12

In hyperspace to Shase

04 Desember 3748 AD

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The preparations for the invasion were set, and all the plans had been discussed and arranged. Everything was in place, and it was only a matter of time before Operation Primus would commence at the beginning of the new year.

However, before that, Aurelian had one final task to accomplish—the "meeting" with Dulan in Shase.

Aurelian couldn't believe that Dulan thought he would fall for his trap. He was determined to show Dulan the price of underestimating one's opponent.

Standing on the bridge of the Solis Aeternus, Aurelian had Commander Valeria by his side. The rest of the ships that would be used for the trap were closely following behind—a fleet consisting of 10 Venators and 20 Arquitens, a force formidable enough to counter any number of ships that Dulan might bring.

"Now remember, Commander, you're in command of the plan. Only give the order to the rest of the fleet when I give you the signal."

Aurelian instructed Valeria, who nodded with utmost seriousness.

"Of course, Imperator."

Valeria replied.

The plan was simple. Upon reaching the designated location, their fleet would wait in hyperspace while Aurelian used a smaller vessel to travel to Shase. The fleet would await his order to attack.

Aurelian waited for a couple of minutes on the bridge until a crewman reported.

"We have reached the destination."

Aurelian nodded and looked at Valeria.

"I entrust the fleet to you, Commander."

Valeria saluted him.

"Be safe, Imperator."

Aurelian chuckled and returned her salute.

"Of course, Commander. I don't plan on dying."

He then made his way to the hangar bay, where the VCX-100 light freighter was waiting. Aurelian piloted the ship and emerged from hyperspace, leaving the rest of the fleet behind.

As he arrived in the orbit of Shase, the situation seemed quiet, with no sign of Dulan yet.

However, not long after, a hyperspace window opened, and a small freighter roughly the same size as Aurelian's appeared, and Dulan's holographic image show up on Aurelian's console.

"So, you have come, Imperator."

Dulan smirked, and Aurelian pretended to innocently nod.

"Of course, I have come. I am ready to negotiate, as long as the king shows mercy."

"The king will definitely show you mercy."

Dulan replied, his grin becoming more predatory on his aged face.

"The moment after I show him your corpse."

Suddenly, another hyperspace window opened, and dozens of Crescent-class ships emerged behind Dulan's freighter.

"You're a fool, Imperator. Falling for my trap. Surrender or be blown to pieces."

Dulan declared with a satisfied smile. He believed he had successfully captured the leader of the rebellion, and with it, the rebellion would end, and the king would reward him handsomely.

Aurelian only smiled back at him.

"Oh, Dulan. What a clown you are."

"What?" Dulan's smile froze.

"Do you think I would fall easily for this trick?"

Aurelian pressed a button on his console, and suddenly hyperspace windows appeared behind him, revealing his fleet that had arrived with him.

"I only came to show you how utterly ridiculous your plan was. Enjoy the destruction of your precious fleet."

Aurelian declared confidently.

With that, Aurelian steered his freighter to land inside the Solis Aeternus.

As Aurelian's freighter landed inside the Solis Aeternus, the space battle unfolded outside.

The Venators and Arquitens ships, under the command of Commander Valeria, swiftly engaged the Crescent-class vessels that had appeared behind Dulan's freighter.

The superior firepower and strategic positioning of Aurelian's fleet became evident as the battle commenced.

The Venators unleashed devastating barrages from their turbolasers, while the Arquitens ships maneuvered with precision, firing volleys of laser blasts.

The enemy fleet, caught off guard by the sudden arrival of Aurelian's reinforcements, struggled to mount an effective defense.

Just like Operation Blackout proved, the Crescent-class ships demonstrated their inferior shields and weaponry compared to the Venators and Arquitens.

The turbolasers of Aurelian's fleet easily pierced through the shields of the Crescent-class vessels, while the enemy's feeble weapons barely made a scratch on the Venators or Arquitens.

The Venators and Arquitens pressed their advantage, unleashing a relentless assault.

One by one, the Crescent-class ships fell victim to the overwhelming firepower of the Aurelius fleet. Explosions tore through the enemy vessels as they were torn apart, their shields failing to withstand the onslaught. The space around them was filled with the debris of destroyed ships.

The Venators and Arquitens pressed their advantage, unleashing a relentless assault on the enemy fleet. The inferior Crescent-class ships stood no chance against the overwhelming firepower of the Aurelius fleet. Explosions tore through the enemy vessels as they were torn apart, their shields failing to withstand the onslaught. The debris of destroyed ships filled the space around them, a testament to the one-sided massacre.

Inside his freighter, Dulan watched in utter shock and disbelief as his carefully laid trap crumbled before his eyes. The expression of satisfaction on his face disappeared, replaced by a mixture of fear and disbelief. He had spent months assembling this fleet, believing it to be formidable, but he had never anticipated the might and preparedness of Aurelian's forces.

