**Chapter 689: The Fall of Sluis Van**
**Scene 1**
**Sluis Van Orbit**
**Annihilator Bridge**
**Dagon POV**
The *Annihilator* emerged from hyperspace like a predator slipping from the shadows, its 18-kilometer arrow-shaped hull dominating the void above Sluis Van. The planet itself was a vital hub along the Rimma Trade Route — the primary world in the Sluis sector and home to the Sluissi species. Its famous shipyards were among the largest and most impressive in the Outer Rim, featuring extensive deep-space docking facilities defended by perimeter battle stations and an outer system defense network.
Sluis Van had long been a strategic prize. The ruler was called a Khedive, while the Sluis Van Congregate held considerable political influence. The shipyards themselves were considered works of art by the methodical, slow-moving Sluissi — a quality that made them both highly respected and notoriously inefficient in wartime.
But today, none of that would matter.
I stood on the bridge with my arms crossed, studying the massive CIS fleet arrayed in defensive formation around the orbital complexes. It was an impressive gathering:
- 2,000 Munificent-class frigates
- 1,000 Providence-class dreadnoughts
- 3,000 Wave Crest-class frigates
Plus whatever defensive weapons the shipyards themselves carried.
"An impressive fleet," I murmured. "But not nearly enough."
Commander Jun Sato stood at my side, awaiting orders. "All weapons systems charged and ready, Grand Master. The *Annihilator* is at full combat readiness."
I nodded once. "Commander Sato… you may fire when ready."
The bridge lights dimmed slightly as the *Annihilator* unleashed its full fury.
A devastating wave of green turbolaser fire erupted from the massive dreadnought. The XX-10 super-heavy turbolasers and ultra-heavy cannons tore through the CIS formation like a scythe through wheat. Entire squadrons of Munificent-class frigates vanished in brilliant explosions. Providence-class dreadnoughts were split apart or had their bridges vaporized in single shots. The ultra-heavy batteries targeted the shipyards themselves — specifically the massive space docks and construction arrays.
Hundreds of capital ships were destroyed in the opening salvo. The orbital shipyards, once considered the pride of the Outer Rim, began crumbling under the relentless bombardment. Debris fields expanded rapidly as docks, gantries, and half-completed vessels were reduced to glowing slag.
"Continue firing," I ordered calmly. "Focus on the shipyards. Deny them any usable infrastructure."
The girls watched from various stations across the bridge, their expressions a mix of awe and grim satisfaction. This was not just a battle. It was a statement.
**Scene 2**
**Sluis Van Orbit**
**Providence-class Dreadnought, Flagship**
**Mors Tonith POV**
Mors Tonith, the Muun financier turned admiral, gripped the command rail as his bridge shook violently. Alarms screamed everywhere. The *Invisible Hand II* — his flagship — was already listing badly, multiple decks venting atmosphere.
He had been placed in charge of the Sluis Van blockade after his nephew Pors Tonith's humiliating defeat at Praesitlyn. Now it seemed history was repeating itself in the worst possible way.
"Status!" Mors demanded, his pale Muun features twisted in disbelief.
"The enemy super-dreadnought has opened fire," a tactical droid reported flatly. "Our fleet is sustaining catastrophic losses. Ninety percent of the Munificent screen has been destroyed. Multiple Providence-class vessels have been lost."
Through the viewport, Mors watched in horror as the monstrous *Annihilator* continued its bombardment. Green fire rained down without mercy. Shipyards that had taken decades to build were being systematically annihilated.
"We didn't even have time to surrender…" Mors whispered.
The flagship shuddered again as another barrage struck its midsection. Secondary explosions rippled along the hull. Mors knew the ship was doomed.
"Prepare my escape pod," he ordered, already moving toward the emergency exit. "All surviving vessels — scatter and jump to the nearest rendezvous point!"
He barely made it into the pod before the bridge was torn apart by internal detonations. The escape craft launched just in time, hurling him away from the dying dreadnought.
From the small viewport of the pod, Mors watched his once-proud fleet disintegrate. The *Annihilator* showed no signs of slowing its assault. Entire sections of the Sluis Van Shipyards were collapsing into burning wreckage, falling toward the planet below in long trails of fire.
Mors Tonith, one of the Confederacy's most experienced financial and military minds, could only sit in stunned silence as the reality sank in.
The war had shifted.
And Dagon Marek had become something far beyond a mere Jedi general.