Star Wars_ Darksaber - Kevin J. Anderson [67]
Admiral Ackbar waited for his helmsman to give the announcement. Finally the other Calamarian officer said, “Both teams in position, Admiral.”
Ackbar nodded his huge head. “Prepare to engage,” he said.
The Galactic Voyager was Ackbar’s favorite ship in the fleet. Every one of the lumpy pod-shaped Calamarian battlecruisers followed a slightly different design devised by master shipbuilders in orbit around their world. For years the Mon Calamari had worked nonstop to replenish the losses suffered by the New Republic during fierce battles with the Empire, such as when Admiral Daala and her Star Destroyers had attacked the Calamarian shipyards and Ackbar himself had caused the destruction of the half-completed warship Startide.
Beside him General Crix Madine, the Supreme Allied Commander for Intelligence, said, “We need to keep the Hutts preoccupied and intimidated to accomplish our real mission here.”
A bearded, middle-aged man, Madine had been in charge of the ground assault on Endor, which resulted in the destruction of the energy-shield generator, allowing the Rebel fleet to destroy the second Death Star. A long time ago, Madine had been an important officer in the Imperial military, but he had defected to the Alliance, bringing with him much valuable information. A good many Rebel victories had resulted from the secret intelligence Madine had delivered to Mon Mothma. He now kept a low profile, serving in his quiet role of necessary covert operations.
“Now that our fleet is in system,” Madine said, “I doubt very much that the Hutts will dare misbehave when the Chief of State arrives on her diplomatic mission.”
Ackbar nodded solemnly. “That may be your motivation, General Madine, but right now my purpose is to score a victory for Red Team.”
As Ackbar began preparations for the engagement, Madine went to one of the sensor stations and relieved the lieutenant. Crix Madine was a hands-on person who liked to do his own busy work. He had no way of knowing when he might need to be proficient in every level of operations, so he tried to have a broad background and competence in every system on board.
Madine adjusted the Galactic Voyager’s long-range scanners to zoom in on the greenish planet of Nal Hutta and its Smugglers’ Moon, Nar Shaddaa. With the arrival of the New Republic fleet, he noted a marked increase in traffic departing from Nar Shaddaa, no doubt small-time criminals fleeing the intimidating military force. He resigned himself to letting so many lowlifes get away, but right now he couldn’t be interested in the dregs of society. His real target on this mission would be much more devious.
“Blue Team has squared off in a defensive position,” the tactical officer said.
Ackbar concentrated on his station. “Give me a display.” Images of Wedge’s fleet appeared in a picket line across space. “Very well,” he said, “we will be the aggressor in this engagement.” He stared at the arrangement of Blue Team’s ships and shook his salmon-colored head. “I’ll have to teach General Antilles a lesson in tactics and vulnerability.”
Madine returned to the admiral’s side. “What do you mean?” He had always been interested in fleet maneuvers.
Ackbar pointed a flipper-hand toward the images. “We’ll plunge through them like a dagger,” he said. “One of our gunships in front, then the Galactic Voyager, then the other two gunships. We’ll plow straight between the two frigates—those are the primary targets. The lead gunship will come in firing and pass straight through. Then the Galactic Voyager will obliterate their defenses with our superior firepower. Finally, the second and third gunships will mop up what’s left. With one pass, we’ll take out the Yavaris and the Dodonna. Blue Team’s flanking Corvettes will be unable to bring their weapons to bear because their own ships block the way.”
“Sounds straightforward,” Madine said.
“Just watch,” Ackbar answered.
* * *
Wedge slumped into his command chair with