Two of his pilots urgently pleaded with him, their voices filled with panic.

"We have to go now, sir! While the enemy is focused on the fleet!"

Dulan snapped out of his stupor and numbly nodded to the pilots. The freighter silently slipped away from the battlefield, leaving behind the destruction and carnage that still raged before them.

Meanwhile, aboard the Solis Aeternus, Aurelian observed the unfolding massacre with a deep sense of satisfaction. His plan had worked flawlessly, and the enemy fleet was swiftly annihilated. He could almost taste victory, knowing that Dulan's hopes of capturing him had been shattered.

Explosions continued to fill the space in front of them as the kingdom's fleet met its demise. Some enemy ships attempted to escape, but the barrage of weapons from Aurelian's fleet managed to destroy them before they could flee.

As the last remnants of the Crescent-class ships were obliterated, the space battle came to an abrupt end. Silence filled the void as the victorious Venators and Arquitens regrouped around the Solis Aeternus, their mission accomplished.

"Sir, the freighter belonging to Dulan has escaped,"

a crewman reported.

"What !?"

It is Valeria that responded in shock.

"Track them and catch them. Now!"

She gave ordered in a panic.

"We cant Commander, the ship has just entered the hyperspace."

"But-"

"It is of no concern, Commander Valeria."

Aurelian cut her of with a calm smile. Valeria calm herself down after witnessing Aurelian's expression. She cant be seen having a panic moment. Not infront of the Imperator.

"Let Dulan go. An idiot enemy like him is easier to handle than a competent one."

He said while looking at the spaceships debris infront of the Solis Aeternus.

Valeria hesitated for a moment, but seeing the merit in Aurelian's opinion, she composed herself and responded,

"As you say, Imperator."

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Planet Tannas

The Headquarters

01 January 3749 AD

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It was time.

Aurelian's heart filled with anticipation. After months of preparation since his transmigration to this world, the moment had finally arrived to end the rebellion against the kingdom.

He stood in front of a mirror, double-checking his outfit to ensure everything was perfect. His appearance needed to reflect the confidence and determination he felt within.

He would soon deliver a speech, announcing the commencement of the final campaign. It would be a pivotal moment, rallying his forces and inspiring them to fight with unwavering loyalty.

Satisfied with his appearance, Aurelian took a deep breath, steeling himself for the task ahead. This was the culmination of his efforts, the moment that would define the future of the rebellion and the kingdom itself.

The time for hesitation was over. With resolute determination, Aurelian left the mirror behind, ready to address his troops and lead them into the final battle. Victory awaited, and he was determined to seize it.

He made his way towards one of the large balcony in the headquarters. Many of his high command already there, standing, waiting for his arrival.

When he arrives, he took a moment to witness many soldiers stand in attention below the balcony, it was facing the large open courtyard that can accommodate thousands of people.

They are his ground soldiers. While his fleet are in space, also witnessing this moment.

The soldiers wore a new style of armor, a fusion of black and red in a Roman legion-inspired design with futuristic features. With full face helmet. The main price of this new set of armor is that it was made out of beskar.

Yes. Beskar.

The ultimate metal for the mandalorian people in the star wars galaxy.

It take a lot of points for him to summon the mineral, but with the final product that his people produced, it was worth every single one of those points.

The atmosphere is all silent. Waiting for his speech.

Aurelian stood tall, his presence commanding, as he prepared to address his troops and inspire them for the final campaign.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward to the edge of the balcony, his voice projected with authority and determination.

"Soldiers of the Aurelius! Today marks the beginning of our final campaign. We stand united, clad in the finest armor with the finest weapon and fleets. This new weapons represents our resilience, our unwavering commitment to our cause. With every step we take, every battle we fight, we bring honor to our fallen comrades and hope to those who have suffered under the yoke of the Kingdom's tyranny!"

His voice carried across the courtyard, the words resonating with the soldiers below. Aurelian's eyes scanned the soldier before him, their faces are covered with the helmet, but he can feel their determination.

"We have faced countless challenges, endured countless sacrifices. But our resolve remains unshaken. We fight not just for ourselves, but for a future where justice prevail. The time has come to deliver the final blow to the forces of Pharahans. For decades we had fought together, and together, we shall triumph!"

A thunderous roar erupted from the soldiers, their cheers echoing throughout the courtyard. Aurelian raised his hand, silencing them, and continued with a resolute tone.

"Let this be the day our enemies remember. Let them tremble in the face of our might and determination. Let them tremble with the might of our fleets, let them tremble in the boots of our soldiers. We march forward, united as one, towards victory!"

As the soldiers cheered once more, their spirits lifted, Aurelian couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and hope. The stage was set, the final campaign had begun, and he was confident that with the dedication of his soldiers, and the new formidable weapons, they will prevail.