**Chapter 780: The Wager**
**Scene 1: Senate Gala – Central Presentation Platform**
**Dagon POV**
Apparently Kuat had started their private meeting on ship production, and now they had brought their ship.
The speaker's voice rang out clearly across the grand atrium. "Now the chair is open — Onara Kuat."
Onara Kuat rose from her chair with practiced grace. "Greetings to all our guests. We have gathered to discuss many important issues in our industry, the latest news affecting it, and the prospects for the new year. As you already know, a considerable amount of time has passed since the wager where Dagon Marek, newly appointed Grand Master of the Jedi Order and Republic Supreme Commander, made a unique challenge against Kuat in shipbuilding. The Grand Army of the Republic, and its navy in particular, will be expanding. The Senate is allocating significant funds for procurement, which means new contracts for manufacturers. And we, as the largest among them, should not be left out."
She gestured smoothly. "First, let's recap the past few months. Quin Dorna, Chief Technologist, will provide the details."
The man rose and activated the central projector panel. Holograms and detailed diagrams of ships bloomed into existence above the crowd.
"The Kuat Drive Yards and Rothana shipyards, as well as the Sante Sienar group and Sienar-Jaemus Fleet Systems, are producing the following ships: the large landing ship Accumulator — seven hundred and fifty-two meters long; twelve quadruple light turbolasers, twenty-four light rapid-fire laser cannons, and four torpedo tubes. Five thousand nine hundred and forty-two ships have been produced and delivered…"
Dorna continued through the impressive list of current production numbers, modifications of existing designs, and active orders before stepping back.
Deppon-Kuat, head of relations with third-party manufacturers, took over, highlighting the revolutionary new weapons from Taim & Bak — the XX-9 Class 9 heavy turbolasers, XI-7 medium turbolasers, and H-9 light turbolasers. He emphasized how these surpassed all previous models in power, energy capacity, and performance. Borstel's new ion cannon lines were also showcased.
Jerrol Kuat, head of intelligence, continued with competitor developments: the Damorian Carrack light cruiser and Loronar Strike modular cruiser, both already seeing Republic interest and orders.
"I hope our engineers won't give in?" Onara asked with a slight smile.
"Yes, Mistress Kuat," Ren Laatl, the lead engineer, replied confidently. He then presented Kuat's own new developments, including the Nebula-B frigate in its patrol, escort, and medical variants.
"And now to the main point," Onara announced. "Vallex, the floor is yours."
Vallex Blissex stood, waving his hands enthusiastically. "Rendili Star Drive has begun production of a new ship based on my design, with the support of the company's engineers. Display a hologram, please. Please love and favor — the Victory."
A majestic 900-meter wedge appeared in the holo-display, sharp and imposing.
"Victory. Nine hundred meters long. It carries ten twin-barreled XX-9 turbolaser cannons — the newest in the fleet — forty twin-barreled XI-7 cannons, twenty-two light rapid-fire cannons, and eighty Krupx missile launchers. The ship can carry forty-eight fighters and bombers, and several shuttles in two side hangars. It has the latest deflector shields, combining protection from both energy and physical attacks, with a rating of three thousand six hundred points, and armor protection of one thousand six hundred eighty standard units. Cost: sixty-five million credits."
The prototype ship materialized in orbit above Coruscant for all to see in real time.
"The apex of Kuat engineering and all standards meet with production," Vallex declared proudly.
The speaker's voice rang out again. "We now go to Dagon Marek, Raith Sienar, and the Bothan representative Taor Lok for their ship."
**Scene 2: Senate Gala – Main Atrium**
"Uhh, this is our ship," Taor Lok said as the Bothan Assault Cruiser appeared in the holo-display beside the Victory.
**Bothan Assault Cruiser**
**Length:** 850 meters
**Crew:** 1,240
**Armed Complement:** 250
**Cargo Capacity:** 5,000 metric tons
**Consumables:** Two years
Armed with twenty-four heavy XX-9 dual turbolaser cannons, twenty XX-7 turbolaser cannons, ten ion cannons, twenty proton torpedo launchers with sixteen missile magazines, thirty point-defense triple-barrel cannons, and four tractor beam projectors.
**Shield Points:** 3,500
**Hull Points:** 4,080
**Speed:** 4.2
The Dual Heavy Turbolasers fired two shots every 1.67 seconds with an effective range of 7.2 km. It was solar ion powered as requested and met all specifications. The sleek Bothan vessel appeared out of hyperspace in the display, looking every bit as lethal and agile as its specs suggested.
The entire atrium buzzed with discussion. Officers, senators, and corporate leaders compared the two designs side by side. The Victory was larger, heavier armed in raw firepower, while the Bothan Assault Cruiser emphasized speed, modularity, and efficiency with strong shields and a balanced armament package.
I stood calmly among my girls, arms crossed, letting the presentations unfold. The wager between Kuat and Sienar/Bothawui had reached its public climax. Whatever the official verdict tonight, the real test would come in the fires of the coming offensive.
**Scene 3: Senate Gala – Aftermath**
The presentations ended with polite applause and intense debate. Onara Kuat gave a gracious closing, but the tension in the air was palpable. Kuat had put forward a powerful new capital ship, but the Bothan design — backed by Sienar technology and solar ion reactors — had clearly impressed many military minds with its speed and cost-effectiveness.
I felt Sakura's hand brush mine subtly. *They're watching you closely,* she sent through the bond. *The Dragon's choice will carry weight tonight.*
I nodded slightly. The gala continued, but the real game — the one that would decide contracts worth trillions — was far from over.
The Dragon of the Republic had made his entrance. Now it was time to see how the galaxy would respond.