** Interlude: Nkllon**
**Scene 1**
**Nkllon – Athega System**
**Nox POV**
Nkllon was a small, mineral-rich, harsh world in the Athega system. Its surface was covered in plains of searing rock, impact craters, and volcanic features. The crust of the planet was rich in the minerals hfredium, kammris, and dolovite — metals vital in the construction of starships. Mining operations had previously been impossible on the planet, however, as Nkllon was bathed in lethal radiation from its small orbit around the system's star during the day.
Nox stood on a reinforced observation platform overlooking the mobile mining facility known as Nomad City. The massive structure was an engineering marvel born from one of Dagon's wild ideas pulled from ancient Sith holocrons and modern ingenuity. Built atop the hull of an old Dreadnaught-class heavy cruiser, the city was mounted on forty AT-AT walkers, their powerful legs stomping across the scorching landscape in a slow, deliberate march. The entire facility constantly moved to remain on Nkllon's night side, avoiding the deadly radiation of the system's star.
Beside Nox, Raith Sienar watched with a mixture of pride and disbelief. The Sienar-Jaemus Fleet Systems CEO had thrown himself into this project with the same passion he reserved for his most ambitious starship designs.
The way it was built relied heavily on Shieldships — specialized vessels designed to protect ships while traveling to Nkllon. They resembled giant umbrellas, with large tubes and fins designed to vent the intense heat generated by the star. However, the cooling gear onboard a Shieldship needed replacement after every visit. Any ship traveling to and from Nkllon had to trail behind a Shieldship for protection, or its systems and hull plating would melt. The Shieldships had advanced slave circuit systems for taking control of the ships behind them, allowing a quick one-hour hyperspace jump. Without the slaving system, the trip would take up to ten hours at sublight speeds.
**Shieldship Specifications:**
**Length:** 500 meters
**Width:** 800 meters
**Height/Depth:** 800 meters
**Megalight per hour:** 60 MGLT
**Hyperdrive rating:** Class 2.0 (Backup Class 20)
**Shielding:** Equipped
**Navigation system:** Fabritech navigation computers
**Armament:** Defensive turbolaser turret (1)
**Crew:** Pilot (1), Co-pilot (1), Navigator (1), Technicians (2)
**Cargo capacity:** 25 kilograms
**Consumables:** 1 month
Nomad City itself was a self-contained beast. The Dreadnaught hull had been reinforced, expanded, and turned into a mobile command and processing center. Forty AT-AT walkers provided the locomotion, their heavy armor and powerful legs allowing the city to traverse the planet's treacherous terrain. Mining drones and automated excavators worked around the clock on the night side, harvesting the precious minerals before the deadly daylight radiation forced another migration.
Nox watched as one of the massive Shieldships maneuvered into position, its umbrella-like structure casting a protective shadow over a convoy of heavy transports loaded with freshly mined ore. The transports trailed behind it like chicks following a mother hen, their hulls safe from the star's lethal rays.
"Well, the mining has started," Raith Sienar said, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. "We're already seeing the effects. The first transport is already away, loaded with enough hfredium and dolovite to build three Nebula-class hulls. At this rate, we'll have the materials for an entire new battle group within months."
Nox nodded, his ancient eyes scanning the horizon where the massive Nomad City continued its slow march. "And you don't have to worry about Separatists or spies here. It's both remote and secured. No sane person would come here."
Raith chuckled, leaning on the railing. "Yeah, but is Dagon friends with any sane people?"
**Scene 2**
The two men stood in companionable silence for a moment, watching the operation unfold. Shieldships moved in careful formation, escorting transports to and from the night side. The AT-AT walkers of Nomad City stomped onward, their massive feet crushing rock and leaving deep imprints in the barren ground. Automated mining rigs extended from the city's underbelly, drilling into rich mineral veins and pumping raw ore into massive internal hoppers.
Nox felt the faint echo of the dark side here — not strong enough to be dangerous, but present in the planet's harsh, unforgiving nature. It reminded him of Korriban or other ancient Sith worlds: places where power and suffering walked hand in hand.
"This is going to change everything," Raith said quietly. "With a steady supply of these minerals, we can build ships faster, stronger, and cheaper than Kuat or any of the old cartel yards. Dagon's vision… it's working. Nomad City is just the beginning. We're already planning three more mobile facilities."
Nox allowed a small smile. "Dagon has always seen further than most. He understands that resources win wars as much as fleets do. But be careful, Raith. The dark side lingers on worlds like this. Even if it's faint, it can influence those who stay too long."
Raith glanced at him, curious. "You sound like you've seen it before."
"I have," Nox replied simply. "Many times. In another life."
The Sienar CEO didn't press further. He had learned long ago that some questions about Dagon Marek — and those closest to him — were better left unanswered.
A comm officer approached, saluting. "Chief Engineer Kael reports the latest batch of ore is pure. We're already seeing a fifteen percent increase in efficiency on the new reactor prototypes. The solar ionization matrices are integrating perfectly with the dolovite alloys."
Raith's grin widened. "See? This is why I threw my lot in with you two. The future isn't in Coruscant boardrooms. It's out here — building something real."
Nox looked out across the glowing night side of Nkllon, where Nomad City continued its eternal march. The Shieldships moved like silent guardians, their massive umbrella structures casting protective shadows. Transports loaded with precious minerals lifted off, heading for the safety of the hyperspace lane.
"Dagon will be pleased," Nox said. "This world will help us win the war… and whatever comes after."
Raith clapped him on the shoulder. "Then let's make sure we're ready for both. Come on, old ghost. I'll buy you a drink in the command lounge. We can watch the next convoy depart."
Nox allowed himself a rare, genuine chuckle as they walked away from the observation deck. For the first time in centuries, the future felt… possible.