**Interlude: Bothan Steel**
**Scene 1: Bothawui Orbit – Harbor-class Mobile Space Dock "Shadowforge"**
Raith Sienar stood on the observation deck of the *Shadowforge*, hands clasped behind his back as he watched the controlled chaos of construction. The Harbor-class Mobile Space Dock was a marvel of Rendili StarDrive engineering — a towering, skyscraper-like vessel nearly five kilometers tall, with multiple long docking arms extending from its vertical hull like the limbs of some ancient mechanical god. Horizontal holo-support frames glowed with active repair fields, while swarms of engineering droids and technician teams moved across the exposed frames of half-completed warships.
Beside the *Shadowforge* floated a standard Rendili Space Dock — 4,846 meters of pure industrial might. Its two massive berths could each accommodate two Star Destroyer-sized vessels simultaneously. Smaller docking arms and fighter bays buzzed with activity as shuttles and engineering pods ferried components back and forth.
Together with the newly completed Sienar-Jaemus Imperial Dockyards in geostationary orbit, Bothawui had transformed from a key intelligence hub into a legitimate naval production center almost overnight.
A Bothan engineer — sharp-eyed and gray-furred — approached Raith with a datapad. "Director Sienar, the first production run of the Bothan Assault Cruisers is proceeding ahead of schedule. The *Shadowstrike* and *Silent Claw* will be ready for trials within ten days."
Raith nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Excellent. Show me the specs again."
**Bothan Assault Cruiser**
- **Length:** 850 meters
- **MGLT:** 90
- **Hyperdrive Rating:** Class 1 (primary), Class 8 (backup)
- **Shielding:** 4,800 SBD
- **Hull:** 2,280 RU
- **Armament:**
- 20 Turbolaser Cannons
- 24 Double Turbolaser Cannons
- 10 Ion Cannons
- 20 Proton Torpedo Launchers
- 3 Tractor Beam Projectors
- **Complement:** 48 Starfighters (primarily advanced Sienar designs)
- **Crew:** 1,240
- **Passengers:** 250 (troops)
- **Cargo Capacity:** 5,000 metric tons
- **Consumables:** 2 years
The cruiser was sleek, fast, and heavily armed for its size. Dorsal and ventral hangars allowed flexible fighter deployment, while rear meditation cabins with transparisteel arches gave Bothan commanders a commanding view of space during operations. Sublight engines matched Nebula-class performance, making it an excellent escort and raider.
Raith had personally overseen the integration of Sienar solar ionization reactors and advanced shield harmonics. The Bothans, with their legendary intelligence network and pragmatic ruthlessness, had thrown everything they had into the project. In return, Bothawui gained the ability to produce capital ships domestically — a strategic insurance policy against future galactic upheaval.
"Begin final systems integration on the *Shadowstrike*," Raith ordered. "I want live-fire trials against drone targets within the week. Coordinate with the new Lancer frigates for escort practice."
The engineer saluted sharply and hurried off.
Raith turned back to the viewport. In the distance, one of the massive Harbor-class docks was slowly rotating a half-completed Bothan Assault Cruiser into position for armor plating. The sight filled him with quiet pride. His father Wright would be pleased. Dagon would be even more so.
The Dragon's war machine was growing stronger by the day.
**Scene 2: Sienar-Jaemus Executive Suite – Bothawui Orbit**
Raith sat in the private observation lounge, reviewing the latest production reports. A glass of Corellian whiskey sat untouched beside him. The door chimed, and his senior project lead — a sharp Bothan female named Lyna Koth — entered.
"Director, the Harbor-class *Silent Forge* has completed its first full refit cycle on three Alsakan Atgeir-class battlecruisers. The upgrades are performing beyond expectations. New shield crowns, modern turbolaser batteries, and solar ionization backups installed. They should be ready for return to Alsakan command within ten days."
Raith nodded. "Good. Dagon will want them integrated into the Mygeeto task force. What about the Kumauri and Cal-class battleships we received from Alsakan?"
"Already en route to Jaminere and Lantilles as per his orders," Lyna replied. "The super dreadnoughts are being towed toward Naboo. Senator Amidala's new orbital yards are surprisingly efficient."
Raith allowed himself a small smile. "The Dragon has a way of making people… cooperative."
Lyna hesitated, then asked, "Will you be returning to Coruscant soon, Director? Or will you stay to oversee the next production wave?"
"I'll stay a little longer," Raith replied, looking out at the growing shipyard complex. "The Bothan Assault Cruiser is our first true joint design. I want to make sure it exceeds expectations. Dagon will need every advantage when *Spear of Light* begins."
**Scene 3: Private Quarters – Later That Night**
Raith finally retired to his personal suite aboard the *Shadowforge*. The room was spacious, with a wide viewport overlooking the orbital shipyards. He poured himself that glass of whiskey and took a slow sip.
His comm chimed. A secure priority channel from Coruscant.
Dagon's masked face appeared. "Raith. Progress report?"
"On schedule, Commander," Raith replied. "The first two Bothan Assault Cruisers will be ready for trials soon. The Harbor-class docks are working at full capacity. Alsakan's donated vessels are already being modernized. We'll have a reinforced strike group ready for Mygeeto within the month."
Dagon nodded once. "Good. Keep pushing. We may need to accelerate everything if the CIS launches early. And Raith… thank you. Your father would be proud."
The transmission ended. Raith stared out at the glowing shipyards for a long moment, then finished his whiskey.
The galaxy was burning. But here, in the quiet orbit of Bothawui, the Sienar legacy was forging the weapons that might just help save it.
He activated another secure line — this one to his father on Lianna.
"Dad… the first cruisers are almost ready. You should see this place. It's beautiful."
Wright Sienar's voice came through, warm and tired. "Then make sure they hit hard, son. The Dragon's counting on us."
Raith smiled faintly. "They will. I promise."
Outside, the shipyards continued their endless work — building the future one hull at a time.