**Chapter 647**
**Scene 1**
**Dorin System – Expansion Region**
**Dagon POV**
Dorin was a dark and dusty planet in the Expansion Region. It was the homeworld of the Kel Dors, with an atmosphere of a unique gas and helium. Dorin was situated between two black holes, making access to the planet limited; any space travel for the natives was also highly dangerous. Dorin's atmosphere contained very little oxygen and barely supported life, although some flora did exist on the planet. The inhabitants had evolved to survive in an environment within which most other species would perish, being effectively void of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. This atmospheric composition affected the travel capabilities of the native Kel Dor, requiring them to wear antitox breath masks to filter out oxygen while off-world. Likewise, most off-worlders and non-Kel Dor species visiting Dorin would have to wear breath masks of their own for the gases they required. Humans, however, could survive at least a short time in the atmosphere without suffering any ill effects.
Kel Dor society and industry largely revolved around technology. Although most Kel Dor were regarded as highly altruistic to the welfare of other beings, their justice system was strict, and swift, on potential criminals and lawbreakers.
Dorin's weather was very powerful, tumultuous, and quite unpredictable. Buildings on the planet's surface were constructed specifically to withstand violent storms and, in times of severe weather, most locations and homes were made available for anyone (Kel Dor or otherwise) to take shelter in. The Baran Do used their gifts in the Force to predict harsh weather phenomena, supplemented by satellites and other technology in the modern day.
Jedi Master Plo Koon, his uncle, and his niece, Sha Koon, were all from Dorin. The planet was home of the Baran Do, a Force group predating the Jedi. Dorin joined the Galactic Republic in 5975 BBY, and had direct representation in the Galactic Senate. As so many Jedi came from Dorin, the Republic funded the construction of an enclave on the planet. The atmospheric conditions limited most of the regular students to the native Kel Dor, although many Jedi of other species utilized a breathing mask to visit and to learn from the Kel Dor masters. While its isolation allowed the planet to remain unharmed by the Old Sith Wars, nearly all Jedi at the enclave on Dorin were killed by Sith assassins following the Jedi Civil War. During the New Sith Wars, the planet was the site of a battle won by the Sith.
During the Clone Wars, Dorin was a staunch supporter of the Galactic Republic. It backed the formation of the Grand Army of the Republic, contributing a small number of defense troops and ships to the war effort.
The defense fleet only had 10 Venators and 8 Accumulators. Against a decent CIS fleet, that was nowhere near enough.
Hyena-class bombers, Vulture droid starfighters, Belbullab-22 starfighters, 116 Munificent-class star frigates, and 22 Lucrehulk-class battleships formed a formidable enemy armada already engaging the outnumbered Dorin defenders.
**Scene 1**
**Dorin System**
**Dagon POV**
I sat in the cockpit of my customized R-16 starfighter, the black hull gleaming under the distant, warped light of Dorin's twin black holes. The jump to Dorin had been tense, navigating the gravitational anomalies required precise calculations. I led the main starfighter assault — 100 R-6 Skelters and 250 Clone Z-95 starfighters — while the rest of the Republic fleet avoided the black hole's pull by taking a longer, safer route.
"Black Squadron, form up on me," I ordered over the comms. "We're going in hot. Target the Lucrehulk battleships first. Keep the Venators covered."
The CIS fleet was already engaging Dorin's meager defense force. Hyena-class bombers, Vulture droid starfighters, and Belbullab-22 starfighters swarmed like angry hornets around 116 Munificent-class star frigates and 22 Lucrehulk-class battleships.
"Roger that, General!" a clone pilot replied. "We've got your back!"
I pushed the throttle forward, the R-16's engines screaming as I dove straight into the heart of the enemy formation. The battle was about to begin.
**Scene 2**
"Break left, break left!" a clone pilot shouted. "Vultures on my tail!"
"Hold formation!" I called back, twisting my fighter through a tight barrel roll. My rotary cannons spun up, unleashing a storm of laser fire that tore through a squadron of Vulture droids heading for a damaged Venator. The droids exploded in bright flashes, debris scattering into the void.
"Nice shooting, sir!" another pilot cheered.
My personal Black Squadron — elite pilots flying modified R-16s — dove in formation behind me. We targeted one of the massive Lucrehulk-class battleships. Proton torpedoes and concentrated cannon fire ripped into its hull, secondary explosions blooming across its surface until the massive ship broke apart in a brilliant fireball.
"Lucrehulk down!" I announced. "Focus fire on the next one!"
The dogfight was intense. Clone and organic pilots called out targets, warnings, and victories in a constant stream of chatter.
"Got another one! Two Vultures down!"
"Watch your six, Rookie!"
"General, more Hyenas inbound on the port flank!"
I banked hard, leading my squadron through the chaos, destroying enemy fighters and bombers while protecting the heavier Republic ships. The CIS fleet was formidable, but our coordinated assault was already taking its toll.
**Scene 3**
**Olympus Mons – Bridge**
**Admiral Grace O'Connor POV**
Admiral Grace O'Connor stood on the bridge of the *Olympus Mons*, her heart pounding as she watched the battle unfold on the tactical display. She was finally back with Dagon instead of guarding Coruscant, and the relief was mixed with intense worry.
"All ships, open fire!" she ordered, her voice sharp and clear. "Venators, flank the enemy fleet in crane wing formation! Accumulators, stay within diamond position! Protect the troop carriers at all costs!"
The bridge crew moved with practiced efficiency. Turbolasers from the massive fleet lit up the darkness of space as Republic ships engaged the CIS armada. Explosions bloomed across the battlefield as Munificent frigates and Lucrehulk battleships were torn apart under concentrated fire.
"Status on Dagon's squadron?" Grace asked, her voice tight.
"He's tearing through their fighter screen," an officer reported. "Black Squadron just took down another Lucrehulk."
Grace allowed herself a small, proud smile. "Keep the pressure on. We will not lose Dorin today."
**Scene 4**
Gun crews cheered as another CIS ship disintegrated under their fire.
"Direct hit on the bridge tower!" one gunner shouted.
"Another frigate down! Keep pouring it on!"
"Lucrehulk breaking apart — beautiful shot!"
The Republic fleet pushed forward relentlessly. Dagon's starfighter assault created openings for the heavier ships to exploit. The battle for Dorin raged on, but the tide was slowly turning in the Republic's favor.