the empress cleared her throat and stood from her seat. She made her way towards her podium as Yamato moved out of her way. Her movements were elegant and it captivated the room as even in her young age, she held such authority and knew how to take command of a room, even if it were with unruly politicians. At the podium, her guards saluted as they did their signature royal salute. Several probe droids flew around her as it was rare for the head of the noble family to ever speak so publicly unless it was something of importance.
Before speaking, the prime minister pressed a button signaling the probe droids to begin broadcasting to the entire planet. Soon, across Celith, she was on display for the masses to see. Even in the factories, production stopped as the workers turned their attention to their empress.
“My brothers and sisters of Celith.” She began her speech, revealing her voice to the people who had never heard her speak before. Their eyes widened as she continued on. “I come to you with breaking news that we intercepted from the Republic.” Her expression changed as it shifted from one of warmth to pain as a small frown formed on her face. “The dreaded senate and the Jedi Council have ordered an invasion of Celith- Our home. They have already begun to mobilize and dare to use Hutt Space to try and hide their sinister plans.” She paused, allowing the people to take in that an invasion was soon to come to their planet; their home. “But the light shall always reveal what lies in the dark, and their plot was revealed to us before they could act. So I come to you brothers and sisters, that it is time to take up arms once again instead of relying on our battle droids to defend our homes, let us show the Republic that we are willing to resist their pitiful invasion!” In the streets some people gave a little cheer, but the idea of war coming to their planet still sat over them like a weighted blanket. “I ask you all to recall when the Republic gave us ridiculous taxes and when we voiced our words, they denied us any say due to our status as an Outer Rim World?” This question grabbed their attention, some nodded while others murmured as they listened on. “Do you recall when they sent Jedi knights and a task force to pacify our government? Which resulted in the death of my brother, our beloved crowned heir?” She continued, bringing up the atrocities that the Republic committed against them, turning silent nodding to verbal “yes’s” and soon, cries of pain as the grievances towards them were stacked but soon, the tipping point came. “And do you recall when my mother and father went to the senate to proclaim neutrality at the beginning of the war but as their cruiser neared Coruscant they were annihilated by their fleet? Do you recall them massacring not just my family, but members of your families as well? Have we forgotten what the Republic has done to us, the blood that is on their hands is immeasurable and cannot be forgiven!” These words caused the people to forget the fears they once had, the concerns that lurked in the back of their heads no longer remained. The only thing in their heads was the patriotic emotions they had been fed. “Brothers and sisters of Celith, the time is now. The Republic wishes to take our home from us, but we will make them pay for every inch of ground that they may take. Whether it be from your homes you fight or in the factories that produce the millions of armaments for our armies, we shall prevail. Glory to the Kingdom of Audaiya! Glory to Celith!” In the streets, the people cheered as they embraced one another. Masses made their way to the recruitment offices, present militia members dawned on their uniforms and the droids began marching to their positions in anticipation for the invasion. In the factories, workers gave a rallying cry as they resumed working and some went into overtime. Across the planet, thousands of millions now lined up to join the Militia and others pressed for longer hours in the factories to contribute to what would be the battle for their home…
-- -- -- -- --
On the Spearhead’s bridge, D’leanne stands with the admiral and lieutenant as she feels through the force the cries of millions that sends chills down her back. She holds her head causing the clone to steady her as she stands. “Something wrong, general?” He asks as the admiral gives orders to the crew leaving him to care for her. “I just… it felt like there were millions of voices, all of them eager to fight.” She looks at the clone longingly but then shakes her head and stands straight, hiding face as her cheeks turn a bit red. “Just be prepared lieutenant, the Celithians are most likely aware that we are mobilizing an invasion against them so… be careful when we get there and don’t rush in head first like you always do, am I understood, Trace?” She turns and gives him a stern look as he stands at attention. “Wouldn’t think of it, General. Let's just get our boys down there and into the fight, ain’t that right, Davos?” He smirked as the young admiral turned and nodded. “Indeed, Trace. I also concur with General Persoy here, we have some reports that the Empress of Celith has rallied her people in preparation of a Republic invasion. How they found out our plans is something to me, but we must remain on schedule.” “Yes, every second we waste is allowing for the Celithians to fuel the Separatist war machine.” Davos and Persoy along with Trace stood together at the helm, watching the various crafts come and go from the main hangar bay.
In the next few days, Persoy and the 715th would prepare for the invasion as elements of the 101st, 293rd and 38th Legion were dispatched to reinforce their forces. On Celith, the Kingdom of Audaiya continuously pumped more and more droids from their factories along with weapons, vehicles and munitions not just for the droids but for their ever growing militia whose numbers soared overnight.
The Siege of Celith would be a costly one for both sides…