Chapter 311 - A Cornered Enemy is Scarier Than Anything

After General Yoda's words sunk in, all the Jedis looked at themselves, unsure. They weren't children who had seen nothing of the galaxy yet. They knew war was cruel, and that sacrifices were inevitable. They themselves had been to hundreds, if not thousands, of battles, and saw many of the soldiers under them die.

However, what Dageer was suggesting wasn't a fight that would leave a few hundred or thousand casualties. It wasn't even the sacrifice of an entire legion. No. It would be more brutal and horrific than any battle the Republic ever partook in. Dageer's plan, if it worked, would lead to millions of deaths. If it didn't, it could potentially cause the entire annihilation of the Clone Army.

The Jedis, on their infinite kindness, thought about what Dageer must be feeling while he brought up such a plan. To know that your brothers would die, and still go on... But he was right. That was their only shot at survival.

They were, however, overthinking. It certainly wasn't an easy decision to make, but any clone would have done it. If they let the Jedis hesitate more because they weren't willing to make sacrifices, more of their brothers would die.

"What... If we were to proceed with this plan, what would our next steps be?"

Dageer looked at the Jedi, a Twi'lek he didn't know the name, and pulled up a map of the galaxy. What he needed now wasn't specific measures, but just a rough idea of which planets to give up, and which to attack.

"We would need to take most of our troops on Felucia, Mygeeto, Mon Cala, Dantooine, Umbara, Christophsis, Coruscant, Kessel, Kamino, and Ryloth. Any legion or fleet that we can spare too. Then, we have to attack and take some of the seppies' systems. Especially those who are close to a neutral group. That will give them more confidence in joining the Republic."

"And what planets should we attack?"

Dageer looked at the hologram, frowning. He was the one who came up with the idea, but his specialty was fighting. He usually left strategy for the others.

"Wolffe, Tito, take a look at it."

The two clones stepped forward, and started analyzing the map. In fact, they had already been doing it in their heads before.

"Kiros, Zygerria, Kadavo, Raydonia, Florrum, and Onderon. And some other less important planets here, here, and here."

"They are all important systems, with a strong Separatist force. But if we strike quickly, they won't be able to react."

"And, by taking them, we can control the supply lines of the Separatist on three entire sectors. We wouldn't even need to attack Mon Cala, Ryloth, Umbara, and Felucia again. We could just let the clanckers waste their batteries."

"Some of those systems are neutral. If we attack them, the others might start fearing us."

Chancellor Palpatine intervened, pointing at Kiros, Zygerria, and Florrum.

"They are neutral only in name. Our intelligence indicates that they house a good Separatist force. And not against their will."

General Windu got the latest reports they had, and transmitted it to everyone. Dageer already knew what was in them, because Hell Squad had been the ones to obtain them during the infiltration of a Separatist ship.

"If that tactic works, not only will we be able to avoid a loss, but also make a comeback."

"I will take my leave, Jedi Masters, and let you make your plans. Good luck, and... How do you say it? May the Force be with you?"

The Jedis nodded, and the projection of Chancellor Palpatine disappeared. Dageer could swear he saw a slight smirk on his face.

The next days were enveloped in heated discussions, even while Hell Squad was fighting on Kiros. They barely got any rest those days, battling for hours without end, and, in the few moments of calm, discussing their offensive. Captain Rex and Commander Cody weren't much better than them.

At a certain point, after they had just captured a small town, General Kenobi saw Hell Squad standing guard. Their backs were straight, and they were paying full attention, but the Jedi could feel their exhaustion.

"When was the last time you slept, commander?"

"Three days ago, general. But we were able to catch a break here and there."

"That is not enough. Hell Squad, go get some rest. I need you focused on the next battles, and not falling asleep."

That was an order Dageer couldn't disagree with. Even Hell Squad needed to sleep every once in a while, otherwise they would make stupid mistakes, which could get themselves and their brothers killed.

Still, as always, they didn't sleep much. After about three hours, Dageer woke up, covered in cold sweat. The nightmares were getting worse each day. The thought of having to live with them every day of his life, if he survives the war, was terrifying. Clones feared no enemy, but the ones they saw on their dreams.

Since he wasn't on duty right now, Dageer didn't put on his armor, and left his quarters careful not to make a noise. His squad deserved to sleep, even if it wasn't a very good one.

Kiros was hot even during the night, and miniature dust storms roamed the streets of the small city. Dageer didn't know the name of it, and didn't care. For him, it was just another battle.

"Already awake, Dageer?"

He turned around to find Captain Rex behind him. The shaved clone also didn't have his armor on, for probably the same reason as Dageer.

"Bad dreams, Rex?"

"Always. They are getting worse the longer this dammed war goes on."

Dageer sighed. Civilians and Jedis sometimes thought the clones liked the war. Only the troopers knew how badly they wished for it to end.

"It's coming to an end, Rex. I can feel it."

Unconsciously, he touched the scar on his face. He had dozens on his body, but it was always that one that hurt the most.

Dageer didn't know why he had the feeling the war was ending, even as Captain Rex looked at him waiting for a follow-up. He just knew it.

"How long?"

"I don't know. And don't ask me who will win either. If you want predictions, talk with the Jedis. It's just a feeling."

"If you want to talk about feelings, I am having one right now. We are being watched."

Dageer nodded, and pointed at a hill about four or five kilometers away.

"Commando droids. Dab saw them today. He managed to take one out, but they were too far away, and the others hid."

The 501st leader nodded, not impressed in the slightest. There were some men on his legion who could take such a shot, whatsoever in Hell Squad.

"Do you think the grand offensive will work?"

"Is that what the higher-ups are calling it?"

Captain Rex suppressed a laugh, and Dageer made a small grin. The seat-warmers at the Senate always liked to give mighty names for the battles and operations. None of them knew that there was nothing glamorous about war.

"If it was anyone else, no, it wouldn't. But we are clones, Rex. The price will be hefty, but that is our chance of turning the tides of the war. It will work."

// AUTHOR'S THOUGHTS //

What's up, everyone! We are entering a part of the novel I think you will find... interesting. It's something I always has on my head, but never had the chance to write before.

Also, I realized I made a slight mistake. Hell Squad is with the 501st and the 212th, so I wrote the name Echo a few times in the coming chapters. However, Echo is, up till now, still considered dead, according to the lore (he died in the Citadel, rescuing Master Piell). I went back and changed it to other names, and I think I got everything, but if I didn't, feel free to point it out for me.

I'm just saying it now so if you see Echo written somewhere, and you think it's weird, you know the reason. It's a lot to think about when writing, so sometimes mistakes like that happen.

Apart from that, I hope you are all having a lovely day, and staying safe. If you can, leave a review and/or a comment, I love reading them! And, as always, may the Force be with you!