**Chapter 555**
**Scene 1**
**Dagon POV**
**Olympus Mons Bridge**
The hum of the *Olympus Mons*'s kyber-enhanced systems filled the bridge like a living heartbeat. I stood at the central holotable, arms crossed, studying the latest scouting data from the stealth corvette *Shark*. The girls were scattered around the command deck — some coordinating with their squadrons, others reviewing tactical overlays. The Force bond between us thrummed steadily, a constant reminder that I wasn't alone in this.
"Our next and final target in the Illisurevimurasi sector is Adivy," I announced. "An Outer Rim backwater agriworld. Discovered by the Republic around 3000 BBY. It stayed loyal for millennia until the Clone Wars, when it joined the Confederacy in exchange for protection and trade deals. The capital, Greenton, houses the headquarters of Lachany Foods — a major Separatist supplier."
Puck stepped forward, projecting the scouting report. "The *Shark* confirms two Lucrehulk-class battleships Type B in orbit. Minimal ground forces — mostly police droids. Only three major starports, loaded with crates. Looks like they're awaiting delivery. No significant defensive fleet beyond the Lucrehulks."
"Type B Lucrehulks are primarily modified starfighter and troop carriers," Admiral Piett added from his station. "Recent intelligence suggests nearly 3,000 Vultures per ship. Combined with what we've already destroyed, they're clearly trying to reinforce this corridor."
I zoomed in on the nearby stellar nebula — a swirling mass of ionized gas and plasma. "I'll take the *Olympus Mons*, *Grey Wolf*, *Stygian Serpent*, and *Void-Ripper* for the initial strike. The rest of the fleet will remain at the rally point and await my command signal. This attack will most likely draw in any nearby CIS reinforcements. If they come, we'll use the nebula as an ambush point."
Admiral Brom Titus frowned. "Sir, a few missiles into that nebula could trigger solar flares strong enough to fry our ships if we're caught inside. The plasma storms are unpredictable."
I allowed a small smile. "Who said anything about attacking from inside it? We'll make a passing flight through or around the nebula."
'The Rebellion used similar techniques to escape Imperial Star Destroyers in the future. Let's see if it works here.' I thought
The girls exchanged glances. Ahsoka looked excited, Shin thoughtful, and Sakura — still adjusting to fleet operations — watched with wide-eyed fascination.
"Very well," I said, straightening. "All ships, prepare for jump. We hit them hard and fast. No unnecessary civilian casualties. Capture what we can, destroy what we must."
**Scene 2**
**Adivy Orbit**
**Lucrehulk-class Battleship 7679**
Captain Dengu, a nervous Leyakian officer, paced the bridge of his assigned Lucrehulk. The massive Type B carrier felt both powerful and vulnerable at the same time.
"Droid, are the scans and transmissions still clear?" he asked, voice tight.
"Yes, sir," the OOM command droid replied mechanically. "Republic Darkstar fleet has left the Sagma system. They took everything of value and left only wreckage. No survivors reported."
Dengu swallowed hard. Five days had passed since the disaster at Orron III, and the mere mention of General Dagon Marek sent chills through him. The tactical droid assigned to his defense — the same model that had been destroyed along with rather large fleet at the failed battle at Orron III which left no survivors — had assured him reinforcements were coming. But waiting here with only two Lucrehulks felt like sitting on a powder keg.
"Sir, we are detecting a strange hyperspace signature," a droid suddenly reported. "Incredibly high energy reading coming out directly in front of us!"
The ship shuddered violently as reality tore open. A sleek, heavily modified Arquitens-class command cruiser materialized at point-blank range — the *Olympus Mons*.
Before Dengu could even scream an order, the cruiser's massive F-SPAR cannon fired.
A blinding lance of concentrated kyber energy punched straight through the Lucrehulk's shields and tore into its core. Secondary explosions rippled across the massive spherical hull. The bridge erupted in fire and sparks as Dengu was thrown from his feet.
The second Lucrehulk suffered the same fate moments later. Its desperate point-defense fire did nothing against the overwhelming firepower of the four Republic capital ships that had emerged with surgical precision.
**Scene 3**
**Dagon POV**
**Olympus Mons Bridge**
"Both Lucrehulks destroyed," Striker reported with satisfaction. "Minimal return fire. Their Vulture complements never even launched."
I nodded, watching the tactical display. "Aayla, Shin, Erictia — lead the ground forces. Capture all three starports and detain any ships not heading to neutral or Republic worlds. Use non-lethal force where possible. The Brave Boys and 141 will support."
"Understood," Aayla replied, already moving toward the hangar with Shin and Erictia. Through the bond I felt their determination and focus.
Four Warden dropships detached from the *Olympus Mons*, linking up with a full squadron of MAAT gunships and Kom'rk transports. They streaked toward the planet's surface like predatory birds.
I turned back to the main viewport. The two burning Lucrehulk wrecks drifted in orbit, their fighter bays ruptured and useless. The rest of the fleet would arrive shortly to secure the system fully.
Another agriworld taken. Another blow to the Separatist supply lines along the Listehol Run.
I allowed myself a moment of quiet satisfaction as the ground forces began their descent. The Hydian Way campaign was progressing faster than even I had hoped.