TH-07 looked at the planet his fleet had jumped to. Donovia was the name listed in the file, but the droid understood something else better: ER-23-FJH-521. Organics had a strange habit of giving various objects rather meaningless names that did not convey any meaning whatsoever. However, that was not a priority task right now.
Destroy the enemy base on the planetoid and seize control of the fuel plant in the orbit of the gas giant. Nothing else matters right now.
"Report! No enemy ships detected in orbit. We are observing activity in the orbit of the gas giant," the operator reported.
"All combat ships! Execute maneuver QW-2213. Take up position in orbit, block approaches to the enemy base, cover the transport ships. Begin jamming. Frigates TY-324 and TY-326, prepare to execute protocol DA-213/1," TH-07 tucked his manipulators behind his back.
"Roger Roger! Transmitting order," reported the captain of the Recusant. The droids on the bridge manipulated various keys on interactive displays, giving the necessary orders or controlling the ship. Their actions were clear and precise; the programs written into each droid were perfectly suited to the tasks they were assigned. Zero-Seven understood and... enjoyed? ... this order.
The tactical droid watched as the ships took up their assigned positions. The Lucrehulks descended into lower orbit, remaining, however, out of reach of the Republicans' space defense cannons, and at the same time within the gravitational ring of the planets. This was the most optimal location, providing protection from possible attacks by enemy ships, which would be forced to exit hyperspace outside the gravitational field, giving time to adequately assess the enemy's forces and counterattack. The frigates took up positions behind them, covering the transporters from possible attack from space, forming two parallel lines, one slightly above the other.
Almost every frigate had a powerful communications system that could be successfully used to jam enemy communications, filling all channels with meaningless symbols. In addition, they were also used as droid control stations.
Twenty minutes later, all ships were in their designated positions. Holograms of four tactical droids appeared before Zero-Seven.
"Begin deploying combat droids at points FG-342, FD-244, FA-434, and FW-356. Then immediately begin the attack on the Republic base.
"Beginning execution," the droids reported in unison.
***
Well, well. Watching hundreds of transport ships descend onto the planet is not a pleasant sight, especially knowing that all this power is coming straight at you. This time, the droids were not only on the Lucrehulks, but also on the frigates, which were carrying four C-9979s each. I guess they won't be able to unload everything in one go.
Once again diving into myself, I focused on the enemy flagship. The image of the droid tactician flashed in my mind and faded away. So that's who the commander is. I was worried it would be an organic, but thank the Force, I got lucky. I eagerly watched as the transporters approached the landing points and our traps.
Soon, two proton cannons opened fire. The first one managed to fire only four shots, shooting down one transport, after which the gun was destroyed from the air — the transports were tightly covered by the Vultures. But the second one... The gunner did his best, shooting down five transports with ten shots, after which the crew safely retreated.
"Not bad. We managed to reduce the number of troops."
"I'm afraid it won't last long."
***
TH-07 listened to a report from one of the tacticians:
"The enemy's anti-aircraft fire was more effective. Two units were deployed directly at the landing point. Six of our transporters were shot down."
"Continue the offensive."
"We'll be at the base perimeter in seven minutes."
Zero-Seven analyzed what had happened. The enemy commander had managed to surprise him with an unusual move.
The tactician loved holochess — one of the testers who conducted research with him often played a game or two with him, arguing that the game allowed the droid's intellect to develop. TX-07 agreed with him — these exercises were perfect for unlocking the potential of his model. The enemy made a move. It was time to make his own. However, this was not a game, and who was stopping him from making two moves at once that would decide the outcome of the game?
— All bombers! Strike the Republican positions. Frigates TY-324 and TY-326, begin maneuver DA-213/1.
Long chains of Hyena bombers took off from the Lucrehulk hangars — a new acquisition of the droid army, recently rolled off the assembly line. The bomber's design was a major upgrade of the Vulture-type fighter droid, the main "workhorse" of the CIS. The droid received an elongated body and an additional universal launch compartment for missiles, torpedoes, or bombs. The droid retained its "head" on a short and thin "neck," allowing it to "scan" the terrain with its own sensors without turning its entire body. The bomber's ability to transform into a light walker was also retained. At the same time, the increased size allowed for a more advanced power plant to be squeezed into the machine, which increased its autonomy to two days.
In addition to two light laser cannons, the armament consisted of six proton bombs. The latter now occupied their place in the feed cassette — the strike was intended for ground targets, and it was rational to use unguidedprojectiles — this increased the mass of explosives and the destructive properties.
The two frigates turned around and performed evasive maneuvers, simultaneously deploying their wings and brake screens.
The TX-07 calmly awaited the start of the operation.