Siege. A planetary blockade, at least. It was in such a situation that Mandalore found itself, along with neighboring worlds.
A full-scale siege of an entire planet is quite difficult. It requires significant space forces capable of suppressing any resistance and, ultimately, capturing the planet.
Another matter is a planetary blockade, similar to the one the Trade Federation applied to Naboo. Yes, it is quite difficult to completely block transport communication with a planet. After all, it is not about blocking transport arteries on the surface, but essentially surrounding the planet in three-dimensional space. The cordon ships must be positioned to ensure confident destruction by their weapon systems of any object within the orbit of the besieged world. According to the military doctrine of the Old Republic, the number of ships for a full blockade of a planet, depending on its size, required from eighteen to forty large combat units, no lower than destroyer class.
Revan was well acquainted with such tactics. He himself had resorted to them more than once during numerous battles and conflicts during his command of the Republic fleet. He had also been under siege, so the current situation did not cause the former Jedi any particular alarm. Especially considering that the enemy had brought only twenty-one ships to the planet, of which only five Trade Federation "Traders" were of large dimensions, configured as droid control stations. And considering that only three ships from this group were hovering over Mandalore, Revan refused to even perceive the situation as a blockade.
The main problem, however, was the enemy's ground forces. In addition to well-armed and trained mercenary groups, several thousand battle droids had been dropped onto the planet. Yes, they were B-1s, which had not performed too successfully on Naboo, but there were very many of them. Droids did not require food or rest. A full-scale offensive began immediately after a short skirmish with Ronar Kim and his group, who had undoubtedly taken on the role of the vanguard. But whoever was behind the attack, they miscalculated.
Despite the fact that, with the rise of the pacifist party to power, wearing armor or weapons on Mandalore had been banned, the Mandalorians had not forgotten how to use these weapons. Pockets of resistance to the advancing droid and mercenary army were forming everywhere. Mandalorians abandoned their homes and entire settlements further from the capital, organizing into detachments and concentrating on defending the borders of Keldabe.
In three days since the beginning of the invasion, the invaders had not managed to enter the capital.
The broadcast of Duchess Satine's address to her people played a significant role in organizing the resistance and motivating the sons and daughters of Mandalore. Kryze urged the Mandalorians to unite and remember their heritage, which surprised everyone familiar with the Duchess's previously chosen political course. Simultaneously, someone posted surveillance camera footage from the palace, where the first clash with the invasion army had occurred, online. The footage predominantly showed Mandalorians bravely fighting droids, mercenaries, and Jedi. Even the Duchess herself, a staunch pacifist in the past, proved that the spirit of a warrior lived in every Mandalorian. In the shown footage, Kryze skillfully wielded a blaster, dealing with several traitors and even shooting a Jedi. It didn't matter that the video was edited by R2-D2; the main thing was that it raised the authority of Mandalore's ruler in the eyes of all the planet's inhabitants, including her ardent opponents. It was not surprising that some had already proclaimed Satine the true ruler and Mandalore the Preserver.
And if not for the armored vehicles and aircraft, the droid offensive would have faltered. However, without heavy weaponry, the Mandalorians had to retreat closer and closer to the royal palace.
And the situation was complicated by the fact that the Death Watch had joined the invasion army. Some of the defenders joined them, even despite the propaganda launched by the Duchess's supporters. And familiar with their compatriots' tactics, the Death Watch members quickly found vulnerabilities in the Mandalorian defenses, where the invasion forces then struck.
And on top of everything, the most well-trained warriors from the opposition clans, who had previously formed the Clan Council, could not openly participate in battles, fearing reprisals against the hostages held by the Death Watch.
However, Revan planned to deal with this problem in the near future.
"So, despite the current not-so-favorable situation, I have good news," Revan opened another meeting in the Duchess's palace.
Besides Revan and the Duchess, the hall was also attended by Tyra Nomad, head of law enforcement - Jul Tarton, and his colleague from the palace guard - Nimra Zol. Sevras Nomad was also present as a representative of the Clan Council, and Ala Daruk represented the militia.
