**Chapter 568**
**Scene 1**
**Dagon POV**
**Grey Wolf Bridge – Belderone System**
The fleet dropped out of hyperspace in perfect formation, the stars snapping back into sharp points of light. Belderone hung before us — a lush, temperate world originally known as Vartholium. It served as the sector capital of the Belderone sector in the Outer Rim Territories, strategically located along the Salin Corridor. The planet had two inhabited moons, both currently showing minimal defensive activity on long-range scans.
It had aligned with the Confederacy early in the war, specifically falling under the influence of the Commerce Guild, which maintained heavy control over nearby Felucia's resources. Our objectives were simple: destroy all necessary military infrastructure, capture high-value targets where possible, and avoid civilian population centers at all costs.
"Status?" I asked calmly from the center of the bridge.
"No enemy capital ships detected in orbit," Blam reported. "Only two Golan Mark I defense stations and a light patrol squadron of thirty Munificent-class frigates. They appear unprepared for a full fleet assault."
I allowed a small, predatory smile. "Then let's educate them. All ships, weapons free. Prioritize the defense stations and frigates. Push the wreckage toward the surface to expose their ground-based shield generators and air defense turrets."
The Republic fleet moved like a well-oiled machine. The Nebula-class Star Destroyers opened fire first, their heavy XX-10 and ultra-heavy turbolaser batteries lancing across the void. The two Golan Mark I stations lasted less than thirty seconds under concentrated fire — their shields collapsed, then their armored hulls shattered in brilliant explosions that sent debris spiraling downward.
The thirty Munificent-class frigates attempted to form a desperate defensive line, but they were outmatched in every way. Resurgent and Valiant-class vessels added their firepower, while Lancer frigates and TIE Defenders swept in to eliminate any fighter screen the enemy managed to launch. One by one, the Munificents were torn apart. Their burning hulls were tractored and pushed into controlled descent paths, crashing across known military zones on the surface to reveal hidden shield projectors and anti-orbital batteries.
"Ground defenses lighting up," Ahsoka reported from sensors. "We've exposed three major shield generators and several SAM sites."
"Target them," I ordered. "Orbital bombardment authorized. Precision strikes only — civilian areas are off-limits."
Emerald fire rained down from high orbit. The exposed shield generators flared and died under sustained turbolaser barrages. Air defense turrets that revealed themselves were promptly silenced. The Commerce Guild's grip on Belderone was already cracking.
Through the battle meld, I felt the calm determination of every crewman across the fleet. This was no desperate struggle — this was calculated domination.
**Scene 2**
**Belderone Surface – Northern Military District**
The ground battle moved faster than expected for a world with terrain similar to Naboo — rolling hills, lush forests, and scattered urban centers. The local defense forces consisted primarily of police units and planetary militia, with only limited Separatist droid reinforcements. Their speeder tanks and repulsor craft were agile but lightly armored.
They were no match for the new M850 Grizzly main battle tanks delivered by Carvon BattleTech, the private military contractor I had been quietly supporting.
The M850 Grizzly, formally designated the M850 Main Battle Tank, was an armored mobile weapons platform designed for overwhelming battlefield superiority. Its revolutionary four-track nacelle design featured each track mounted on an independent computer-controlled suspension system. This allowed the Grizzly to traverse, climb over, or maneuver around large debris and obstacles that would cripple conventional tanks, while making it extremely difficult to disable through mobility kills.
**Specifications:**
**Length:** 12.3 meters (40.2 ft)
**Width:** 8.4 meters (27.5 ft)
**Height:** 7.2 meters (23.6 ft)
**Mass:** 64.8 metric tons (63.8 LT; 71.4 ST)
**Maximum speed:** 69 kilometers per hour (43 mph)
**Armament:**
- 2 M310 120mm smooth-bore high-velocity cannons
- 2 S1 90mm canister shell launchers
- 3 coaxial E-Web modified retracto heavy machine repeating cannons
- 2 missile launchers
- 1 Smoke grenade launcher
The first wave of Grizzlies rolled out of Accumulator-class assault ships under covering fire from orbiting gunships. Local militia speeder tanks charged forward in a desperate counterattack, their lighter blaster cannons flashing harmlessly against the Grizzlies' heavy armor. The M850s replied with devastating effect — dual 120mm cannons thundering in unison, turning entire columns of enemy armor into twisted, burning scrap.
One Grizzly platoon advanced through a forested ridge, their independent suspension systems allowing them to climb steep terrain with ease. A squadron of militia speeders attempted to flank them, only to be met by a hail of canister shells and coaxial E-Web fire. The speeders exploded spectacularly, debris scattering across the battlefield.
"Grizzly One to command," the lead tank commander reported. "Enemy armor neutralized. Advancing on primary shield generator complex."
"Copy," I replied from the *Olympus Mons*. "Support them with gunship runs. Minimal collateral."
Braha'tok-class gunships swooped low, their heavy laser cannons suppressing militia positions while the Grizzlies pushed forward. The planetary shield generator fell within twenty minutes, its dome collapsing in a shower of sparks as the tanks' main guns breached the outer defenses.
The battle remained fast and decisive. Militia forces, seeing their heavy equipment destroyed and their command centers overrun, began surrendering in large numbers. Droid reinforcements were few and quickly neutralized by precise orbital strikes and ground assaults.
By evening, the major military installations on Belderone were under Republic control. Civilian areas had been spared the worst of the fighting, though some collateral damage was unavoidable near the shield complexes.
I stood on the bridge of the *Olympus Mons*, watching the final reports come in. Another world secured. Another step closer to Felucia.
"Prepare the fleet for departure," I ordered. "We've done what we came here for. The Commerce Guild's influence in this sector is broken."
The girls gathered around me, their presence a comforting warmth through the bond. The campaign continued, but for now, we had momentum.