**Chapter 656: The Caramm Reckoning**
**Scene 1**
**Olympus Mons – Bridge, Orbiting Kothlis**
**Dagon POV**
I stood on the bridge of the *Olympus Mons*, the soft blue glow of the tactical displays casting long shadows across my face. The data recovered from the wreckage of the destroyed CIS fleet had been thoroughly analyzed. What it revealed was both predictable and infuriating.
The flagship we had destroyed — the *Starcrusher* — had originated from Caramm V, a hostile Separatist world. It was the beautiful fifth planet of the Talcene sector's Caramm system, part of the Slice portion of the Mid Rim. A terrestrial world, Caramm V had once been neutral during the ancient Galactic War between the Galactic Republic and the reconstituted Sith Empire. Around 3638 BBY, several prominent politicians on Caramm V were discovered by an individual affiliated with one of the warring sides to be funding pirate activities in the sector. The slicers who uncovered the data used it to blackmail those politicians, effectively ending Caramm V's neutrality.
During the current Clone Wars, the dictator Ado Eemon had subjugated the planet with a fleet of droid gunships. He killed all threats to his rule and ravaged the world in the process. In exchange for power, he allowed the Confederacy of Independent Systems to utilize Caramm V's enormous manufacturing facilities and supplied them with vast numbers of droid gunships.
Their dictator was into mass-producing droid gunships, enslaving his own people, and destroying his own planet. Interesting.
I turned to Admiral Grace O'Connor, who stood beside me with quiet focus. "Caramm V is the source. We're going there next. Prepare the fleet for immediate departure."
Grace nodded sharply, her blue hair swaying as she relayed the orders. "All ships, prepare to jump. Destination: Caramm system."
**Scene 2**
**Caramm System – One Hour Later**
**Dagon POV**
We left thirty Venators at Kothlis for protection, reducing our main assault force to one hundred and fifty Venators and twenty Nebula-class Star Destroyers. Still more than enough for what awaited us.
The fleet dropped out of hyperspace in the Caramm system with devastating precision. The CIS presence was immediately visible — twenty Munificent-class frigates guarding the planet, supported by smaller escort vessels. They were instantly reduced to burning wrecks under the concentrated firepower of the Republic armada.
"Target the planetary defenses and manufacturing facilities," I ordered through the battle meld. "Begin planetary invasion once orbital superiority is achieved."
The battle was brutally one-sided. The Venators and Nebulas unleashed devastating broadsides, tearing through the remaining CIS ships and orbital platforms. Warden dropships and Skelters launched in waves, carrying clone troopers and Mandalorian warriors to the surface. The sky above Caramm V filled with streaks of fire and explosions as the Republic fleet asserted total dominance.
Grace stood beside me on the bridge, her voice calm but laced with satisfaction. "Orbital defenses neutralized, sir. Ground forces are landing in multiple sectors."
I nodded, watching the planet below. "Good. Let's end this dictator's reign today."
**Scene 3**
**Caramm V Surface – Capital City Outskirts**
**Dagon POV (Ground Command)**
I descended with the first wave of Warden dropships, the Krayt Dragon armor sealed and ready. The surface of Caramm V was a scarred wasteland — once-beautiful landscapes now marred by massive droid factories and brutal labor camps. Smoke rose from burning industrial complexes as clone troopers and Mandalorian warriors pushed forward, eliminating droid resistance with ruthless efficiency.
"Push toward the central command spire," I ordered over the comms. "The dictator Ado Eemon is there. Capture him alive if possible. We need answers."
The battle on the ground was fierce but short. The droid forces, caught off guard by the sudden orbital assault, crumbled under the combined might of Republic clones and Mandalorian warriors. By the time my personal strike team reached the central spire, the dictator's guards had already surrendered or been neutralized.
Ado Eemon, a portly human with fear-filled eyes, was dragged out of his fortified office by two Mandalorians. He glared at me with hatred as I approached.
"You… Marek," he spat. "The Republic's pet monster."
I looked down at him coldly. "Your reign of enslavement and destruction ends today. Caramm V will be freed, and your manufacturing facilities will serve the Republic now."
The dictator's face twisted in rage, but he had no power left. The planet was ours.