The Outer Rim of the Galaxy, Anoat Sector, the Hoth System.
The Sixth Planet in this System is Hoth. Compared with other Planets in this System, Hoth has a breathable atmosphere, which meets the minimum standard of a Habitable Planet.
However, because Hoth is too far away from the Star, the surface temperature of the planet is extremely low, with an average temperature of minus 60 Degrees Celsius.
Fortunately, the three Moons around Hoth bring strong tidal forces as they continue to Orbit, and an Asteroid Belt close to the Planet has Asteroids falling from time to time, causing violent plate movements. This makes the Core of the Planet relatively active, and there is room for life to survive.
Because of the eccentricity of Hoth, Asteroids that hit almost always fall in the southern hemisphere, so in comparison, the northern hemisphere has habitable conditions.
In the huge caves formed by crustal movements in the northern hemisphere, the daytime temperature can reach minus 30 Degrees Celsius, which is relatively less deadly at least. A unique Fungus-Shaped Spice is produced here. Among the many types of Spices in the Galaxy, its quality can only be said to be above average but not outstanding.
Under normal circumstances, this should be an inaccessible Planet. Of course, this is also the current fact.
This place is close to Bespin, and except for some Spice Traders who occasionally come over to collect some Fungi, almost no one will visit here.
However, if the Universe had not undergone earth-shaking changes due to Tang Xiao's arrival, then more than 20 years later, a Famous Battle would have broken out here — the Battle of Hoth.
A Battle between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance.
However, since Tang Xiao came here, the Fourth Civilization has risen, and Hoth has begun to gain vitality.
After Bespin fell into the hands of the Fourth Civilization, to expand the Defensive Area and increase the Number of Outposts, Tang Xiao ordered the establishment of a Military Base on Hoth, which was only 1 Hyperspace Jump away from Bespin.
Facts have proved that this decision is very correct.
There was a reason why Hoth was chosen as its Base by the Rebel Alliance at that time — Stable Geothermal Energy, Rich Mineral Resources, Relatively Peaceful Creatures, and a Huge and Hidden Underground Space.
So until now, the Intelligence Personnel of the Galactic Republic do not know that the Fourth Civilization has built a Military Base here.
And now, Hoth has become the Supply Base for the Fourth Civilization Fleet.
Currently, more than 200 Warships are concentrated on Manpha and are preparing to attack Terminus as planned, while the Fourth Civilization already has a Large Ground Force gathering on Hoth.
The Total Strength is 50,000, and it is also equipped with a Large Number of Armored Vehicles.
Including 250 M650 Mastodon Armored Personnel Carriers, 50 M9B4 Wolverine SPAAA Anti-Aircraft Artillery, 500 M-12 Warthogs, 100 Odin Heavy Combat Walkers, 170 Thor Siege Walkers, 250 Siege Tanks, and 300 Vulture Hoverbikes.
These Armored Vehicles ensure a high degree of Mechanization of this Ground Force. In addition, there are 50,000 B-1 Battle Droids and 2,000 B-2 Super Battle Droids as assistance.
To free up enough Transport Capacity, the Droid Legion is not equipped with other Large-Scale Machinery, including Combat Machinery such as the OG-9 Homing Spider Droid and DSD1 Dwarf Spider Droid commonly used by the Confederacy of Independent Systems, although the Fourth Civilization also has many of these.
This is the Fourth Civilization's first time using Ground Troops on such a scale. Just to transport this Army and Equipment would require filling three Lucrehulk-class Battleships, not to mention the subsequent Ammunition, Food, Medicine, Clothing and Supplies.
Because of the special characteristics of Terminus, the plan of the Fourth Civilization Supreme Command does not intend to fight for a long time. They want to use a Powerful and Fast Offensive to occupy the Planet in one fell swoop, completely open up the Strategic Situation, and surround the Republic Headquarters of the 18th Army — the Rock-Solid Eriadu.
To achieve these Combat Goals, the Fourth Civilization gathered a Powerful Fleet.
40 Kol-class Battlecruisers, 20 Sova-class Carriers, 10 Marza-class Heavy Missile Cruisers, 10 Hiigaran-class Battlecruisers, 15 Munificent-class Frigates, and 5 Lucrehulk-class Battleships.
In addition, there are Smaller Auxiliary Ships, including Cielo-class Command Cruisers, Hoshiko-class Robotics Cruisers, Kodiak-class Heavy Destroyers, and Garda-class Flak Destroyers. The total number is close to 100.
Except for the necessary Guard Forces in other directions, this Fleet can be said to be the Fourth Civilization's entire Military.
Admiral Matt Horner, Commander of the Fourth Civilization Feet A, serves as the Commander-In-Chief of this Army and the Commander-In-Chief of the Fleet. The Ground Forces are commanded by Army Major General Xiao Guanghua.
Xiao Guanghua can also be regarded as a Veteran of the Fourth Civilization Army. As he grows older, he has become much calmer than before, so he is entrusted with an important task this time.
Two Jedi Masters, Glynn-Beti and Aidan Bok, who were resurrected by Darth Malthael and fell to the dark side, also participated in the battle.
The Bright Red Elite Viking Hybrid Starfighter 'Red Comet' landed on the Hidden Hangar Platform of Hoth. Army Commander Xiao Guanghua led a team of Soldiers to greet him personally.
But Darth Malthael did not get off the Starfighter immediately, because Nute Gunray was still entangled in the Holographic Projection.
"...I was almost killed... Lord Angel of Death! I was almost killed by Sidious..." Nute Gunray cried.
"But you are still alive. Nute Gunray, that's why I asked you to go to Count Dooku." Darth Malthael said calmly.
"Count Dooku had no intention of saving me..." Nute Gunray said bitterly.
"Actually, you won't die whether he saves you or not. Because now you lead the Trade Federation, the most they can do is give you some physical pain." Darth Malthael said.
"Then why did you want me to see him?" Nute Gunray was a little angry, but when he looked at the figure in the Holographic Projection, he immediately got cold feet.
"Then why did you obey Darth Sidious so easily in the first place?" Darth Malthael asked.
"That's because..." Nute Gunray was speechless for a moment.
"So, I am teaching you how to control your own destiny." Darth Malthael said.
"...What does this have to do with Count Dooku?"
"Of course, it does matter. You should have understood by now that the fate of you and the Confederacy of Independent Systems has been bound. If the Confederacy still exists, your life will still be saved. But If the Confederacy dies, you will have no use value." Darth Malthael said.
"But the leader of the Confederacy of Independent Systems is Count Dooku, and he is Sidious's Apprentice!"
Darth Malthael smiled strangely: "So, what if he's not?"