Battle of Mon Calamari (Hutt War)



The Battle of Mon Calamari was an attempt by the Republic to claim Hutt Worlds to defeat the Hutt Empire. However, the Hutts were able to defend their planets long enough to bring in reinforcements led by Venator who surrounded the Republic forces and was able to destroy most of them.

The Battle
The Republic initially sent shade scout vessels to spy on the Hutts. With some of the information gathered, the Republic fleet dropped out of hyperspace at a strength of 95 ships which demanded that the Taung forces defending the planet surrender.

Initially, the Taung commander pretended to comply but arranged his formation of ships into an X formation with fighters and bombers emerging from the carriers in the rear. To respond, Nikolai commanded the ships to fire at the center of the X and to launch their fighters in return.

The Taung commander ordered the two wing of the X to separate from the main group which was now a spearhead with the hope that the separated wings could hit the Republic flank and the spear could thrust into the Republic position. Nikolai then ordered the Republic ships to form a concave formation around the Taung ships and fire at the spearhead. Reinforcements for the Republic were also called in as the Republic fired at the two Taung flanking formations.

Taung fighters were then ordered to attack the center of the Republic concave formation as the flanking groups wore down on the sides of the Republic formation. Damaged Republic ships withdrew to be repaired since they were taking so much damage and were near useless at the moment. The Taung fighters and bombers then went for the com towers of the Republic carriers and maneuver around ships as to avoid being fired at by turrets for too long.

Finally, Republic reinforcements arrived to the rear of the Taung formation. With the initial formation, fighters went to intercept the Taung fighters and bombers.

After Republic reinforcements arrived, reinforcements from the Battle of Itkotch arrived from hyperspace to surround the Republic fleet. Initially, 139 ships under the command of Venator Furtificus arrived followed by a 100 under the command of Poknor Tiwsferrum and 25 under the command of Mandalore.

Negotiations
Once the Republic fleet was surrounded, Venator began negotiations with the Nikolai. Venator told Nikolai to cease any communication between ships and Nikolai asked what more was demanded of him. When Venator demanded a cessation of attacks and several planets within the Republic, Nikolai replied that he was unqualified to continue to negotiate and told Venator to call the Supreme Chancellor, Homer Salandra.

Quickly, Venator turned his attention to Homer. Homer questioned the need for reparations and Venator replied that the war had done damage to the Hutts and he wasn't going to give away an advantage. Homer then said he was willing to accept a ceasefire but the Senate's approval would be necessary for any sort of agreement. Venator continued to sweeten the deal but Homer would not budge.

As negotiations stalled, Venator decided that time was up and attacked the Republic fleet. Outnumbered, the Republic fleet was quickly reduced and Nikolai soon died from the ensuing fire. A few remnants were able to jump into hyperspace in time and escape the massacre.

Aftermath
The loss of the Supreme Commander and much of the fleet made the Republic weak for several months making it easier to stage attacks. It also played a role in the defeat of Homer Salandra in the election where Jamall Mohatu ascended to Supreme Chancellor.