Battle of Bothawui (25 ABY)

Overview
The Battle of Bothawui was the opening engagement in the New Republic's campaign to liberate the Both sector from Imperial oppression, triggered by months of brutal crackdowns on the native population.

The operation was an exercise in risk limitation, advocated by Admiral Ackbar. The Republic hoped to use a small force to push through the Imperial defenses and establish a beach-head at Drev'starn City Starport before committing heavier assets and placing many more lives at risk.

Progression
The Republic fleet arrived in sector space at 23:00 hours standard time and deployed its gunships and fighters in a close-escort for the vulnerable troop transports while the MC40a Light Cruisers NRSC Rapier and NRSC Saber spear-headed the formation.

The IAC's Responder and Remorseless along with several Vigil-class corvettes on extended customs duty in system constituted the principle opposition. The Remorseless ' orbital position at the time of instigation prevented its participation in the battle.

The Imperial fleet under the command of acting-captain Commander William Roice formed a static battle line between the Republic squadrons and Bothawui. Roice positioned his picket vessel as a rear-guard to defend his flanks and engaged the Republic cruisers at long range.

Quickly disabling the NRSC Rapier and inflicting heavy damage on the Saber, the Responder was destroyed in a massed salvo of concussion missiles launched by the Republic gunships, themselves wiped out by the Vigils' retaliation.

A desperate last-ditch struggle saw the Republic push its transports though the remaining defenders, with significant losses. Two transports went down with all hands while two more suffered crippling damage, their crews and passengers later recovered.