**Chapter 738: Whispers of the Dragon**
**Scene 1: Jedi Temple, Coruscant – Council Refreshment Lounge**
Obi-Wan Kenobi sipped his tea slowly, savoring the warmth as he took another bite of rich cake. It was a small luxury, but one he appreciated more these days. Since Dagon Marek had become Supreme Commander and effectively restructured much of the Republic's wartime economy, food distribution had improved noticeably. The Core and even parts of the Outer Rim were no longer facing acute shortages.
Across the low table, Cin Drallig, Nhon Artu, and Anakin Skywalker watched a large holoscreen broadcasting the latest war updates. The mood was a strange mix of satisfaction and unease.
The Galactic Herald's anchor appeared, voice brimming with dramatic flair. "Galactic Herald announcing the current campaign by the Demon of the Shield—"
Anakin groaned. "Should we say anything about that name? It makes us sound like the bad guys."
Nhon Artu leaned back with a grumble. "You convince Dagon first. His super star destroyer is called the *Annihilator*. His new flagship is the *Devastation*. His Nebulas have names like *Abyssal* and *Void Ripper*. His new clone armor variants are literally called Purge Troopers and Death Troopers. Good luck drawing that line between 'cool' and 'evil,' Skywalker."
Obi-Wan could see why Nhon was particularly irritated. Since Dagon's reforms and the creation of the new Arc Jedi order, Nhon had been appointed as the Temple's primary diplomat to the Senate — a role Obi-Wan had once held and was more than happy to pass on.
The broadcast continued. "Our current Republic victories indicate total control of the Axis, Slice, Greater Corellian, Trans-Nebular, and Kessel regions. This means the Republic now holds complete dominance over the Perlemian Trade Route, the Hydian Way, the Corellian Run, and the Corellian Trade Route."
Anakin nodded. "Dagon's campaigns are progressing well. That just leaves the second push on Mygeeto to disrupt whatever Sith plans are still in motion."
The anchor's tone shifted to something lighter, almost gossipy. "And in other news from Felacat — yes, the planet of the cat people — a Titan descended from the sky just days ago. This reporter secured an exclusive meeting with former Queen, now First Princess Miaria Prrt, who has agreed to accompany Supreme Commander Marek as the official representative of her world. We also bring you this exclusive video of the royal dance between Miaria and the Grand Master…"
The holoscreen switched to footage of Dagon and Miaria dancing closely in the royal palace. The camera lingered on their blushing faces, Miaria's tail curling affectionately around Dagon's neck as they shared a passionate kiss.
Obi-Wan choked violently on his tea, nearly spilling the cup.
"Oh come on now," Nhon said sarcastically, throwing his hands up. "Princess? Doesn't he already have one? What does he want next — a Mikkian? Or a Mirialan?"
Anakin stared at the screen, mouth slightly open. Cin Drallig simply rubbed his temples in silence.
Obi-Wan finally managed to clear his throat. "The man does nothing by half measures."
**Scene 2: Senatorial Apartments – Riyo Chuchi's Residence**
Riyo Chuchi paced back and forth across the elegant living room of her Coruscant apartment, frustration, anger, and an unwelcome stab of jealousy twisting in her chest. She had seen Dagon with his growing harem before. She had even accepted it on some level. But this… the public footage of the dance, the way Miaria's tail had curled around him, the obvious intimacy — it stung more than she expected.
"Why am I even jealous?" she muttered, ears burning.
Cal, her husband, sat on the couch watching the same broadcast, trying his best to remain calm. "Now, now, Riyo dear. Remember, he established new rules in the Jedi Order allowing attachments. And Felacat culture, you know… it's surprisingly open."
"Let me guess," Riyo said with an angry, saccharine smile. "They allow harems."
"Uh, yes," Cal replied, eyes still on the holo-tablet. "It's not that large usually, but the largest recorded was around a hundred. Wow — the more females you have, the stronger you are considered. Interesting culture—"
He finally looked up and saw the dangerous glare on his wife's face. Cal instantly closed the holo-tablet with a soft click, offering her a sheepish smile.
"—which of course has no bearing on our own relationship, my love," he added quickly.
Riyo crossed her arms, tail flicking sharply. "He's out there conquering worlds and adding queens to his collection while we sit here managing relief efforts. And the worst part is… part of me still wants to see him."
Cal stood up and gently pulled her into a hug. "Dagon's war is bigger than any of us. But you're not alone in feeling conflicted. Many in the Senate are watching his rise with the same mix of awe and fear."
Riyo rested her head against his chest for a moment, then pulled back with a sigh. "Just… promise me something."
"Anything."
"If he ever brings that Felacatian here, I get to meet her first. I want to know what kind of woman can make the Demon of the Shield blush on the holonews."
Cal chuckled nervously. "I'll make the arrangements. Just… try not to challenge her to a claw fight?"
Outside the apartment, Coruscant's endless traffic flowed past the windows. In the distance, the Jedi Temple glowed under the setting sun. Across the galaxy, Dagon Marek continued his relentless campaign — winning battles, forging alliances, and expanding both his power and his personal circle.
The Dragon's shadow grew longer with every passing day.