**Chapter 585**
**Scene 1**
**Felucia – Niango City Command Center**
**Shu Mai POV**
Shu Mai paced the dimly lit command center in Niango, her Gossam robes swirling with each frustrated step. The holographic form of Count Dooku flickered before her, his aristocratic features cold and impassive.
"What do you mean there are no forces able to assist me?" Shu Mai protested, her voice rising in indignation. "I am the Presidente of the Commerce Guild! Our fleets are endless!"
Dooku's hologram regarded her with thinly veiled disdain. "Unfortunately, we sent all forces we can spare to Felucia without compromising our reserves. Even then, we sent you special ships and an additional fleet which you lost. Not to mention your blockade, which fell rather quickly — three hours — while Mygeeto's blockade lasted nearly twelve hours. But they were able to retreat, while yours was lost."
Shu Mai's multifaceted eyes widened with fury. "This wasn't part of the plan! It was your idea!"
"Cat Miin has agreed to take your place as leader of the Commerce Guild," Dooku continued, ignoring her outburst. "While you will be known for your suicide attacks on Felucia."
"What? You can't do this!" Shu Mai shouted, her voice cracking with panic. "This wasn't part of the plan!"
"Unfortunately, history will not see it that way," Dooku replied coldly. "Commander, kill her."
The tactical droid standing behind Shu Mai raised its blaster without hesitation. Three precise shots rang out. Shu Mai's body jerked violently with each impact, her ornate robes staining with dark blood as she collapsed to the floor, eyes wide in shock and betrayal.
The droid turned its weapon on the royal guards and organic witnesses in the room. Blaster fire echoed sharply as the commandos executed them efficiently, leaving no survivors to tell the tale.
The room shook as distant explosions rocked the city. Republic forces were closing in.
"My lord, it seems the Jedi have arrived at the city," the tactical droid reported. "I calculate that within a week, at General Dagon's pace, the world will fully fall."
"Very well," Dooku said. "Have you gathered the remainder of the two cities under our control — wealth and valuables?"
"Kway Teow, the capital city, has been looted, but the city of Niango has only half completed," the droid answered.
"Very well. Prepare immediate destruction of the water facilities and prepare to leave," Dooku ordered.
"Yes, my lord."
The hologram faded. The tactical droid turned to the remaining droid forces, its photoreceptors glowing red. The poisoned well was ready. Felucia would burn before it fell completely into Republic hands.
**Scene 2**
**Dagon POV**
**Felucia Surface – Near Har Gau**
I watched from the ridge as the squadron of TIE Defenders returned from their attack run on Niango. The sleek black fighters streaked overhead, their afterburners glowing as they formed up for landing. The city's outer defenses were crumbling, but the Commerce Guild's grip on the water facilities remained a critical threat.
My thoughts were interrupted by the Shield of Wrath on my back. The dragon emblem pulsed with unusual intensity, and the voice of the Demon Dragon Emperor echoed in my mind.
*There is something odd on this planet. It is about to die. If you save it, the planet owes you a debt.*
I frowned, confused. "A planet about to die? How does a planet owe you a debt? And why are there sparkles coming from you?"
*No time. I will guide you.*
"Puck, I'm leaving temporarily," I transmitted. "Stay en route and contact Shin for any further instructions."
I mounted the nearest 125-Z Treadspeeder bike, its rugged design perfect for the unstable fungal terrain. The engine roared to life as I accelerated westward, following the Shield's subtle pull through the Force. The dragon markings on my armor glowed faintly as the bike tore through the glowing jungle, vines and spore clouds parting before me.
The Shield's guidance led me deeper into the wilderness, away from the main battle lines. Something ancient and powerful stirred beneath the surface — a living wound in the planet's Force signature. Shu Mai's poison was already spreading, but this felt deeper. Older. Deadlier.
I pushed the speeder faster, the wind whipping past my helmet. Felucia was fighting for its life, and I was being called to answer.