**Chapter 785: The Hutt Storm**
**Scene 1: Jedi Temple – Council Chamber**
**Dagon POV**
"Well, Obi-Wan, what happened? You look like you didn't get any sleep," I asked, noting the heavy bags under his eyes.
"I didn't. And neither did several Knights, padawans, and masters," Obi-Wan replied dryly. "You were rather loud last night, and Nhon had to explain the blue glow coming from the Temple — which, apparently, came from your room."
I felt heat rise to my face. Behind me, the girls shifted awkwardly. Aayla and Shin, seated in their Council positions, both looked away with faint blushes coloring their skin.
"Right… sorry about that," I muttered. "Now, back to the reason for the meeting. An idea struck me last night. We basically destroyed the Sith plans, right? No more predictions with dark prophets, no more fancy artifacts, no more Sith cults and loyalists in the Senate, and no more army for him to rally behind."
"Your point being?" Obi-Wan asked, rubbing his temples.
"Every system that is basically neutral — even with longstanding treaties — is now under pressure. First the Hapes and CIS alliance, then Mon Cala, then the attack on Alsakan, even Corellia who was neutral. Right? That leaves one area with decent firepower that remained neutral due to their…" I said, pulling up the galactic map with a gesture. The massive hologram bloomed above the Council table, highlighting the vast, sprawling territory.
"Hutt space," I finished.
"Why?" Obi-Wan asked, frowning.
"Hmm, could this refer to the Black Sun and Pyke ships and bases you destroyed?" Shin asked.
"Yes. Hutt space is the CIS target. Without the Outer Rim resources, they need material to rebuild. They've started strip-mining their own worlds for their ships. They need to replenish — and Hutt space is a vast potential," I explained.
"The Hutts won't go without a fight. The Republic tried to take them centuries ago but the Hutts repelled it," Aayla noted.
Suddenly, a priority alarm sounded across the chamber.
"Priority command from Republic Military Headquarters," Obi-Wan said, activating the secure channel.
**Scene 2: Republic Military Headquarters – Coruscant**
The holoprojection of General Valentra appeared, her face grim.
"What is the status, General?" I asked immediately.
"Hutt space has been invaded. Reports are coming in from Nal Hutta, Tatooine, and three dozen other Hutt systems. Toydaria — our ally — repelled the attack. We lost 3 Allegiance-class and 10 Venators, but the enemy fleet of 50 Providence-class dreadnoughts and 120 Munificent-class frigates was destroyed before the rest retreated. Our hold on the planet loyal to us remains," Valentra stated.
"Hutts? Jabba? Any contact from the Hutt Council?" Zule asked.
"No. Our scans indicate that a Hutt coup has also developed in Hutt territory, turning it into a civil war," Valentra replied.
"Very well, Valentra. You are advising — what do you recommend?" I asked.
"I recommend we eliminate the enemy from their strong points: Cato Neimoidia, Yag'Dhul, Mon Cala," Valentra stated firmly.
"Then that's the plan," I decided. "I will depart immediately. Dittmar," I said through the comm, "contact the fleet. Prepare for departure."
The transmission ended. I turned back to the Council, the weight of the moment settling over the chamber.
"The CIS has made their desperate move. They're going for Hutt space to replenish their losses. We hit their core shipyards and industrial worlds hard while they're stretched thin. This could be the beginning of the end for them."
Obi-Wan nodded slowly. "Then may the Force be with you, Dagon. And with all of us."
I felt the girls' presences through the bond — steady, supportive, ready. The Dragon of the Republic had a new target.
Hutt space was burning. And we were going to make sure the fire consumed the Confederacy.