"What can be good about this?" Satine Kryze mumbled, dropping her head into her hands.
The Duchess was not thrilled with how her image had been distorted online. From the leader of a new peaceful Mandalore, she had transformed into a banner for the armed militia. In another situation... perhaps with another person... this would have been good, but not for Satine. In an instant, she became what she least wanted to be. She was even called Mandalore, which was a real insult to someone who had fought with all her might against the bloody past of her world.
However, despite her personal feelings about what was happening, Kryze understood that this was for the best. Mandalore had been attacked, and her people needed to rally around a symbol. And this symbol had to inspire them to fight, not to remain idle.
"Well, first of all, there's no complete blockade over the planet," Revan began to answer.
"What do you mean?" Satine raised her head.
"Let me explain. Essentially, a planetary blockade is only possible if the encircling ships manage to intercept any vessel arriving or departing from the planet. A kind of dome that should cover the entire world."
"And so?" Kryze didn't grasp the idea.
"So, the ships in orbit have only blocked a few main sectors, for example, over the spaceports and from the direction of the largest hyperspace routes. There are plenty of holes in the defense, through which even a cruiser could pass."
"There are no cruisers on Mandalore," Nimra Zol objected.
Tarton nodded in agreement, confirming the words of the head of the palace guard.
"I was speaking figuratively. And a cruiser wouldn't suit us for the upcoming operation," Revan shrugged.
"What operation?" Kryze perked up.
Sevras Nomad chuckled softly.
"And that's the second piece of good news," Revan smiled. "Our 'agent' has finally managed to find and transmit to us the location of all the hostages held by the Death Watch. They will be released shortly, after which the Council of Clans can join our forces."
"Will we participate in the liberation?" asked Mira Nomad, who had been silent until then.
Revan had a long conversation with the Mandalorian mercenary when she returned after chasing Risa Farr. The former Jedi was interested in why Mira had left the Duchess without protection and chased after a stranger. Nomad evaded the answer, only stating that it was personal. And no matter how much Revan pressed, the girl refused to talk, so the former Jedi decided to leave the topic for now, but promised to return to the conversation as soon as the battles subsided.
"Yes, as a sign of cooperation with the clans, we will liberate one of the most heavily guarded groups. It's on Kalevala, as if to mock the ruling party," Revan replied to the mercenary.
"Who will be in the group?" Nomad clarified.
"You and HK with R2," the former Sith specified.
"Only three? I'd even say two. An astromech is as much a fighter as I am a Jedi," Mira was surprised.
"That will be more than enough," Revan stated confidently.
"I understand that my task will be not to get in the way of your mechanical psychopath?" Nomad remarked sarcastically.
"That's if possible," the former Jedi shrugged.
"And what about Maul?"
"He has his own mission."
Revan didn't say that the Zabrak was tracking Risa Farr, with whom Revan really wanted to talk. The former Sith had reasons to believe that she was the one who attacked him on board the "Obsidian." Her movements, which were captured on surveillance cameras in the throne room, were too familiar. And if Revan's guess was correct, then securing the help of someone who possessed, albeit battered, a "Interceptor-class" cruiser, would become a matter of paramount importance.
"Allow me to remind you that the liberation of all hostage groups should occur with minimal delay. Ideally, simultaneously," Sevras stated.
"Well, you don't have to doubt the effectiveness of the one droid mentioned. The main thing is to remind him of the priorities for the mission," Mira chuckled.
"And what will we do in the meantime? It's getting harder and harder to hold back the attackers. Thank you, of course, to the clans of Ruck and Eldar for the supplies and provisions. Their help is invaluable. However, at this rate, we won't last long. Our tactical deployments are met with active resistance, not without the help of the Death Watch, of course. It's getting harder to avoid losses and hold positions every day," Ala Daruk allowed herself to say.
"Just one day. I ask for no more," Revan assured the leader of the militia.
"I will ask the clans to provide all-round support. We will involve the clanless and exiles. Their presence on the battlefield will not indicate us in any way," promised the head of the Nomad clan.
