**Chapter 538**
**Scene 1**
**Dagon POV**
**Grey Wolf Communication Room**
The holoprojector cast a cool blue glow across the briefing room as the Jedi Council materialized before me. I stood at the center, arms crossed, with Shin positioned supportively at my side. The rest of the girls waited just out of frame, their presence a comforting warmth through the Force bond.
"I am leaving the *Blossom* along with 8 Lancers, 4 Starkiller-class light carriers, Commander Neyo, and half the 91st Mobile Reconnaissance Corps to secure Jaminere," I reported clearly. "Sienar has already agreed to install defensive turrets on the main space station and will continue providing aid and recovery efforts for the civilian population. Princess Sakura has chosen to accompany us—it is her duty to rescue any of her people still held captive by the Separatists."
Mace Windu's holographic form leaned forward, his expression thunderous. "Why are you currently in the Allied Tion sector at all? Your campaign is supposed to be focused on Felucia."
Before I could respond, Shin stepped forward, her voice sharp with controlled anger. "Master Windu, should we not remind you of the actual goal of this campaign? Unlike your current efforts, which have yet to truly begin while you remain on Coruscant, our objective is total control of the Hydian Way. Only a few planets happen to lie directly in the operational theater of Felucia. The rest are scattered across the hyperspace routes we must secure."
I felt a surge of pride and affection through the bond. Shin had always been willing to stand with me, but her defense carried extra weight—Windu's past political maneuvering on behalf of the Republic had created long-standing tensions with her family's duties as Prism wardens. Old wounds still lingered.
Yoda's ears twitched as he regarded us calmly. "Agreed, this is. Within the parameters of the mission it falls. Fault we cannot find in rescuing the people. However, spare no forces can we to assist you. With the forces currently in the 12th sector, you must handle this."
"I understand, Master Yoda," I replied steadily. "I will continue the mission."
The holograms flickered out. The moment the transmission ended, I turned, pulled Shin close by the waist, and kissed her deeply. She melted into it instantly, her hands gripping my armor as the bond flared with heat and gratitude. For a few precious seconds, the weight of command disappeared—there was only her warmth, her fierce loyalty, and the taste of her lips.
When we finally parted, both slightly breathless, Shin smiled up at me with flushed cheeks. "You're welcome."
**Scene 2**
**Dagon POV**
After the brief but very welcome makeout session, we moved back to the bridge. The fleet was already preparing for the next jump. I stood at the central holotable, reviewing the final status reports while the girls coordinated with their respective commands.
"Set course for the Xifal system," I ordered. "All ships prepare for hyperspace jump on my mark. We're hitting the last confirmed CIS stronghold in this sector before pushing deeper toward the Hydian Way proper."
Xifal was a relatively minor system in the Allied Tion sector, but it held strategic value. The planetoid Xifal was home to a sizable population of Colicoids—those ruthless, insectoid beings known for their cold logic and expertise in droid manufacturing. They reminded me of the Xi Charrians I had worked with before: hive-minded in many ways, yet still fiercely individualistic. If the CIS had been arming them, there was a good chance we could capture or destroy Scorpenek heavy droids—valuable salvage for our own forces.
"Jump in thirty seconds," Blam announced from his station.
I felt the girls gathering around me through the bond—Ahsoka's quiet determination, Zule's fiery readiness, Shin's lingering warmth from our kiss, and the others' steady support. Even Sakura's new, bright presence flickered at the edge of my awareness, eager and unafraid.
"Mark," I commanded.
The stars stretched into hyperspace lines as the fleet—minus the *Blossom* battle group—leapt forward. One more system. One more battle. Then the real work on the Hydian Way would begin.
I allowed myself a small, tired smile. The road ahead was long and bloody, but for the first time in a while, I didn't feel like I was walking it entirely alone.