Dooku paid no mind to the coughing, well aware it was a side effect of the process of turning Grievous into a cyborg.
Grievous pointed at the map for emphasis, "Focused incursions in their main cities, especially after the recent failed raid, would likely lead to many of our drop ships being destroyed before they could even begin to take control of the cities, let alone become an occupying force that could hold the planet." "What about aerial bombardment?" Dooku inquired patiently.
"While having them landed in one area would leave them vulnerable to bombardment, our fleet will be more than enough to prevent that from happening." Grievous looked up at Dooku with yellow eyes focused on the man. "I don't know how many ships they had to repel the group of pirates, but there is no way the wookiees have enough ships hidden to take on the portion of our fleet I have posed to strike and keep these mystery forces occupied in the air."
When Dooku didn't reply, Grievous continued his explanation. "As for our ground forces, Spreading them out would work to the benefit of any ground force counterattack, and that is something the Wookiees are known for. They are far more deft at maneuvering into the ecological deathtrap of their forests than any foreign military force could dream of."
Dooku narrowed his eyes in contemplation while his mind worked out the intricacies of Grievous' comments.
Grievous had already figured out the issue and didn't give him time for consideration. "The problem with that is that it gives whatever defenses the wookiees may have, a several hour window of time while the forces land en masse to commence an aerial bombardment on a concentrated area."
"If that were our only concern, a fleet in orbit could be used to discourage any planetary defense response. However I am concerned that Republic responses could be tipped off early and do the same." Grievous explained, "They would not even need to stay long to engage with our fleet, a hop in and a powerful bombing run would render this assault problematic. Or they could arrive in system, skirmish with our orbital fleet and prevent us from protecting our invasion force."
"You have an idea." Dooku observed quietly.
"I do." Grievous replied. He tapped a few more keys on the holoprojector. The planetary view shifted to display an entirely different planet.
Count Dooku narrowed his eyes at the planet that appeared. It seemed familiar but it's name escaped me.
"I propose to hit Rothana." Grievous stated. Count Dooku simply looked at Grievous with a an expectant expression.
"It's perfect for a diversion and a valuable target." Grievous explained. "Rothana Heavy Engineering produces a large number of Low Altitude Assault Transports almost exclusively for the Republic war effort.."
Grievous tapped his finger on the console and a section of the planet was highlighted to display immense production facilities, "We take another portion of our here to engage with Kuat Drive Yards corporate-security starfleet. While we take the time to significantly damage the facilities on the ground. Then we retreat."
Count Dooku stroked his beard thoughtfully, as he considered the proposal, "It is valuable enough that the Republic would be rushing to respond, " he observed.
"Correct. Especially with the Invisible Hand there leading the fight." Grievous replied, "We would find it near impossible to hold the facilities for any amount of time, much less long enough to avail ourselves of their production. Between Kuat Shipyard security and the Republic, we will likely be pushed back."
Grievous let that hang in the air before continuing, "However, if we damaged it enough to halt production for a few weeks, perhaps a bit longer. It would weaken the Republic's ground response capabilities. Making the prospect of taking Kashyyyk back a pipedream, they wouldn't sacrifice a suddenly severely limited resource. Especially with all the non-human bias that has slowly crept in over the last decade amongst the halls of leadership."
Dooku was nodding slowly before he fixed his gaze on Grievous firmly. "I believe at last report there were several Jedi stationed upon Kuat."
Grievous nodded, "Seven at last count, waiting for the latest batch of troops to get transports."
Dooku allowed himself a small smile. He had no doubt that Grievous would attempt to kill the Jedi. He was nearly religious in his fervor for doing so. And he was good at it. Though, unlike many of their other minions, he was able to think clearly, knowing when it was better to retreat than continue an assault. It was yet another thing that made him valuable.
Grievous' infamous flagship presence would also draw the attention of the Republic like moths to a flame.
"And this is all ready for deployment?" Dooku asked after some more thought.
"Simply waiting on your command. If I leave within the hour on the Invisible Hand, both of the assaults can begin within twelve hours, Count Dooku." replied Grievous in a manner that, despite the fact that he really couldn't smile any more, showed there was clear anticipation in his voice.
Dooku considered the proposal in its entirety. This was one of his many responsibilities. His Master's position and schedule meant that he could not make every decision, or every choice possible for their movement. Sidious relied on Dooku to make these decisions, with their overall goals in mind and with the direction of the Dark side of the Force.
After over a minute's silent contemplation Count Dooku nodded, "Very well. I approve."
Grievous nodded, straightening up and then moving to another console to begin entering commands.
When Dooku saw there was nothing further he nodded to the General, who didn't even acknowledge the gesture enough to return it. Dooku shook his head ever so slightly, believing the trappings of courtesy must always be observed. However, rather than descend into an argument over it, he turned and swept from the room. His two droids taking up flanking positions on him once more the instant he passed them. .
He didn't speak to anyone as he strode through the halls of the fortress. Dooku was pleased that the assault would go as planned and was curious what the Jedi response would be in the aftermath of an attack on the Wookiees.
He was very familiar with his old Master. Yoda was friendly with the wookiees and would not be easily persuaded to forsake them. He had no doubt that the Jedi would be involved in the upcoming protracted ground war on Kashyyyk, and would leave them with a plethora of chances to continue to think the ranks of the Order. It would also be the first step in acquiring their large desired workforce.
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