**Kuat dilemma**
**Scene 1**
**Kuat Shipyards – Observation Deck**
**Jasmill Selanno POV**
The viewing gallery overlooking the main assembly yards was filled with a tense, electric atmosphere. Jasmill Selanno stood beside Lyra Blissex, both women watching the chaos unfolding on the massive holoscreen.
Walex Blissex — Lyra's father and one of Kuat Drive Yards' most brilliant minds — paced back and forth like a caged animal. Dozens of senior engineers and designers surrounded him, shouting, arguing, and gesturing wildly at the footage playing on repeat.
The Battle of Orron III.
Again and again, the Nebula-class Star Destroyers tore through Separatist formations with terrifying efficiency. Their overlapping fields of fire, devastating long-range turbolaser barrages, and coordinated rotating formations shredded Providence Dreadnoughts, Lucrehulks, and entire squadrons of Recusants as if they were target drones.
"Look at that fire control!" one engineer shouted. "The power output on those XX-10 batteries is insane! How are they maintaining shield strength while firing at that rate?"
"Kyber matrix integration," another muttered. "They must be using some kind of hybrid reactor system. Sienar's been hiding this from us…"
Walex stopped pacing, staring at the screen as a single Nebula-class vessel — the *Noxian Sovereign* — obliterated a 2km Providence with a single sustained broadside. "This is everything the Victory-class was supposed to be… and more. Far more advanced. We're looking at the future of capital ship warfare right here."
Jasmill exchanged a quiet glance with Lyra. The younger woman's expression was a mixture of professional admiration and personal frustration. Kuat had been too slow, too arrogant, and now they were watching their rival — Sienar-Jaemus Fleet Systems — surge ahead under General Dagon Marek's patronage.
**Scene 2**
**Kuat Drive Yards – Board Chamber**
**Lyra Blissex POV**
The board chamber was cold, sterile, and filled with the kind of tension that only came when vast fortunes and even greater egos were at stake.
Lyra Blissex stood before the long table of Kuat's most powerful directors. Jasmill Selanno stood slightly behind her, offering silent support.
"You once said that General Dagon asked for an alliance with Kuat and Sienar," the Chief Board Member began, steepling his fingers. "He wanted us to help build a capital ship he called the Annihilator — a Super Star Destroyer."
"Yes," Lyra replied evenly. "He even offered several systems and asteroid fields as good faith. You refused the offer. He didn't complain. What do you want now?"
The director leaned forward. "We need his alliance. We need the alliance with Sienar. The new company — Sienar-Jaemus Fleet Systems — is becoming Dagon and Raith's war machine. From supertanker fuel depots to new prototype turbolasers… we are still stuck at Class 8 while Sienar is already producing experimental Class 9 and higher systems."
Lyra's eyes narrowed. "And how exactly do you expect me to convince him to ally with us? You basically cut off all meaningful contact. You even promoted Jasmill — who was actually friendly with Dagon — to a position where she's stuck here at Kuat doing paperwork."
The room grew quieter. One of the older board members cleared his throat.
"We expect you to do what is necessary for the future of the company. The General Dagon always has a large number of females around him. Even if he is a Jedi… that means his heart is open."
Lyra's voice dropped dangerously low. "You can't mean…"
"Yes," the director said without shame. "And take Jasmill with you. Do whatever it takes."
Silence fell across the chamber.
Jasmill's face flushed with anger, but she remained professional. Lyra, however, looked like she was one breath away from walking out.
The director continued coldly, "Bring General Dagon back into the Kuat fold. Secure the Annihilator project. Whatever methods you need to use — use them."
Lyra stared at the board members for a long moment, her fists clenched at her sides.
"I understand," she finally said, voice tight. "We'll leave immediately."
As she and Jasmill turned to leave, Lyra whispered under her breath, "This is going to be interesting…"
Jasmill gave a small, determined nod. "For better or worse… we're going to meet the Dragon."