**Chapter 701: Interlude - The Count's Gambit**
**Scene 1**
**CIS Outpost, Remote Sector**
**Assazh POV (Chiss Clone)**
The hologram of Count Dooku flickered into existence before her, regal and imposing even through the static of a long-range transmission. Assazh — the Chiss clone engineered for loyalty and precision — immediately dropped to one knee, her glowing red eyes lowered in perfect deference.
Dooku stroked his chin absentmindedly, studying her for a long moment. The transmission quality was poor; the outpost was far from major hyperspace relays, and the signal struggled to maintain clarity.
"Hm… Good," Dooku said at last. "You did everything correctly. However, the presence of allies among these scum is worrisome. I will report this to Lord Sidious myself. You are to proceed to Desevro."
"Desevro?" Assazh looked up, puzzled. "Does that mean…?"
"You're right," Dooku confirmed. "We will take Mon Cala back. We need their manufacturing capacity to replenish our fleet. Besides, some people in their government are willing to help us. Your task will be a soft occupation. The Republic fleet guarding the planet must be wiped out quickly and decisively. For this purpose, you've been assigned several squadrons from neighboring sectors. The further plan of action is outlined in the file."
Assazh bowed her head. "I will head to Desevro immediately."
The comm system went dead — apparently Count Dooku considered the conversation over. A small holodisk with pre-recorded information slid out of a side slot in the projector. Taking it, Assazh headed for the outpost's tactical table.
"So… Desevro," she murmured, inserting the disk. A detailed strategic map bloomed above the table. "A squadron of two hundred ships… Two squadrons from the Toprawa area, a total of one hundred and ten ships. One squadron from the Dubrillion area, a total of forty-seven ships. Invasion force: six million droids, two million of which are aqua-modified… Route: We advance through Munto Codru and Ruisto. Support from the Pantora flotilla, a total of one hundred and six ships… Contacts in the Mon Calamari government. Well, this time everything should work out."
She turned to the nearest OOM droid. "I need a shuttle."
"Quiver number seven is at your disposal, ma'am," the droid responded immediately.
Assazh allowed herself a small, cold smile as she strode toward the hangar. Mon Cala would fall. And with it, another vital piece of the Republic's crumbling defense would be torn away.
**Scene 2**
**Serenno, Castle Serenno**
**Count Dooku POV**
Count Dooku stood in the center of his private communications chamber, the grand stone walls of Castle Serenno rising around him like silent guardians. The massive holographic projector hummed to life, and the hooded image of Darth Sidious materialized before him.
Dooku bowed deeply. "My Master, your will is done. Selena was confirmed dead, but her ship was tracked to Dathomir as requested. Our alliance with the Hapes Consortium is scheduled to begin, as is the operation to take Mon Cala."
Sidious' voice slithered through the chamber like smoke. "Yes… most interesting. But recently I heard some distressing news from Geonosis. What has happened there?"
Dooku straightened. "Under your instructions, we have built twenty new Subjugator-class heavy cruisers, each five kilometers long, with new ion cannon and turbolaser variants, only to prepare for the new offensive."
"And are you certain the Jedi won't discover it?" Sidious pressed. "These plans are necessary for Palpatine to receive full control of the Republic army. Currently, with Dagon as Supreme Commander, he is doing well enough for the Senate and the general public to think he is an excellent Jedi in charge of the war effort."
Dooku's expression remained impassive. "The construction was done in absolute secrecy. The Prophets assured me their foresight would keep the project hidden. Geonosis remains under our control for now, and the new vessels will be ready for deployment within weeks."
Sidious was silent for a moment, then continued, "The boy grows stronger with every passing day. We must accelerate our plans before he becomes untouchable. Mon Cala must fall quickly. Hapes must be secured. If we can bring both into the fold—"
Suddenly, the entire castle seemed to tremble.
Both Dooku and Sidious looked up as a brilliant light flooded the chamber through the tall windows. Far in the distance, across the void of space visible from Serenno's high towers, a distant pocket nova bloomed — a searing burst of phantom energy shaped unmistakably like Dagon Marek's Dark Star symbol. The explosion of light was so intense it momentarily turned night into day across half the planet.
Dooku's eyes narrowed. "What is this…?"
Sidious' voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "The boy… He dares to announce himself so openly. This is no mere battle. This is a declaration."
Dooku clenched his fists, his metal hand creaking. "Then we answer in kind, my Master. Mon Cala will burn first. And when the Republic screams for mercy, we will remind them who truly holds the galaxy's throat."
The hologram of Sidious flickered once before stabilizing. "See to it, Tyrannus. And watch the boy closely. He is becoming… unpredictable."
The transmission ended, leaving Dooku alone in the chamber with the lingering glow of the distant nova still burning in the sky.
He turned toward the window, staring at the symbol hanging in space like a challenge from the gods themselves.
"So be it," Dooku whispered. "Let the final game begin " .