"Thank you. That will be helpful."
"What are you all talking about!" Satine Kryze suddenly jumped up.
"Duchess?" Revan turned his gaze to her.
"We are at war! Right now, my people are fighting droids! People are dying!"
Kryze hit the table with her fist.
"You promised me a peaceful resolution to the conflict with the Death Watch. You promised Mandalore a bright future and independence. And what now?" regaining her composure, Satine said more quietly.
"I promised you to avoid civil war and to solve the problem at the cost of minimal casualties. This was also communicated to your sister. However, she hasn't said a word on this topic since the invasion began. Do you know why?"
The Duchess did not answer.
"She understands what is happening. She knows war because she lives it. A third force intervened, which led to the siege of the planet. This is bad, but not unexpected. By provoking your former patron to intervene, I expected a move like this. That is why the Council of Clans took care of the safety of the civilian population. Yes, they could not act openly, but helping secretly was not hindered by anything. As a result, those who did not want or could not take up arms were evacuated to safe zones. Those who decided to defend their home and their world received equipment and weapons, which increased their chances in battle."
As a result of three days, the militia lost only one hundred and twenty-three fighters, which, given the enormous numerical and technological superiority of the invading army, can be called a miracle. However, the Death Watch needs to be dealt with as soon as possible, before their assistance to mercenaries and droids leads to greater losses.
The Duchess covered her face with her hands and sank heavily into a chair.
"Is this why I allowed myself to become a symbol of war?" Kryze said in a quiet voice after a few seconds of silence.
"You have become not a symbol, but a leader of your people. And not for the destruction of the Death Watch, but for the salvation of Mandalore, however pompous it may sound. You care about your people and only wish them well. I want the same. After all, I gave my word to help Mandalore."
Revan accompanied his speech with a light mental touch, which made Satine a little more receptive to persuasion. The former Sith did not have time to deal with her hysteria.
"Thank you," a voice sounded, but it was not Kryze's.
It was Mira, who decided that Revan meant their agreement by his promise.
The former Sith did not try to dissuade the mercenary. There was no need for her to know that Revan was counting not only on Mandalore's gratitude but also on their future cooperation. Including on military matters.
The former Jedi and head of his own Empire understood how important influence was in this galaxy on any issue. And much indicated that this influence would be greatly needed in the future. And Revan decided to prepare as thoroughly as possible.
But that was a matter for the future. For now, the former commander of the Republic fleet had the task of liberating Mandalore. And he had to do it quickly. Before the Senate received news of the conflict and sent "peacekeepers" to finally subjugate Mandalore.
Revan did not doubt that Sidious had influence in the Senate. Just as he did not doubt that the Sith was directing the actions of the Trade Federation. The presence of Neimoidian ships and troops as part of the invasion forces testified to this vividly. Apparently, including reports from the Claws, some kind of coalition was forming in the galaxy in opposition to the Republic. This would inevitably lead to increased tension in the Senate, which, in turn, could turn into an open war. And very soon, within the next decade.
He did not want to be caught between two fires. This meant he should prepare. And first of all, liberate Mandalore.
"Well, I suggest we return to current affairs," Targon drew everyone's attention.
"Latest intelligence data," Sevras, nodding to the head of law enforcement, activated the holoprojector built into the table.
A map of Keldabe and the surrounding areas appeared above the table. Most sectors were marked in red as occupied by the enemy. Only a narrow ring around the palace, as the heart of the capital, was free. Several other pockets of resistance were observed near the spaceport and west of the city, where one of the hydroponic farms supplying the capital with food was located.
"In addition to general pressure along the entire encirclement line, the enemy is apparently rushing to our landing pads. In particular, the southern spaceport and the hangars near the royal palace. The northern port has already been captured," Nomad commented on the map.
"They have redeployed almost three dozen AATs to the approaches to the southern port. But it's suspiciously quiet near the palace," Ala Daruk reported the information she had.
