**CIS Interlude: The Council of Desperation**
**Serenno – Secure War Chamber, Castle Serenno**
The air in the dimly lit war chamber was thick with tension and the faint scent of expensive incense meant to mask the underlying fear. Holographic projections of the Confederacy's most powerful leaders flickered around the grand circular table. This was not a meeting of equals — it was a gathering of those who still held real power in a war that was rapidly slipping from their grasp.
Nute Gunray, Viceroy of the Trade Federation, sat rigidly in his ornate chair, his long fingers tapping nervously on the armrest. Beside him, Rune Haako and Ruth Gunney exchanged uneasy glances. San Hill, Chairman of the InterGalactic Banking Clan, leaned forward with calculated poise, while his vice-chairman Lo Veepit hovered nearby. Poggle the Lesser, Archduke of Geonosis, clicked his mandibles irritably. Shu Mai, president of the Commerce Guild, wore a cold, imperious expression. Passel Argente of the Corporate Alliance, Denaria Ki of Kooriva, and Po Nudo of the Hyper-Communications Cartel completed the circle. Senators Tikkes and B'olba of Dac, along with their aide Tracton, Rogwa Wodrata of Alliga, Beolars Bribbs of Sullust (CEO of SoroSuub), Corlissi Ludar and Candobar Inglet of Sluis Van, Nossor Ri of the Quarren Isolation League, and the warlord Riff Tamson of Karkaris were also present via hologram.
The second year of the Clone Wars — second month, first week — and the Confederacy was bleeding.
Count Dooku's hologram dominated the head of the table, his expression as calm and commanding as ever, though even he could not hide the strain in his eyes.
"Wat Tambor remains in Republic custody," Dooku began without preamble. "His capture on Ryloth was… unfortunate. However, it will not be as effective as the Republic hopes. He knows little of our deeper strategies."
Shu Mai leaned forward sharply. "Little? He knows enough to compromise several key production lines! The Commerce Guild has lost billions in assets because of that fool's failure."
San Hill's voice was icy. "And yet the Banking Clan continues to pour credits into this war while the Trade Federation hides behind its droid armies and cheap excuses. How many more loans must we extend before you deliver results, Viceroy Gunray?"
Nute Gunray bristled. "Our droid forces are the backbone of this Confederacy! If the Banking Clan wasn't so obsessed with interest rates and collateral—"
"Enough!" Dooku's voice cut through like a vibroblade. "We are losing ground because of one man. Dagon Marek — Starkiller. His actions at Ryloth, Atraken, and now Valahari have crippled our momentum. The 12th Sector is a fortress. Our supply lines in the Outer Rim are collapsing."
Po Nudo's hologram flickered. "My Hyper-Communications Cartel reports that Republic propaganda is spreading faster than we can counter. The name 'Starkiller' is whispered on every CIS world. His fighter kill count is rumored to exceed one hundred thousand droids and organic pilots. Our troops are beginning to fear him."
Riff Tamson growled from his watery projection. "Fear? He is just one Jedi! We should crush him at Felucia. My forces are ready to reinforce the system."
Shu Mai sneered. "Your forces? The Quarren provide nothing but half-built warships and excuses. Where are the real capital ships you promised, Nossor Ri?"
Nossor Ri shot back, "The Quarren Isolation League has delivered more than its share. It is the Trade Federation and Banking Clan who hoard their wealth while we bleed!"
Beolars Bribbs of Sullust cleared his throat. "SoroSuub continues to supply components discreetly, but even we are feeling the pressure. Republic blockades are tightening. If we lose Felucia and the surrounding sectors, our bacta and mineral supplies will collapse."
Dooku raised a hand for silence. "The situation is dire, but not lost. General Dagon Marek is the Republic's greatest asset — and their greatest weakness. He draws attention. While he focuses on Felucia, we will strike elsewhere. Malastare and Kamino remain vulnerable. We must accelerate recruitment of neutral systems. The fate of this Confederacy depends on it."
Passel Argente nodded slowly. "The Corporate Alliance stands ready. But we need guarantees. If Marek continues his rampage, our investors will pull out."
Dooku's eyes narrowed. "Then ensure they do not. The Separatist Council will not fall to one man. We will bleed the Republic dry — starting with Felucia."
The chamber fell into uneasy murmurs as the leaders began arguing over resources, blame, and strategy once more. Dooku watched them all with cold calculation.
The war was far from over.
But Dagon Marek had become the shadow that haunted every meeting.