**Chapter 556**
**Scene 1**
**Tey-Zuka POV**
**Silent Wolf – Geonosian Dreadnaught Pennance-class**
**Serpine System**
Tey-Zuka stood motionless on the bridge of the *Silent Wolf*, its crimson photoreceptors glowing with cold calculation. As an ST-series military strategic analysis and tactics droid, it took quiet pride in its designation. The Confederacy had seen fit to give it a name — a rare honor for a tactical droid — and Tey-Zuka quite enjoyed it. Nothing satisfied its programming more than delivering victory to the CIS.
The massive 4,235-meter Geonosian Dreadnaught was a pure offensive weapon, armed with 500 twin medium turbolaser batteries, 142 assault laser cannons, 75 point-defense laser cannons, and 80 heavy turbolaser batteries. It lacked dedicated anti-fighter weaponry, relying on its twenty Dauntless-class heavy cruiser escorts for protection. Together, they formed a formidable guard fleet for the nearby Adivy system.
"Sir," a B1 battle droid reported, "we have received an emergency transmission from Adivy. General Dagon Marek has arrived. He destroyed their fleet and is currently bombing the surface while stealing their produce. His fleet has positioned itself near the stellar nebula. They are requesting immediate assistance."
Tey-Zuka processed the data instantly. Dagon Marek — the organic variable that had repeatedly disrupted CIS operations. The reports from Orron III were still fresh in its memory banks.
"Standard orders are to prioritize the prevention of our ships being destroyed," Tey-Zuka stated. "However, the fact that the enemy fleet is positioned near the nebula means it should be relatively easy to destroy them by triggering solar flares. Send the signal to fleet command. Begin hyperspace jump. I will not be denied the glory of the kill."
"Roger roger," the droids chorused in mechanical unison.
The *Silent Wolf* and its escort of twenty Dauntless-class heavy cruisers aligned and leapt into hyperspace, heading straight for the trap.
**Scene 2**
**Scimitar – Sith Infiltrator**
**Adivy Orbit**
**Dagon POV**
The Scimitar hung cloaked in high orbit above Adivy, its advanced stealth systems keeping it completely hidden from sensors. I stood on the compact but luxurious bridge with the girls gathered around me, reviewing the final stages of the operation.
"You're sure the signal went through and sounded desperate enough?" Ahsoka asked, looking at Erictia.
Erictia smiled with mischievous pride, still wearing the slightly disheveled look from her performance. "Yes. I sounded like a perfect damsel in distress. The droids believed every word."
"Well, in any case, this is a bold plan," Aayla said, arms crossed. "Capturing a CIS Dreadnaught — especially a Geonosian Pennance-class — is no easy matter."
"Don't worry," I replied, checking the tactical overlay. "Once it arrives, we board. Ethan and I will inject the special Sith-modified virus. It will slave the droids and ship systems to us. We kill any organics onboard and turn their own ship against them."
"It's a good plan," Shin noted, "but Dagon — make sure you spoil me afterwards. Playing damsel took a lot out of me." Erictia's voice dropped into a sultry tone as she leaned against my side.
"Padawan," Shin protested, though a small smile tugged at her lips, "at least wait until we're back on the *Grey Wolf*."
I chuckled, pulling Erictia closer for a moment and kissing the top of her head. "You'll all get spoiled when this is over. But right now, focus. This Dreadnaught is one of the few heavy offensive ships they still have. Capturing it intact would be a major blow to their logistics."
Sakura watched the exchange with quiet fascination, still adjusting to the dynamic of the group. Zule and Ahsoka exchanged knowing looks, while Kayla and Visenya reviewed the boarding schematics one last time.
The trap was perfectly set. The Scimitar's stealth systems would allow us to slip aboard the incoming Geonosian Dreadnaught during the chaos. With the Sith virus, we could seize control of its massive firepower and turn it against the remaining CIS forces in the system.
I activated the encrypted comm to the *Olympus Mons* and the *Grey Wolf*. "All ships, hold position. Wait for my signal. When the Dreadnaught arrives, we spring the trap."
The girls gathered closer, their presence steady and warm through the Force bond. Ten hearts, ten wills, all aligned with mine.
This was going to be a very good day.