"It's not surprising. Judging by what our source in the Death Watch reported, the palace hangars, as well as the palace itself, will be stormed by Death Watch forces with the support of mercenaries," Sevras added to the information.
"They don't want the droids to get the victory?" Nimra Zol chuckled.
"Quite likely," Nomad agreed.
"But what are they counting on in principle? Do they really think that after capturing the palace, the people will suddenly love them? How do they plan to hold power after the capture?" the Duchess herself asked a very interesting question.
"Most likely, they will use their own propaganda along with an information bomb that has been in preparation on the HoloNet for some time," Revan suggested.
"What do you mean?" Satine didn't understand.
"There are too many Jedi around you," Sevras Nomad answered instead of Revan.
"What?"
"According to the most likely scenario, they will try to portray you as a traitor to all the Mandalorian people. They will accuse you of conspiring with vile Jedi to completely destroy the traditions and culture of the Mandalorians. Of course, everything will be supported by video recordings and photographs where you are surrounded by Knights of the Order. They will also bring up your contacts with the Senate. And to top it all off, they will blame the invasion on your attempt to get rid of the opposition," Revan made a guess.
"But the Death Watch is on the same side as the invasion forces!" the Duchess exclaimed indignantly.
"No one has seen them on the battlefield," Daruk objected.
"They are acting either with mercenaries or not appearing at all," Nomad added.
"They pretend they have nothing to do with the droids. And in the end, they will triumphantly drive everyone out of Mandalore," the former Sith chuckled.
"And they will slander you," Mira Nomad concluded.
"We have been fighting disinformation and attempts to plant compromising material on you in the planetary information network for some time. Fortunately, it has always been under government control. But the HoloNet is more difficult. It is independent, and anyone can post information there. You should prepare a defense strategy," Revan advised.
"For example? What can justify me?"
"For example, Obi-Wan is your close friend, or even a lover..."
"What!?" the Duchess exclaimed indignantly.
"I am not your judge, nor will the Mandalorians judge you. After all, if a Mandalorian woman chooses a man, she will achieve him, no matter what," Revan said soothingly.
"It's good that he's not here," Kryze said almost inaudibly.
"Our friends from the Order are not here precisely because we don't want to embarrass our comrades with their presence," the former Sith added.
"And you? Aren't you from the Order?" Kryze raised her gaze to Revan.
"Good question," Nimra Zol supported the Duchess.
The head of the guard, as well as the head of the local police, disliked the former Jedi, making no distinction between him and other members of the Order.
Characteristically, Ala Daruk perceived Revan calmly. After all, his advice and contacts with clan leaders had saved many lives of Mandalore's defenders.
"I cannot be called a Jedi in the full sense of the word. I once trained in the Order, but then I left it to protect what I believed in. I have been both the sworn enemy of the Jedi and their most valuable ally. Now, there is neutrality between us. As long as they don't bother me, I won't bother them either... if possible."
"And who should I consider you to be?"
"His armor is Mandalorian," Daruk noted.
"And he knows the traditions," Sevras supported Ala.
"And the clans respect him," Mira added.
"You want to pass him off as a Mandalorian?!" Jul Targon exclaimed indignantly.
"He's a Jedi! His lightsaber feats in the palace were shown all over the network!" Zol declared.
"So what?" Revan chuckled.
"That's a Jedi weapon!" Targon pointed to the obvious fact.
"Then why does Vizsla use the same thing?" the former Sith calmly inquired.
"What?" the protesters were taken aback.
"According to information from the same agent, whose words are beyond doubt, Pre Vizsla wields a black lightsaber. Apparently, this saber was stolen by the Mandalorians from the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. And this blade was created by one of the Mandalorians who trained in the Order," Revan explained.
"The only Mandalorian who trained there," Nomad corrected the former Jedi.
"Only because the others who trained in the Temple did not return to Mandalore, thereby betraying your traditions and ceasing to be considered Mandalorians," Revan shrugged.
"And you want to call yourself one of them?" Kryze clarified.
"Not exactly. You see, Avner Van is not my real name."
"Meaning?"
"I have another one. The Council of Clans knows it."
