Yes, that explains it. How could he forget that simple factor, their numbers. Chances are that the initial clone forces here had been greatly diminished due to their battles, same as him except he received a surplus of droids in the thousands as reinforcement and they didn't, no, they couldn't.
This system wasn't so important to the Republic to warrant such an investment, the best they would do was try to deny his shipments of B2's and yet the Count already has that taken care of. It would be difficult to stop with the fleets assigned to protect the shipping routes.
But what was that damned Tactical droid talking about? An assault to only distract them, that would be practically throwing away an opportunity delivered right into his laps. He expected more from those units and had been so far disappointed with their results.
This was the best chance to attack, push with his droids and catch them by surprise. They would panic and try to hold except they would also be flanked by the incoming breakthrough forces on the other sector. Better yet, it would be good to pretend like he couldn't see them and then launch the assault when significant resistance is encountered on the other sector.
They would be practically defenseless and it would result in an easier retaking of that position that was once his. A fortunate situation indeed and unfortunately time was of the essence, so he would have to push with the main forces stationed there to fully claim it. With that, he would route the Republic forces on all other sectors and finally reclaim this planet.
" Send a message to that tactical droid, mobilize all droid forces in preparation for a main assault. They are to advance and take that position, I do not want any half-hearted assaults meant to only tie them down. " he commanded.
" Roger Roger" The droid replied as it got to work.
Things were looking good for him, just a few days ago he had thought his end would come. That his ambitions would be cut short due to his failures here but it would not seem so easily. What did the Jedi say about their religion? The force be with you?
Well, it certainly was with him and supported him greatly.
"uh...Sir, the tactical droid refuses " The droid reported.
" What? What do you mean it refuses?, I gave it an order not a request! " He screamed in anger.
" It says that there is an incoming storm, heavier than what they had experienced previously and pushing their forces would risk a projected casualty rate of at least 30% due to the storms alone." The droid added in as it read the message.
He paused.
They had lost thousands of droids holding that position and now that the chance to permanently claim it has arrived, it refuses for a measly 30%? Did the tin box suddenly grow sentimental of other droids?
" I will only say this once more, mobilize all droid forces and push the Republic position. I do not care if we lose 50% of our forces to the storm, they will simply be replaced! And another blatant disregard of my authority will result in any droids permanent deactivation along with recycling for scraps!." He said, smashing his fists against the arm of his chair in raw rage.
" Roger Roger" The droid replied instantly as it worked to deliver the message.
" Do any of you understand?" He screamed at the room.
"Roger Roger"
"Roger Roger"
Instantly, all the other droids began replying quickly before they then resumed their work.
Stupid droids, who do they think they are to refuse his order? They could be easily replaced, in fact, he would personally see to it that when this is over that the droid in particular is scrapped or at least reduced to cleaning duty. Better yet, he would push it with minor droid forces and let it die.
" The tactical droid acknowledges and will begin immediate preparation " The droid reported back in seconds later.
" Good, keep me updated as too the good news " Hash replied before he settled into his seat and continued to observe the holomap.
The plan went as predicted, the initial ranks of B1's flooded their battle lines and the ill prepared defense forces were soon overrun. Battle lines maintained for weeks had suddenly broken in the span of a few hours, it did not take long for reports of mass retreats to occur on the republics side. They were falling.
" Advance within reach of their back lines, push up reserves 2 and 3 to support our positions. What is the status of the expected storms. " TX - 983 ordered, he was in charge of the forces in this sector and so far had managed to keep the Republic forces at bay.
He succeeded his predecessor whom failed in its task at preventing this very thing and so, it was left with much work to do. Right now, all its work and calculations had suddenly been tossed aside by his general in an attack he believed was unneeded. Taking the unnecessary risk of losing a significant amount of their forces just to retake a position that will inevitably fall back into their hands.
Stupid by his calculations but not unexpected for an organic being.
" Sir, the storm has been reported to be practically upon our forces. It's interfering with communications so it is difficult to get accurate on time reports " A b1 reported.
"Understood, continue our push. I want us to take this position by the end of the day. For the separatist alliance" TX-983 ordered, this variable had been within expectations of it.
Still, it would have preferred to avoid it. Some reports should still make it through however, so it would have to suffice for now. More pressing matters was in the Republic movements, by his calculations, the optimal strategy would be withdraw some forces and reinforce positions under pressure.
However, he had yet to get any reports on Republic troop transit locations or a path they would be using to send troops to other positions. Perhaps it was out of range or hidden, he had his suspicions on certain places and would do well to send some units to check on them after this was all done.
But it was not the only reason, there was a minimal chance that they had simply withdrawn into hideouts to hide from the incoming storm. They were organic beings after all, fragile in nature and weak to the elements. Even yet, such a decision should have produced greater resistance on their part once they realized they were being attacked.
Such things had not happened and waiting this long for it to happen would be nothing short of illogical. Whatever benefits they might gain from doing this retreat pales in comparison to losing this position. It was logical and so, it was correct.