The Troithe operation, also known by names such as the Battle at the capital, the attack on the capital, and the battle for the capital district, was an engagement initiated by the forces of the New Republic. Their objective was to assault enemy forces under the command of Governor Hastemoor, who was shielded within the capital city of the planet Troithe. Within a single day of combat, the New Republic successfully seized control of Troithe's primary spaceport.
New Republic High Command held deep concerns about the potential use of Troithe as a direct route between Core Worlds. Consequently, they dispatched General Hera Syndulla, along with the Lodestar and its associated fleet, to launch an assault on the planet. In a parallel effort, Soran Keize dedicated his efforts to rebuilding Shadow Wing by raiding Jarbanov and engaging with the crew of the Edict.
The New Republic achieved orbital supremacy with relative ease. While several space stations and satellites mounted resistance, their efforts were overcome by the superior numbers of the Republic forces. Following this, the New Republic initiated troop landings. Despite encountering intense combat, the main spaceport was successfully secured within a single day.
Supported by aerial assets, New Republic forces pressed forward towards the capital. The combination of ground combat and aerial strikes inflicted extensive damage on Troithe's urban areas. The destruction of Imperial All Terrain Armored Transports and All Terrain Armored Cargo Transports resulted in the leveling of entire streets as these vehicles collapsed. During one particular moment of the siege, Wyl Lark detonated an entire skyscraper, resulting in the elimination of fifteen stories worth of stormtroopers.
Despite achieving a significant victory against Shadow Wing at Pandem Nai, New Republic Intelligence remained convinced that Shadow Wing presented a substantial threat. Intelligence officer Caern Adan, General Hera Syndulla, Captain Yriqa Quell convened to formulate theories regarding the Wing's whereabouts. They concurred that it had not integrated with another Imperial Battle Group. Consequently, they resolved to bait the Wing into the Cerberon system. Ground forces were instructed to advance directly towards the capital, rather than systematically securing the surrounding sectors. This strategy would leave significant portions of land on the continents under the control of Imperial forces or pro-Imperial guerrillas, potentially enabling a future counter-offensive to reclaim the planet. The New Republic officers acknowledged this risk, anticipating that the infantry would likely sustain heavy losses during their advance towards the capital city. Adan reviewed potential sightings: a Quasar Fire-class cruiser-carrier seeking repairs at the Gyndine shipyards, an attack on Jarbanov, a massacre at Anx Minor, and a report of a repainted "Ghost Tie" along the Koda Spur. They did not reach a definitive conclusion regarding Shadow Wing's location. Following the meeting, Nasha Gravas approached Quell and Adan to address a complaint lodged by the Children of the Empty Sun. Adan authorized Nasha to oversee the project related to the Cult, citing their considerable influence among the civilian population.
Alphabet squadron provided escort for a convoy of rebel infantry and vehicles en route to the Thannerhouse District. This district was notable for its highly developed lake. Unlike most others, the civilians in this district did not evacuate their homes to seek refuge elsewhere. The motivation behind this decision, whether stemming from fear of the New Republic or allegiance to the Governor, remained unclear. Suddenly, a beam of energy obliterated a stolen juggernaut transport carrying fifty-nine passengers. Six Kraken-class deep lurkers initiated fire upon the convoy, inflicting heavy casualties on transports and infantry alike. While concussion missiles proved ineffective at that depth, Chass Na Chadic and Nath Tensent successfully deployed guided bombs through the grating, eliminating the enemy forces below. Although the engagement lasted a mere ten minutes, it resulted in substantial damage to the district, leading to significant flooding.
The strategy was straightforward: neutralize the shield generators and then deploy successive waves of New Republic infantry. The capital had undergone recent renovations. In place of former ion cannons and antiquated barracks were now efficient bureaucratic processing centers, streamlined tram lines, numerous modern turbolasers, and shield generators that rendered one-eighth of the continent impervious to attack. Beams of light streaked across the sky, destroying two Meteor X-wings. The remnants of the governor's air force, consisting of several TIE strikers, launched to engage the Republic's bombers and fighters. Lark and Quell concentrated on mobile missile platforms situated along the tram lines. Subsequently, they shifted their focus to targeting the generators. Intense ground combat erupted as stormtroopers and scout walkers sought cover behind makeshift barricades. While the Troithe Garrison initially repelled numerous assaults, they gradually yielded ground to the advancing New Republic forces. In the air, Meteor Squadron engaged the TIEs to divert them from providing air support. Hail squadron executed multiple successful bombing runs, destroying several heavy vehicles with proton bombs.
Unexpectedly, Imperial forces began to retreat towards the Tri-Central Complex, which served as the hub for communications, data flow, and the civilian power grid. General Syndulla ordered all forces to prevent them from consolidating their position there. The complex was crucial for maintaining infrastructure, and its loss would plunge Troithe into chaos for months, hindering any potential counter-attack by Imperial forces against a hastily established New Republic defense. Waves of stormtroopers rushed towards the building, only to be decimated by rebel airstrikes. Kairos was shot down but managed to survive and engage Imperials with her crossbow. However, she sustained multiple gunshot wounds and suffered severe injuries.
The battle concluded as a victory for the New Republic, at least for the time being. The New Republic incurred substantial casualties throughout the campaign, particularly during the assault on the capital. Significant damage was inflicted upon Troithe's factories and infrastructure. Despite the New Republic's triumph, several continents erupted in revolt against the invaders, initiating a major guerilla war that would persist until war came to Troithe once more.