**Chapter 732: Claws of the Outer Rim**
**Dagon's POV**
**Grohl Sector – Outer Rim**
The bridge of the *Devastation* thrummed with quiet efficiency as we transitioned out of hyperspace near the Felacat system. One week. That was all it had taken to shatter Separatist and Black Sun influence across the Grohl sector.
This region, lying near the Triellus Trade Route, had long been a chaotic mix of independent worlds, criminal syndicates, and opportunistic warlords. Home to species like the Felacatians and Porporites, it contained key systems such as Calast, Felacat, Hikil, Koiogra, Korseg, Ostega, Porpor, and Sucharme. Now it belonged to the Republic — or soon would.
Our campaign had been swift and decisive. Over two hundred Munificent-class frigates destroyed or captured. Thirty Dauntless-class heavy cruisers reduced to scrap. Twenty-two Techno Union frigates neutralized. Another fifty assorted Black Sun vessels and hidden bases wiped from existence. In exchange, we lost only two Venators and a handful of TIE Avenger squadrons. Acceptable costs.
Sienar and Lantilles had delivered on their promises — five brand-new Resurgent-class battlecruisers had arrived mid-campaign, significantly bolstering our striking power. As the rest of the original fleet dispersed to secure and occupy the liberated worlds, I retained twenty Nebula-class Star Destroyers to accompany the *Devastation* toward Felacat itself.
**One month and three weeks until *Spear of Light* begins.**
The timeline pressed on my mind like a physical weight. Every sector secured, every new ally or resource gained, brought us closer to the inevitable confrontation in the Core.
Felacat appeared on the main viewscreen — a lush, forested world with deep blue oceans and sprawling mountain ranges. The Felacatians were an intriguing species. In their baseline form, they appeared as tall, near-human humanoids with short, sleek fur, long tails, sharp fangs, and feline grace. Hyper-developed balance, night vision, reflexes, and speed made them natural warriors. Their tails could retract in danger and were hypersensitive to atmospheric changes.
But under prolonged hyperspace travel or extreme stress, they underwent a dramatic transformation — becoming massive, predatory tiger-like creatures. In this state they were terrifyingly dangerous: heavy spikes along the back, claws capable of shredding durasteel, immense strength and speed, and unparalleled sensory perception. With training, some could control the shift, phasing between forms at will or suppressing the change entirely.
*Catgirls that turn into giant tigers when stressed,* I thought with dark amusement. *I used to think that was only something from anime.*
The strategic value was clear. Felacatians would make exceptional commandos, scouts, and shock troops if properly integrated. Their homeworld's location along important trade routes also made it a vital anchor for Republic control in this part of the Outer Rim.
"Open a channel to the planetary leadership," I ordered, voice distorted by the mask. "Inform them that the Separatist and Black Sun presence in the Grohl sector has been eliminated. The Republic offers protection and mutual defense in exchange for cooperation. No occupation unless resistance is offered."
The communications officer nodded. "Channel open, Supreme Commander."
As we waited for a response, I reviewed the latest fleet status. The five new Resurgents were already proving their worth — their massive firepower and carrier capacity would be crucial when Palpatine's *Spear of Light* finally struck the Core. Combined with the twenty Nebulas and the *Devastation*, this task force could hold its own against significant opposition.
A holographic image of a Felacatian leader appeared — a tall female with striking silver-gray fur and piercing golden eyes. Her tail flicked with visible tension.
"Supreme Commander Marek," she said carefully. "We have monitored the battles in our sector. Your forces… are efficient. The Black Sun pirates have plagued us for years. The Separatists offered only chains disguised as freedom."
I inclined my masked head. "The Republic offers something better — autonomy within a stronger galactic order. Your people's unique abilities would be valued. In return, we will protect Felacat and the surrounding systems from further incursions."
The Felacatian studied me for a long moment. "And if we refuse?"
"Then we leave, and you face the next wave of opportunists alone when the war inevitably spills into this sector. The choice is yours."
She was silent for several heartbeats before nodding. "We will convene the Council. You may land a small delegation. But no large military force until terms are agreed."
"Acceptable," I replied. "We will await your invitation."
The channel closed. I turned to the tactical officer. "Maintain position. Deploy reconnaissance wings but do not provoke. The Nebulas will establish a defensive perimeter."
As the fleet settled into protective formation, I allowed myself a moment of satisfaction. Another sector secured. More resources and potential allies flowing into the Republic's war machine. The Felacatians' transformation abilities could prove devastating in special operations — perfect for the kind of asymmetric warfare we would need against the CIS.
One month and three weeks.
The clock was ticking. *Spear of Light* would test everything we had built. But with every world brought under control, every new ship commissioned, and every species like the Felacatians potentially brought into the fold, the Dragon's claws dug deeper into the galaxy.
I activated a secure channel to Lianna. "Inform the shipyards — accelerate production on the new battlecruiser design. We will need them sooner than expected."
The war waited for no one. And neither would I.