"And what is it?"
"I am Vaner Shan."
The Duchess did not recognize the name, as her confused face indicated. The head of the police reacted similarly. But Zol and Daruk seemed to be better acquainted with history.
"A distant descendant of Bastila Shan..." Revan began, but Daruk interrupted him.
"And the harbinger of death... the devastator of Malachor... the butcher... Revan," the head of the militia recited, not taking her eyes off the former Jedi.
Her emotions were mixed. There was fear and admiration in them.
"Few remember this name, but 'the butcher' and 'the devastator of Malachor' are known to almost everyone who has even briefly studied our people's history," Sevras explained Ala's reaction.
"Do you want to use this name?" the Duchess clarified.
"Yes."
"That's... reasonable... Despite what your ancestor did to our people during the Mandalorian Wars, he is respected. This... might work," Kryze said thoughtfully.
"Your authority will only increase with my presence nearby. And I can vouch for Qui-Gon."
"Alright. Although I'm not thrilled with your plan... We'll do it this way. I cannot lose the peace for which I have worked so hard," the Duchess finally agreed.
"Our analysts will prepare the necessary materials and statements for dissemination on the network, if necessary," Nomad assured Kryze.
Satine could only nod in agreement. Everything had been decided for her. For the first time, she clearly felt like a pawn on a throne. But this did not frighten her; rather, it encouraged her. The support of the clans, which she had sought for so long, had suddenly come on its own. Mandalore was becoming united. This was her dream... The only thing that clouded the Duchess's thoughts was that her homeworld would once again reject pacifism... Although, perhaps, it wasn't so bad.
Suddenly, the communicator of the clan head Nomad beeped.
"Excuse me, this is an urgent report," Sevras announced, opening the message.
"Did something happen?" the Duchess inquired.
"Hutt! Something definitely happened!" Nomad jumped to his feet.
"What?" Revan demanded an answer.
"Mercenaries and Death Watch fighters have just attacked the hangars near the palace!"
Revan cursed mentally. He hadn't expected an attack on the hangars, which were quite close to the Duchess's residence, so soon. After all, it was there that the Eagle had been moved. The ship was being prepared for a blockade break to take HK and Mira to the place where the hostages were hidden. Fortunately, Anakin should be in the palace now, in the quarters assigned to him. Or else...
A premonition of trouble made Revan pull out his communicator and call his apprentice.
There was no answer.
The next call was directed to HK.
"With readiness: HK-47 is ready to serve, Master," the droid responded.
"Where is Skywalker?" the former Jedi asked directly.
"Answer: In his room, Master."
"Check!"
Metallic footsteps of the droid were heard. HK was carrying out the order.
"Irritated: Damn little bag of meat! And a useless bucket of bolts!" HK's angry tirade was heard.
"What happened?!"
"Indignant answer: Master, your useless apprentice has left the palace without authorization and headed for the Eagle to retrieve his training equipment. This is indicated in a message left on the terminal. The digital signature corresponds to a brainless R2 series astromech who volunteered to accompany the juvenile bag of meat."
"Damn it!"
Revan cursed and turned to the droid again.
"HK, quickly to the hangars! Take your weapons. Combat is expected."
"Enthusiastically: It will be done, Master! Who is the enemy?"
"Death Watch and mercenaries."
"Admiringly: Bags of meat? Excellent!"
"End of transmission."
Revan turned to Nomad. Sevras was just informing the assembly about the enemy's numbers and the situation.
"We won't have time to redeploy additional units," Daruk shook her head.
"Spirits! There's armored vehicles and Vultures!" Zol exclaimed, having familiarized herself with the data transmitted by the Nomad clan.
"They'll all be killed there!" the Duchess exclaimed indignantly.
"Calm down! We can still make it," Revan drew everyone's attention.
"How?"
"A large detachment cannot be redeployed, that's true. But I can get to the hangars with a small group on a speeder," the former Jedi explained.
"Then I'm going with you," Mira immediately stepped forward.
"As am I," Sevras Nomad nodded to his apprentice.
