**Chapter 687: Clashing Blades in Orbit**
**Scene 1**
**Sullust Orbit**
**Ginivex-class Starfighter**
**Selena POV**
Selena gripped the controls of her Ginivex-class starfighter tightly, the elegant but deadly craft slicing through the chaos of battle. She had taken personal command of several squadrons of the Confederacy's new Tri-fighters — fast, agile, and heavily armed droid starfighters designed to overwhelm enemy formations.
Her target was clear: the massive Liberator-class Star Destroyer leading the Republic fleet. Its firepower was devastating. Already, multiple Munificent-class frigates and two Recusant-class destroyers had been reduced to glowing wreckage under its guns.
She knew the odds of Dagon Marek being present were low, but the tactical precision of the enemy commander suggested a highly skilled intellect. Someone dangerous.
Suddenly, green laser bolts flashed across her vision. In seconds, twenty-four Tri-fighters escorting her exploded in brilliant fireballs. Two Skelters and a sleek, black TIE Silencer tore through the formation like predators.
Selena felt it immediately — a strong presence in the Force. The pilot of that Silencer was Force-sensitive.
"You are mine, Jedi scum," she snarled.
She broke off her attack run on the Liberator and banked hard, engines flaring as she pursued the Silencer. Her Ginivex responded beautifully, twisting through debris fields as she opened fire with its laser cannons.
**Scene 2**
**Providence-class Dreadnought, Invisible Hand**
**Dua Ningo POV**
The bridge of the *Invisible Hand* shook violently as another barrage slammed into its shields. Admiral Dua Ningo gripped the command rail, teeth clenched.
The Republic commander was skilled — dangerously so. The screech of TIE fighters and the thunder of turbolaser fire filled the void around them.
Just ten minutes ago, Beolars Bribbs, commander of one of their support groups, had been killed when his transport was blown apart by enemy starfighters.
"How much longer until reinforcements?" Dua yelled at the nearest tactical droid. "Where is our air support?!"
"Sir, Selena has requested all available ships for support. She claims the Republic fleet is too powerful," the droid replied mechanically. "However, we still have a Hyena-class bomber squadron onboard."
Dua swallowed hard. The order he was about to give tasted like ash.
"Very well," he said grimly. "Contact the bombers. Launch precision strikes on the Sullustan shipyards — both orbital and surface platforms."
"Yes, sir."
Dua stared at the tactical display as the Hyenas launched. Denying the enemy valuable infrastructure was necessary… even if it meant destroying assets they had hoped to capture.
**Scene 3**
**Liberator-class Star Destroyer, Chimera**
**Admiral Thrawn POV**
The void was a symphony of color — brilliant blue and green Republic fire clashing against crimson Separatist barrages. Thrawn stood motionless on the bridge, analyzing every movement with cold precision.
The Liberator-class Star Destroyer *Chimera* was proving its worth beyond expectations. Another Lucrehulk-class battleship exploded in a spectacular fireball after sustained fire from the heavy capital ship.
"Arquitens ships Light, Scatter, and Mellow — target the enemy Providence-class carrier at these coordinates," Thrawn ordered calmly.
A dozen proton torpedoes and concussion missiles streaked from the cruisers. The Providence carrier's shields failed under the barrage, and moments later the ship split violently in half, secondary explosions rippling along its broken spine.
"Sir," a clone officer reported, "Advanced Squadron on the surface reports enemy droid bombers are attacking the shipyards. What are your orders?"
Thrawn's red eyes narrowed slightly. *Odd. Why target your own shipyards unless… of course. Scorched earth. Typical Separatist desperation.*
"Dagon needs these shipyards," he murmured. "And this planet has lava flows. They intend to deny us usable infrastructure."
He turned sharply. "Deploy X-wing squadrons Cyan and Blue. Eliminate the enemy bombers immediately. Prioritize protecting the orbital platforms."
"Understood, Admiral!"
Thrawn allowed himself the faintest smile. The battle was progressing exactly as he had calculated. The enemy was skilled, but they lacked the elegance of true strategy.
This engagement would soon be over.
**Scene 4**
**Sullust Orbit**
**Selena POV**
Selena pushed her Ginivex to its limits, chasing the elusive TIE Silencer through a debris field. The pilot was good — exceptionally good. Every time she lined up a shot, the fighter would roll or use its stealth systems to break lock.
"You can't run forever!" she shouted, firing another volley.
The Silencer suddenly reversed thrust, spinning in a maneuver that should have been impossible. Its heavy lasers raked across her port wing, forcing her to break off.
"Who *are* you?" she hissed under her breath, feeling the Force signature of the pilot — strong, disciplined, and strangely familiar.
Far below, explosions bloomed across Sullust's orbital shipyards as Hyena bombers carried out their grim orders. She knew Dua had made the difficult call.
The Republic fleet was winning.
And somewhere out there, the shadow of Dagon Marek loomed.