**Chapter 758: Sparks in the Diamond**
**Scene 1: Bridge of the Resolute – Ord Mantell System**
Having recently assumed command of the Eighth Sector Army's reconnaissance and strike force, Commodore Koro Williams had initially feared his personal desire to avenge his father's death at the hands of the Separatists would be thwarted. After all, his flagship remained the *Resolute* — a Persuasive-class cruiser serving as the force's mobile headquarters — while the true command ships stayed safely in the rear.
But he had gradually realized this was simply another way to achieve that revenge.
What could one ship do?
But fifty corvettes and frigates… with the right planning… they could do *serious* damage.
And that was exactly what was happening now.
At the start of the battle for Mygeeto, one squadron had been destroyed in the first few minutes — unexpected, but not critical. The other six, however, were in full swing. Nimble Consular frigates darted hundreds of meters from the flanks of enemy warships, pelting them with rapid-fire laser cannons. The Separatists barely had time to bring their own guns to bear. What could a simple corvette do against a cruiser? A lot — especially when the enemy concentrated deflectors on their bow, weakening other arcs and leaving the stern completely defenseless. Several Munificent-class frigates had already been crippled this way. When the ruse was discovered and shields were redistributed, the Hunters exploited the gaps even faster.
The more massive Marauders weren't as quick, but their powerful turbolasers easily matched those on larger vessels, inflicting serious damage. Two or three of them could dispatch a single Separatist frigate — whether Munificent or Recusant-class light destroyer. The new Arquitens rained lighter fire from multiple angles, compensating for individual weakness with sheer numbers. Their missile launchers were equally effective, confidently engaging enemy fighters attempting to disrupt the rear assault — firing a monotonous salvo of four missiles every five seconds. The launchers could fire faster, but the operators simply couldn't keep up with the volume of orders.
From the relative safety of the landing formation, the full picture of the battle unfolded.
"Our ships are advancing," one of the staff officers reported. "Some have taken damage, but far more enemies have been destroyed. The initial airstrike was devastating. Staff and General Dagon did an excellent job."
For a few seconds, everyone on the bridge experienced a wave of mild euphoria — confidence surging through them like a premonition. The panic in the enemy ranks was palpable. Now Williams understood what the commander had meant when he said, "Don't be surprised at anything."
However, the enemy's central detachment soon regrouped and launched a frontal assault. The flanks, however, remained scattered. The Republic strike wings began a systematic envelopment, driving the Separatist ships into a deadly crossfire trap.
**Scene 2: Bridge of the Devastation – Mygeeto System**
Lee Noriega tersely issued another string of orders, her eyes never leaving the tactical holotable. Although her full attention remained locked on the battle, the controlled chaos of the command center served as mere background noise — it had been that way for the past forty minutes.
The main thing was the fight. And here, she was in her element. Fleet Admiral Renown stood on the opposite side of the table, contributing his own commands. Their voices wove together like a deadly symphony. Occasionally, the General's voice joined the chorus.
"Right strike squadron, redirect fire to Sector Four! *Loyal*, *Strong*, *Formidable* — formation maneuvers! EM-Three! Don't fall for the enemy's deceptive—"
"*Legend of Space*, fall back! *Zarqabu* and *Aartu Si* — close the gap!"
"Station Number Three has been hit! Hangar destroyed. Station Number Four — moderate damage!"
"Tell Commander Pellaeon to transfer fire to Stations Six and Eight!"
"*Yago* — speed up repairs to the port-side elevators! Redirect the bombers to the *Zenna*!"
"The enemy is launching more Nantexes — the Green Squadrons can't cope. What's the status on the third wave preparations?"
Renown interjected, "It will be ready in twenty minutes!"
"There is a high probability of enemy ships breaking through the center," one of the Jedi observers reported, eyes closed in deep concentration. "We recommend redeploying some forces from the left flank… Abort. Shifting fire to Sector ES-Seven…"
The Jedi extended his hand; from the side, his fingers appeared to twitch convulsively.
Lee rubbed her temples. It was a familiar gesture — this was how the General took "direct control" of the ships. A minute later, everything became clear.
"Attention! Ships exiting hyperspace… This is the enemy! Three Lucrehulk-class battleships (Class B) and six Recusant-class heavy destroyers!" the tracking systems operator shouted.
Dagon's voice cut through the noise like a vibroblade. "Squadron, contact Commander Jan. MC80A, light them up. Dispatch X-wing squadrons and TIE Defenders. Reroute ten Assault Frigates. Use Groups Eight and Seventeen — form a line and punch a hole!"
The bridge erupted into coordinated motion. The *Devastation*'s massive batteries thundered, while squadrons of starfighters streaked forward to meet the new threat. The Guardian network hummed with activity, thousands of point-defense weapons and missiles locking onto fresh targets.
Dagon stood like a statue at the center of it all, the subtle threads of Battle Meditation and Battle Fusion weaving through every ship and every mind under his command. The girls remained close — silent anchors feeding him strength and clarity.
The battle for Mygeeto had entered its decisive phase.
And the Dragon was far from finished.