[the Legend of the Galactic Heroes Novels] Volume Two — Chapter Five: Battle of the Doria System

    Initially, Yang Wen Li did not wanted to attack the Sanpro system. But he eventually decided to attack the mutineers at Sanpro to negate the threat it posed on his communication and supply line. Who knows, there might be another "Yang Wen Li" among the mutineers. Yang Wen Li’s achievements caught the unwanted attention not only within Free Planets Alliance, also in Phezzan and the Galactic Empire as well. 

    Operation in Sanpro lasted three days, and ended with the suicide of the commander of mutineers. Battle could have lasted a week, but under the leadership of Schenkoff, it was not. Then unexpected visitor arrived from Heinessen, Vice Admiral Bagdashu. At meeting room, Bagdashu informed Yang and others that Eleventh Fleet had joined the mutiny and are coming to fight the Thirteenth Fleet. Bagdashu then inquired about whereabout of Captain Greenhill, Yang told him that Greenhill’s at Iserlohn due to situation. Then Schenkoff created scene and excused himself from the conference. He  went to infirmary where Greenhill was, and she informed Schenkoff that Bagdashu was once her father’s assistant and expressed dissatisfaction of current status of Free Planet Alliance. Schenkoff then took step and drugged Bagdashu, so he will stay unconscious for two weeks.

    Yang Wen Li redeployed his fleet to Doria System, there he began to monitor the movement of the Eleventh Fleet. On May 10th, one of the scouts detected unknown body of ships at Elgohn System before it was deployed. Yang Wen Li stayed put and  continued gathering inteligence. Then on May 18th, Yang then recieved the latest intelligence which made him to dance with Julian, much to the amusement of Fisher,Greenhill and Schenkoff. Yang quickly called the meeting and laid out his plan:
– The opposing fleet is split into two force, planning to mount pincer maneuver.
– Rather waiting for them, the Thirteenth Fleet will strike first, by attacking two forces seperately.
– Admiral Guen Van Hu will lead the force which will attack the main force from the rear.
– At same time Fisher lead other force and attack secondary force from the flank.
– After neutralizing the main force, Guen Van Hu will join Fisher and mop up the resistance.
– Attenborough will be in charge of maintaining communication to Iserlohn.
– Admiral Yang will accompany with Guen.

    Then Yang Wen Li informed the staff that he recieved written order from Bucock to stop potential coup within FPA. Thus legitimizing Yang’s current action without repercussion. Meanwhile Vice Admiral Rouglanju awaited for message from Bagdashu.

    The Battle of Doria began when Admiral Yang and Guen’s force surprised the element of the Eleventh Fleet lead by Admiral Rouglanju with concentrated barrage.After weaking the enemy’s resistance, Yang ordered Guen to attack with fleet of 3,000 warships. Guen Van Hu are ecstatic by the battle, giving out eccentric orders to urge the fleet to fight. Rouglanju was both angry and puzzled; angry that Bagdashu failed to fulfill his mission and puzzled by the tactics the Yang is using against him. Then Rouglanju realized opposing force is trying to split his force and attack in superior number. In eight hours, entire Rouglanju’s force was wiped out. Rouglanju took his own life and left a message praising Yang’s tactical brilliance. Mesmerized by shedding of such unnecessary loss of lives, Yang was in shock. Captain Greenhill shook him out by reminding Yang that he needs to reinforce Fisher to fight the second force. Fisher at the time was engaged with the enemy force, emulating the tactics used by Yang. Fisher maintained the line until Yang’s fleet arrived and eliminated the remnant of the Eleventh Fleet.

    Meanwhile in Heinessen, the mutineers faced breakdown of social order, which leading to unrest aming the populace. The mutineers confronted a Phezzan representative why the infrastructure is breaking down. Phezzan replied than Heinessen as a planet consumed more than it could produced, thus depended on supply from outside the system. At same time, they are troubled by escape of Truhnit on the eve of the mutiny, possibly due to leak among the mutineers. Finally the mutineers had to contemplate with "Stadium Massacre" on June 22nd. At Heinessen Memorial Stadium, citizens defied the martial law and convened at the stadium. Led by Jessica Edwards,200,000 people were in the stadium. To disperse the crown and arrest Jessica Edwards, 3,000 soldiers led by Colonel Christian were dispatched to the stadium. At the stadium, Christian taunted and physically threatened the protesters, which Jessica confronted. Enraged, Christian killed Jessica and triggering the attack by protestors on the soldiers. When the mutineers convene on the stadium and dispersed the crown, 1,500 soldiers and 20,000 civilians were killed.

    When regained consciousness, Bagdashu requested audience with Yang Wen Li.Bagdashu indentified himself as member of the mutineers and wished to defect and serve under Yang. When asked why, Bagdashu replied as a measure of self-preservation. Yang detained Bagdashu for couple days while contemplating how to deal with him. While incarcerated, Bagdashu requested meal with wine, served by female personnal. Only wine was granted. At the end of incarceration, Yang accepted Bagdashu as part of his staff,and gave Bagdashu his own pistol. After charging the blaster, Bagdashu aimed it at Yang. Yang ignored Bagdashu and Bagdashu simply smirked and put the pistol into his hoister. When about to leave, Bagdashu faced Julian with blaster. Then Captain Greenhill with blaster at the waiting room and Schenkoff at the hall. The gauntlet had humbled Bagdashu and put him inplace. It was at beginning of July did Yang learned about "Stadium Massacre." Yang silently griefed for the passing of Jessica Edwards and prepared for assault on Heinessen.