**Chapter 675: The Wager of Titans**
**Scene 1**
**Senate Building, Grand Convocation Chamber**
**Dagon POV**
The Grand Convocation Chamber was even more overwhelming in person than it looked in the holofeeds. Floating platforms drifted in precise orbits around the central podium, each one occupied by senators from thousands of worlds. The sheer scale of it — the dome soaring overhead, the endless murmur of voices echoing through the vast space, the sheer variety of species — made me feel momentarily small.
*Whoa, it's bigger than I imagined,* I thought as I settled into the designated floating chair reserved for the Grand Master of the Jedi Order. *And so many buttons on this thing. Who designed this?*
I scanned the chamber, picking out familiar delegations. Zeltrons were lower down at number 2453, their vibrant skin standing out even from this distance. Wookiees were at 879, their towering forms impossible to miss. Naboo sat at 1298, Alderaan at 189. Coruscant itself held the prime position at number 1.
*I wonder how many Core Worlds clashed just for that spot,* I mused internally.
The debate had already begun. The Sienar senator was speaking passionately from his platform.
"As you can clearly see, Sienar at the time of the Ruusan Reformation never agreed to it and was not a signatory," he declared.
"But it is required — to join the Senate, all planets must be in agreement," Bail Organa countered, his voice measured but firm.
"Yes, except this ship was built not for Sienar, but for Sienar-Jaemus Fleet Systems — an independent contractor," the Sienar representative shot back.
"Which Dagon is a board member and co-founder of," Organa pressed.
"Our client's business cannot be used against us as stated in Republic laws," the Sienar rep continued. "Furthermore, as clearly stated, the Jedi never renounced their right to build and fund ships. Was that not how the Clone Army and fleet were given, and thus emergency powers to Chancellor Palpatine?"
A large number of senators voiced agreement, but an equal uproar rose from the opposition. Platforms shifted and voices clashed in a chaotic symphony.
"Order! We shall have order!" Mas Amedda's voice thundered, his staff striking the floor repeatedly until the chamber quieted.
Chancellor Palpatine rose from his podium, his expression one of calm authority. "In light of the legitimacy within the laws and no clear violation that was done within the Senate, I hereby dismiss all charges brought against Dagon, Sienar, and the Jedi Order."
A wave of murmurs swept through the chamber — some approving, others furious. I remained seated, watching it all with careful neutrality. The political game was as dangerous as any battlefield.
**Scene 2**
**Senate Building, Grand Convocation Chamber Exiting Pods**
**Dagon POV**
As the session adjourned and platforms began descending, I rose from my seat and started toward the exit with Shin, Aayla, and Grace flanking me. The air was thick with tension and whispered conversations.
"Knight Dagon!" a sharp voice called out.
I turned to see Onara Kuat striding toward us, her face a mask of barely contained fury. The head of Kuat Drive Yards looked every bit the formidable industrial titan she was — tall, regal, and radiating authority.
"Don't think you can get away with this," she said, voice low and venomous. "Kuat and Sienar have an agreement, boy."
"Boy," I repeated calmly, a faint smile touching my lips. "Interesting. I am young, yet the blood of thousands is on my hands. I am Grand Master of the Jedi Order. I am Supreme Commander of the Republic Army. And I have a ship that is cooler and bigger than yours."
Onara's eyes narrowed dangerously. "You will regret this."
"Too bad we have an iron-clad contract that was agreed to," I replied, keeping my tone even. "Unless… you'd prefer a wager?"
The word "wager" sparked immediate interest. Senators nearby slowed their steps, drawn to the drama like moths to flame. Gambling was a universal vice among the galactic elite.
"What wager, and what do you want?" Onara asked, curiosity clearly piqued.
"I want a great many things," I said, "but I understand you have Walex building a new ship. Do you build new ships as well?"
"Hah, in my age? No," she replied. "But I understand your request. How about this — we each design a new capital ship from basic principles. Let's say a ship between 700 to 900 meters in length, somewhere within that range. Conventionally powered. We each load it with droids and challenge each other to combat."
*Gladiator ship battle. Interesting. Is this how the ultra-rich live?* I thought.
"Interesting. What are the stakes?" I asked.
"If I win, you grant Kuat every design you've got, every time we want a kyber crystal or fuel, and your protection as a Jedi," Onara stated.
"And if I win," I countered, "I get a seat on the Kuat board, access to whichever ships I want from Kuat free of charge, your complete alliance with me, and total control of your engineering and shipyards."
Onara paused, clearly weighing the enormous implications. The surrounding senators watched with bated breath.
"Going once… going twice…" I said lightly.
"Fine. Deal," she snapped. "Four months — at the New Year festivities. That good enough timeframe?"
"Yep. Perfect," I replied. "Let's see the answer to the age-old question: an unstoppable force versus an immovable object."
Onara gave me one last hard look before turning on her heel and striding away, her entourage hurrying after her. I watched her go, a small smile playing on my lips.
Shin leaned in close. "You really enjoy living dangerously, don't you?"
"Keeps things interesting," I murmured.