**Chapter 554**
**Scene 1**
**Dagon POV**
**Scimitator – Edge of the Sagma System**
The Scimitator drifted silently at the very edge of the Sagma system, its advanced stealth systems rendering it nearly invisible to both sensors and the naked eye. Using this modified Sith transport for reconnaissance and sabotage did feel a little like cheating — but then again, on Earth before the bombs fell, humans violated every rule of war they could think of. In this galaxy, the Yavin Accords said nothing about using ancient stealth ships against pirates.
"Target analysis," I murmured.
Ethan, my combat-holocron-powered droid assistant, brought up the scans. "Four DP20 Corellian gunships in orbit. Armed with eight double turbolaser cannons, four concussion missile tubes, and six quad laser cannons. Effective against both capital ships and starfighters, though primarily used against the latter. Crew of 45 plus 46 gunners. Class 2 hyperdrive. Length: 120 meters."
On the surface, another ten DP20s were parked near a modified MC30 frigate. Around three thousand organics moved about — mostly Sakiyans, Rodians, and a few Gossams. Super battle droids (including rocket variants) and roughly three hundred BX commando droids provided security.
"Someone has a very good alliance," I noted.
Ethan enhanced the feed. "Sir, further scans show a Munificent-class frigate, heavily modified, a few kilometers away. Look at the pipelines."
The view zoomed in. The 825-meter frigate was partially buried, giant storage tanks and refining equipment attached to its hull. It had been converted into a mobile refinery and fuel depot.
"Well, I've seen enough," I said. "Fire four missiles into that frigate, then pull back to the rally point. Contact General Johnson and Black Tie Defender Squadrons Five and Seven. Tell them to use ion shots on the gunships first."
"Yes, sir."
**Scene 2**
Twenty-four Kom'rk-class fighter/transports — each 68.1 meters long and loaded with thirty Brave Boys Legion soldiers equipped with jetpacks, grenade launchers, and E-22 reciprocating double-barreled blaster rifles — dropped out of stealth alongside forty-eight TIE Defenders.
The attack was swift and brutal.
The TIE Defenders screamed in first, their ion cannons lighting up the void. The four DP20 gunships in orbit were disabled in seconds, their systems fried as blue energy washed over them. The Brave Boys immediately began boarding operations, jetpacks flaring as they breached hulls and cleared decks with ruthless efficiency.
I deployed from the Scimitator in my new armor, descending toward the surface like a dark comet. The moment I landed among a squad of super battle droids, I tested its true capabilities.
Heavy blaster fire slammed into me. The alchemically treated black metal absorbed or deflected every shot. I raised my left arm and triggered the wrist rockets. Twelve small missiles launched in rapid succession, exploding among the droids and turning two dozen of them into scrap.
My lightsaber ignited — red crossguard blazing — as I carved through the rest. The armor moved with me like a second skin, enhancing my speed and strength. BX commando droids tried to flank me, only to be cut down in precise, lethal arcs.
"Interesting," I muttered, watching another rocket volley annihilate a group of rocket super battle droids. "Very interesting."
Above, the TIE Defenders continued their dominance, systematically disabling the remaining enemy vessels while the Brave Boys secured the ground positions.
**Scene 3**
The battle was over in under forty minutes.
Our losses were remarkably light: only twenty injured, no fatalities. The enemy, however, had been shattered. Six of their grounded DP20 frigates were destroyed during the fighting, but we captured eight intact frigates and the prized MC30 frigate — a fast, powerful torpedo platform that would be extremely useful.
I gave most of the captured ships and general loot to the Brave Boys Legion. They had earned it. However, I kept several crates of high-quality spice that had been hidden in the refinery frigate. In the criminal underworld, spice like this was better than credits for gathering intelligence. Criminals always knew everything.
General Elizabeth Johnson approached as her troops secured the final landing zone, her armor scorched but her posture proud.
"Objective complete, General," she reported. "The Sikurdian privateers have been neutralized. Sagma is ours."
I nodded, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Well done. Your people fought bravely today. Take the captured ships back to Lantilles for refit. You've earned the right to lead the next phase of operations in this sector."
Johnson saluted sharply, a fierce grin on her face. "Thank you, sir. The Brave Boys won't let you down."
As the *Grey Wolf* and the rest of the fleet moved in to secure the system, I looked out at the burning wreckage of the enemy base.
One more pirate nest cleared.
One more step forward on the Listehol Run.
The Hydian Way campaign continued.