"We'll all go!" Ala Daruk supported her compatriots.
"We cannot leave our troops," Targon stated.
"Nor the Duchess's guard," Zol added.
"Then stay here. We're going as we are," Sevras interrupted all arguments.
Revan nodded and was the first to move towards the exit. Ala and both representatives of the Nomad clan hurried after him.
Finding transport and reaching the hangars, located just a kilometer from the Palace itself, was not difficult. It took no more than fifteen minutes.
The battle was already in full swing. And the defenders were not in the best position. They were being pushed back and suppressed by fire, not allowing them to counterattack. Death Watch fighters were fully using the height advantage, actively using jetpacks. Mercenaries were advancing on the ground, getting closer and closer to the fortifications. Vulture droids circled in the sky, unleashing volleys of laser cannons and missiles on the shelters of the Duchess's loyal Mandalorians. And tanks AAT completed the sad picture.
"Jump!" Revan ordered, descending as low as possible.
The Mandalorians jumped out at ground level, while the former Jedi directed the speeder to intercept one of the vultures. The not-so-intelligent machine, almost all of whose computational core resources were dedicated to flight control, did not react in time.
Revan abandoned the speeder at the very last moment. The civilian transport rammed the droid, reducing the enemy's air support.
Upon landing, Revan immediately cut down two mercenaries and pulled one of the hovering watchers from the sky. The sudden appearance of a Force-sensitive on the battlefield disrupted the actions of the attacking forces. All attention focused on Revan's figure, moving across the battlefield from one enemy to another with lightning speed. Ordinary mercenaries could not offer any worthy resistance to the Force-sensitive. Many of them had never seen a Jedi in battle before. One by one, they died from the deadly blade of the lightsaber.
The defenders of the hangars took advantage of the chaos, managing to finally peek out from behind cover. They managed to deploy a couple of stationary turrets, the path to which had been cut off by the attackers until recently. Flamethrowers and rocket launchers came into play, quickly reducing the number of aircraft and armored vehicles. One of the AATs got in Revan's way and was cut open like a tin can, and the crew was chopped to pieces. The former Sith did not care much about aesthetics, unleashing all his fury on the enemy. Unlike the confined conditions of the landing platform at the palace, here Revan could unleash his full power, avoiding enemy fire, not allowing himself to be surrounded and aimed at. He was actively covered by the arriving Nomads and Daruk.
The scales were confidently tipping in favor of the defenders, when suddenly one of the mercenaries turned against his comrades. A figure in a dark cloak shot down four enemy fighters closest to him, then shot down a Watcher from the sky, all in a couple of seconds, which spoke of the high level of the shooter's training.
Noticing the betrayal, Vizsla's followers unleashed on the defector. Rockets were used, one of which exploded very close to the traitor. Revan, having noticed the mercenary's actions, thought that the life of the unexpected ally would end like this, when from a cloud of smoke, the figure of that very fighter jumped out. His cloak was burning, so the defector threw it off, revealing a silver Mandalorian armor with blue inserts.
"Fett?!" Sevras Nomad exclaimed in surprise, recognizing the clan markings on the armor.
"Fett?" Revan repeated.
"Yes, those are their markings!" Sevras confirmed.
"Weren't all the Fetts killed by Vizsla?" Daruk was surprised.
"All but one," Nomad grinned. "If it's really him, then he's not our enemy. It's more likely that Tatooine will freeze over than this guy will work for the Death Watch."
Revan turned his gaze to the Mandalorian, who had suddenly turned out to be an ally. With incredible speed and accuracy, the one identified as a member of the Fett clan, killed the mercenaries and Death Watch fighters attacking him, which earned Revan involuntary respect.
Having finished with the enemies, Fett turned to the former Jedi and his escort. Nodding briefly to them, the Mandalorian turned and rushed back into battle.
Revan, however, did not know how to react to this. He had a not-so-good relationship with the Fett clan. But this Mandalorian was on their side... or so it seemed. The former Jedi had much to think about and accept. But all later. Now the battle had to be finished!