**Chapter 544**
**Scene 1**
**TX-01**
**Bridge of the Munificent-class Frigate *Silent Calculation***
TX-01 paced slowly across the bridge with measured, mechanical precision. Two hours and seven minutes ago, he had been reactivated after an extended shutdown period. The explanation given was that his accumulated combat data was being analyzed to refine future tactical droid models. If a droid could feel flattered, TX-01 would have been.
Immediately after his mandatory diagnostic, he was informed of a new mission. The nature of that mission would come directly from Count Dooku.
Logical.
His skills should not be wasted. His record was exemplary. Advancement to higher command was the next step in optimized operational efficiency.
The holographic form of Count Dooku appeared before him. TX-01 bowed.
"My lord. What is your command?"
Dooku's voice was cold and precise. "You are to proceed to the Orron III system. General Dagon Marek's fleet is currently occupying the planet. Eliminate him. Capture or destroy his flagship if possible. You will receive additional forces at Felucia and the Corporate Sector border."
TX-01 processed the orders instantly. "Understood."
The transmission ended.
The tactical droid immediately connected to the nearest CIS data hub and began absorbing every relevant report on General Dagon Marek — the enemy who had humiliated them at Dentaal. The data painted a clear picture: superior tactics, unpredictable strategies, overwhelming firepower from custom vessels, and a dangerous personal combat ability.
Open confrontation was inefficient.
TX-01 ran millions of simulations in seconds. Direct fleet engagement: projected losses 87%. Boarding operations: higher success probability if the enemy flagship could be reached.
"Objective: Capture Orron III. Primary target: Elimination of General Dagon Marek."
The forces currently assigned were inadequate: one Recusant-class heavy destroyer, ten Recusant-class light destroyers, three Providence-class Dreadnoughts, three Lucrehulk-class battleships, and forty Munificent-class frigates. Another frigate carried him toward Dubrillion, where an additional squadron waited — fifty Techno Union frigates and twenty Dauntless-class heavy cruisers.
Still insufficient.
TX-01 sent a priority request to Felucia for reinforcements while continuing to calculate. Boarding was the optimal path. He requested:
- 50 Trident-class landing craft
- 440 Droch-class boarding pods
- 16,000 B2 super battle droids (AA variants)
- 5,000 B1 battle droids (AA variants)
- 100 BX-series commando droids
All would be deployed via Tridents and Droch pods. Aero-droids with rocket packs would launch from fireships for additional chaos.
Efficiency of primary plan: 72%. Chance of enemy disruption: 40+%.
Acceptable.
TX-01 transmitted the finalized plan and continued monitoring the hyperspace tunnel ahead. The hunt for General Dagon had begun.
**Scene 2**
**Felucia Orbit**
The reinforced fleet waited in high orbit above the jungle world.
TX-01's flagship emerged from hyperspace to an impressive sight. One hundred additional Munificent-class frigates, seventy Sabaoth Destroyers, fifty Providence-class Dreadnoughts (2km variants), seventy-five Dauntless-class heavy cruisers, fifty Lucrehulk-class battleships (Type B), each carrying 2,500 Vulture droids and 300 new droid tri-fighters, plus two hundred more Recusant-class heavy destroyers.
Three brand-new ST-series military strategic analysis and tactics droids were also transferred to his command as advisors.
TX-01 processed the reinforcements with cold approval. The numbers were now respectable.
From there, the combined armada jumped toward the border of the Corporate Sector.
Thirty Trade Federation Lucrehulks arrived first — massive spheres bristling with weaponry. They were followed by seventy-one Recusants and one hundred and fifty Munificent-class frigates carrying thousands of Vultures, Belbullabs, and Hyena bombers.
Passel Argente's hologram appeared on the bridge.
"I have decided to join this operation personally," the Corporate Alliance Magistrate declared. "Orron III lies in my sector. Its liberation is a matter of prestige."
TX-01's photoreceptors flickered once. He did not like organic interference, especially from Argente — whose leadership at Kamino had been… suboptimal. However, the additional fleet strength was undeniable.
"Very well," the tactical droid responded in its flat, mechanical voice. "Your forces will form the second wave. My boarding elements will target the Republic flagship *Grey Wolf*. Priority target: General Dagon Marek."
Passel Argente smiled thinly. "Do what you must, droid. Just make sure that Jedi butcher pays for what he has done to our operations."
TX-01 ended the transmission without further comment.
Inside his processors, new simulations ran continuously. Thousands of droids. Hundreds of boarding craft. A massive fleet.
All converging on one man.
The odds were shifting.