In the eastern sector of Tipoca City, the Second Combat Group assembled to defend Kamino.
Black Widow's team stood around a holographic tactical table where multiple maps displayed simultaneously. The personnel present—whether physically or via holographic transmission—formed a united front.
Defending their designated sector were Black Panther, Quicksilver, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Commanders Cody, Wolffe, and several other clone officers. Around them, represented through holographic projections, were the two other teams defending Kamino's capital.
On the right side of the display, Captain America and Anakin's strike force stood ready. On the left, the third group included Falcon, Ant-Man, Wasp, Daredevil, Masters Windu, Mundi, and Fisto, along with Commanders Ponds, Thorn, and Lock.
A moment later, Shaak Ti's hologram materialized, joining the third group's formation.
Obi-Wan spoke first. "Now that we're all assembled, let's begin."
The war room hummed with quiet intensity as everyone took their positions. Holographic projections vividly displayed all participants in the operation, creating a comprehensive strategic overview.
Kenobi continued, his tone measured and authoritative. "I've been entrusted with coordinating this defense due to my familiarity with Kamino. Through intelligence gathered by our Republic contacts, we know that for the first time since the Battle of Geonosis, the Separatists are conducting a major assault with advance warning."
The holographic table shifted, displaying a detailed projection of Tipoca City in three dimensions. "Kamino currently maintains approximately one million clone troopers in various stages of development and training. A successful CIS attack could throw the Republic into complete disarray. Therefore, we need a strategy to blunt their offensive."
Kenobi gestured at the orbital patterns surrounding the planet. "It's imperative we prevent the Confederacy from launching a full-scale assault before they realize the true extent of Republic forces present. The bulk of our fleet is standing by in hyperspace, awaiting our signal to deploy."
"Are you certain this will work?" Ant-Man asked, unable to hide his nervousness.
Kenobi shook his head slightly. "It's not a perfect plan, but it's our best option. We must acknowledge that most clones stationed here aren't combat-ready—they're cadets, trainees, and support personnel."
Anakin leaned forward over the table. "If the Separatists detect the trap, they'll withdraw and strike again when we're unprepared. Next time, we might not receive any advance warning."
"There's another factor we can't ignore," Falcon interjected. "The Separatists are attacking the clones' homeworld. This is deeply personal for every trooper defending this planet."
Commander Cody's voice carried steel. "They'll be bringing overwhelming firepower—they wouldn't dare attempt this otherwise. But this is our home. This fight is personal for every clone here." The other clone commanders nodded in silent, grim agreement.
"Given Kamino's strategic importance, the Separatists will expect defensive measures," Obi-Wan continued. "This operation must be executed flawlessly."
Captain America frowned thoughtfully. "Feels like we're both trying to outsmart each other."
"What do you mean?" Ahsoka asked, moving closer to him.
Cap took a deep breath, organizing his tactical assessment. "Let's consider the broader context of this battle. Why are the Separatists attacking now? After the Ultron incident, they had nearly a month to launch a retaliatory strike against the Republic, but they waited. There has to be a reason."
The room fell into contemplative silence.
"Fear," Barriss said suddenly, her voice cutting through the quiet.
All eyes turned to the young Mirialan Padawan.
"What are you suggesting, Barriss?" Luminara asked gently.
"Captain Rogers mentioned the context of this attack—why it's happening now," Barriss elaborated slowly. "Two months ago, a catastrophic event occurred that forced all parties in this war into a stalemate."
They all knew what she meant—the event that had shaken the entire galaxy to its core.
"Ultron threw a wrench into this entire conflict, paralyzing everyone with fear," Black Widow observed. "He weaponizes terror itself. His presence—just the shadow of his threat—is enough to prevent decisive action from any side."
Black Panther added thoughtfully, "History demonstrates that fear drives people toward irrational and desperate behavior. We must remain clear-headed and not allow fear to cloud our judgment. Only through unity and rational strategy can we prevail."
The assembled commanders fell silent once more, their attention focused on the impending battle and the psychological warfare surrounding it.
"They don't want to fight two powerful enemies simultaneously—just like us," Aayla suddenly realized, her lekku twitching with the insight.
"They're desperate to eliminate the more familiar threat so they can focus entirely on Ultron," Mace Windu said with a sardonic edge. "Ironically, this mirrors the strategy our Chancellor proposed not long ago."
Several Jedi Knights, clone commanders, and Avengers blinked in surprise at this revelation.
Anakin looked genuinely confused. "He actually suggested that? When did this happen?"
"Approximately one week after Colonel Rogers was rescued," Plo Koon explained. "The Chancellor believed that if the Separatists were equally destabilized by Ultron's presence, they might be vulnerable to a decisive strike."
