**Chapter 776: The Grand Strategy**
**Scene 1: Republic Military Headquarters – Coruscant**
**Dagon POV**
"In short, I believe this is the best strategy we could muster," I said, gesturing to the massive holographic display.
The room was packed with admirals, generals, and senior Jedi. The weight of the coming offensive pressed on everyone.
"Each battle group consists of:
8 Venator cruisers (225 fighters and 25 bombers each);
5 Acclamators (60 fighters and 60 bombers);
11 Arquitens-class command cruisers;
36 CR-90 frigates;
10 Silencer-equipped Venators;
1 Resurgent-class battlecruiser;
7 Nebula-class Star Destroyers;
5 Allegiance-class heavy cruisers;
15 Assault Frigates Mark 1."
I highlighted the formation on the map. "We make 35 such groups and position them at every critical world — Christophsis, Ryloth, Umbara, Lantilles, every Core sector army base and major shipyard. When the attack begins, we start feeding in the extras — 50 additional Venators plus 30 Nebulas in 17 reserve groups. It will be a two-pronged trap. Once the CIS fully engages our forward lines, we close the jaws."
"It's a dangerous plan," Fleet Admiral Palleon said. "We are essentially leaving the smaller bases scattered throughout the Outer Rim and the colonies without a fleet."
"Indeed," Fleet Admiral Kinaun agreed, "but the shield generators should withstand orbital bombardment for at least five days, giving us a window to relieve them."
"Our goal is not to defend," I stated firmly. "It is to destroy. The CIS has several shipyards we know of: Mon Cala, Yag'Dhul, Pammant, Foerost, plus the Trade Federation facilities at Cato Neimoidia and several other worlds in Hutt space. While this defensive web holds, the *Annihilator* will strike at Raxus, then Serenno, then Cato Neimoidia. With this we take out their core, their head. Next year we launch the reconquest of the Rim."
"The plan is sound and will take place," General Valentra declared. "Dagon has volunteered to explain it to the Chancellor after the campaign is over."
A heavy silence fell, then nods of agreement rippled through the room. The trap was set.
**Scene 2: Jedi Temple – Preparations for the End-of-Year Gala**
*Damn, I'm late. Or rather early. Five hours of military strategy,* I thought as I stepped into the private wing of the Temple.
"You are late," Ahsoka said, arms crossed, though her eyes sparkled with amusement.
Ahsoka's attire retained her identity as a Jedi, yet adapted for the occasion. A deep red robe, elegant but practical, draped around her form, layered with subtle gold patterns that traced along the edges like quiet embers. It wasn't armor, but it still carried presence — authority softened by grace.
Visenya's silver dress flowed like liquid light, the fabric catching every glow from the chandeliers above. Her green hair fell freely over her shoulders, vibrant against the pale shimmer of her clothing. She looked radiant. Warm. Alive.
Kayla's choice was sharper. A deep green dress, fitted and precise, contrasted against her pale skin and white hair. It wasn't soft like Visenya's — it was controlled. Structured. Almost defensive in its elegance.
Flare wore blue. Not just any blue — but a tone that matched her Pantoran skin perfectly, blending in a way that made her presence feel almost seamless. Her white hair stood out against it, giving her an almost regal appearance. Confident. Proud.
Stella's white dress was the simplest. Soft. Gentle. Almost innocent. Her blonde hair framed her face as she stayed close to the group, her expression filled with quiet wonder.
Grace decided to follow my suit in her modified green beskar dress — sleek, form-fitting, and unmistakably warrior-like.
Sakura wore her regal purple Jaminere princess dress, every inch the noble.
Miaria wore a modified Felacatian dark star royal dress, accentuating her feline grace and tail.
Shin wore her Phoenix symbol dress, elegant and mysterious.
Erictia wore a bright pink dress that somehow suited her fiery personality perfectly.
Aubrie wore something similar to Ahsoka, only in deeper blues.
Aayla and Atroxa wore their own striking red and white dresses that turned heads even among Jedi.
And Talon… well.
"Uhh, Talon, you know that for the party you should at least wear—" I tried to say.
"Something that isn't similar to Zeltron fashion in a room full of the most important persons in the galaxy," Kayla cut in, eyeing both Talon and Zule. "That means you too, Zule."
"You know it looks rather good," I said, making both Zule and Talon blush deeply.
"Yes, but more importantly, shouldn't you at least address the Council first?" Obi-Wan said, surprising us as he stepped into the room.
**Scene 3: Jedi High Council Chamber**
"So as it stands, the expected CIS offensive will start on the second day of the new year. Here are your instructions," I said, standing before the assembled Council.
"Obi-Wan, your Negotiator battle group will be dispatched to Yavin 4. There is a hidden hyperspace route already uploaded that will allow you to jump to Mandalore in two minutes," I said.
"Why Mandalore? They are neutral," Obi-Wan said.
"Yes, and while Yoda is on Mandalore and Satine rules, the CIS seems to have become desperate since we cut them off from their Outer Rim resources and started their own worlds strip-mining. We think they might try to take Mandalore," I said. Obi-Wan nodded gravely.
"Skywalker, you will be dispatched to Naboo. Your target is to protect the shipyards," I continued.
"Master Nhon, you are assigned to Kamino. Knight Terran and A'Sharad Hett along with their fleets will be stationed there."
"Master Baylon, you will be dispatched to Eriadu."
"Master Cin, how many advanced pilots do we have?" I asked.
"The Arc Jedi training is going well. Using the simulators and the best aces, we have at least 5,000 clone Jedi and 4,000 regular Jedi Force-sensitive pilots, plus the training of the current guards and other corps of the Temple. As it stands we have, according to official training: 19,000 padawans not yet knighted but at standard Jedi knight age (18 to 25), regular knights 8,000 (ages 27 to 55), Jedi Masters 550 (age 55 and up), the Temple Guard at 10,000. With Arc Jedi clones 20,000. Plus the Mandalorians at 25,000," Cin Drallig reported.
"Dispatch 4,500 clone Jedi to various fleet elements and 2,000 of the Jedi pilots. Keep everyone else near the Core," I said.
"What of Rahm Kota and the other Jedi?" Master Hiram asked.
"Don't worry, he has his orders. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to mingle with the ultra-rich of the galaxy," I said, turning toward the door.
The Council session ended, but the real battle — the political and social one — was only beginning.