"While we had reservations about the proposal," Kit Fisto continued, "the Republic as a whole remains vigilant despite our collective trauma. Who's to say the Separatists don't harbor similar vulnerabilities?"
Luminara murmured softly, "Such strategic thinking, while pragmatic, feels rather... cold."
"Regardless, they appear to have beaten us to the punch," Obi-Wan said, visibly troubled by the implications.
"We need to focus on the present moment," Captain Rex interjected firmly. "With all due respect, Generals, what's done is done. We must concentrate on the here and now. The Separatist fleet will arrive shortly, and we must repel them."
Anakin nodded decisively in agreement with his captain. "Rex is absolutely right. So, Obi-Wan—what's our tactical approach?"
The holographic display shifted, revealing the approaching Separatist armada. The sheer scale was staggering—an overwhelming force that seemed to blot out the stars.
"That... that's an enormous fleet," Aayla commented, her expression growing grave.
"How many capital ships are we looking at?" War Machine asked, crossing his arms as he studied the display with intense focus. Everyone could sense the tension radiating from the armored Avenger.
"Over a hundred capital ships, possibly more," Obi-Wan replied grimly. "The Separatists appear to have committed a significant portion of their naval strength to this assault. There are even ship classes I've never encountered before."
Multiple vessels were highlighted on the display, each one bearing unique design characteristics that defied immediate identification.
"Their technology appears far more advanced than anything we've previously encountered," Obi-Wan observed.
The Wasp, standing beside Shaak Ti's hologram, noticed the Jedi Master muttering to herself while examining the unfamiliar vessels with keen scrutiny.
"Master Ti, do you recognize these ships?" Wasp asked, drawing everyone's attention to the Togruta Council member.
Shaak Ti responded thoughtfully, "Vaguely familiar." She gestured, manipulating the display to examine the vessels from multiple angles. "If my assessment is correct... this is rare technology—the kind only found on the planet Umbara."
The name "Umbara" rippled through the assembly with various reactions.
"Didn't we hear that name recently?" Falcon asked, looking to his fellow Avengers for confirmation.
Black Widow nodded. "Yes. Anakin and Padmé mentioned it when Steve went missing. Umbara seceded from the Republic and joined the Separatist Alliance."
"And now they're attacking our home," Commander Bly said quietly, his voice tight with controlled anger.
His Jedi General, Aayla Secura, placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. The Clone Commander acknowledged her gesture gratefully before refocusing on the tactical briefing.
The display showed unprecedented and ominous war machines unlike standard Separatist designs.
"Those plasma cannons and advanced missile pods are highly effective against our current starfighter complement," Shaak Ti explained, indicating the Umbaran fighters with precise gestures. "They likely possess additional weapon systems they haven't yet deployed."
"Fortunately, many of their heavier weapons will be restricted considering Kamino's oceanic environment and constant storms," Obi-Wan added.
"We're facing an entirely new enemy force composition," Plo Koon observed gravely.
"There may be more to this than advanced technology," Ki-Adi-Mundi said, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Who can guarantee we'll only face battle droids? What if Umbaran militia forces are embedded within this fleet? Or other Separatist allies?"
"If the Separatists were deploying only droids... well, that would be predictable," Mace stated flatly. "But they've clearly moved beyond conventional tactics. We may face combined arms units—droids supplemented by organic soldiers—launching a coordinated assault on Kamino."
"And possibly employing tactics we haven't seen before," Anakin added, his frown deepening.
The younger Avengers exchanged worried glances. Spider-Man in particular felt his stomach twist with anxiety. He tried to maintain his composure during the briefing, but the weight of what they were facing pressed down on him.
"What else don't we know about?" War Machine asked, his tone carrying an edge of frustration.
"I predict several of Count Dooku's Dark Acolytes will accompany General Grievous' invasion force," Obi-Wan said, stroking his beard contemplatively.
"The real question is—which specific opponents will we encounter?" Black Widow pressed.
"Will Ventress and that sadistic woman we met be present?" Ant-Man asked with barely concealed apprehension.
"Sev'rance Tann? She almost certainly will be," Obi-Wan answered with confidence.
"Why are you so certain?" Ant-Man asked, genuinely puzzled.
Obi-Wan's eyes held a knowing look. "Call it... Jedi intuition. And bitter experience."
The assembled commanders continued refining Kamino's defense strategy, preparing for the imminent assault. Somewhere in the darkness beyond the storm-wracked planet, their enemies were finalizing their own battle plans.
The holographic displays flickered with updated tactical data as both sides prepared for what would undoubtedly be one of the war's most decisive engagements.