**Chapter 786**
**Admiral Lolouch POV**
**CIS Subjugator-class Heavy Cruiser *Restoration***
**Hutt Space Border Region**
Admiral Lolouch surveyed the battered line of ships through the forward viewport, his multiple eyes narrowing. The once-proud armada had been carved apart with surgical precision. He half-turned toward the super-tactical droid standing rigidly at his side.
"Tsk-tsk-tsk. Speed up the reorganization. We need to form a defensive line quickly."
"It will be done, sir," the droid responded in its flat, mechanical tone. "Though I do not understand the reason for concentrating light ships around the flagship. It makes it difficult to bring the main gun to bear against enemy fleets."
Lolouch closed two of his eight eyes for a moment, astonished at the droid's shortsightedness. What else could one expect from a machine?
"Tsk-tsk-tsk." He began pacing the bridge, his mandibles clicking rhythmically. "The likelihood of a direct fleet engagement is low. The Jedi—especially *that* one—will launch an attack with a small number of bombers and strike craft. That is the only way they believe they have a chance of success."
He gestured sharply with a clawed limb. "Increase surveillance. Scan all bands. If anything anomalous appears, scramble all available fighters immediately, then open defensive fire."
The tactical droid bowed its head. "An analysis of current data based on your parameters indicates this scenario has a seventy-one percent probability. Your analytical skills continue to perplex me, Admiral. Perhaps it is the benefit of experience."
"Tsk-tsk-tsk." Lolouch turned back to the observation panel, watching as another Munificent frigate erupted in a silent fireball. "Jedi are predictable, even when they think they are being clever. Sometimes they get lucky. But only sometimes."
The Harch species had long dreamed of a "Great Harch Prosperity." Their ruling nests had aligned with the totalitarian government of Spiverelda decades ago, fueling militarization that the Republic had tried—and failed—to contain. Now, under the Confederacy, they finally had their war of vengeance.
Lolouch considered himself superior to the late Admiral Trench. Trench had wasted his talents on pirates and minor Republic security fleets before dying at Christophsis. This campaign, by contrast, had been glorious—until the Republic's new toys arrived.
His flagship, the *Restoration*, was a powerhouse: five hundred dual turbolaser cannons, two hundred flak heavy cannons, and two massive ring-mounted ion cannons. Yet even this strength had limits.
The offensive into Hutt space had gone smoothly at first. Over a thousand Hutt dreadnoughts and countless pirate frigates had burned. But at the border worlds—Republic-allied territories—the enemy had struck back hard. Thirty Nebula-class Star Destroyers and twenty of the new Bothan Assault Cruisers were methodically picking his fleet apart, ship by ship.
Another explosion rocked the *Restoration* as a nearby Munificent disintegrated under concentrated fire.
"Why are we not firing the ion cannon?" Lolouch demanded, mandibles clicking faster.
"Sir, the Republic ships' movements are too erratic and fast for effective targeting," the droid replied. "We have already lost twenty escort vessels. I recommend immediate withdrawal."
As if to underscore the point, a Republic torpedo salvo tore through the formation, shattering another frigate and blasting the left ion cannon mount into molten scrap. Only the right cannon remained operational.
Lolouch hissed. "Very well. Initiate retreat. We have reached the limit of this offensive."
The battered CIS fleet jumped to hyperspace, leaving burning wreckage and broken Hutt ambitions behind.
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**Scene 2**
**Count Dooku POV**
**Serenno Command Center**
Dooku's holographic form shimmered as he regarded the Harch admiral. "Admiral Lolouch, what is the status of the operation?"
"We have secured three-quarters of Hutt space, including full control of the Si'Klaata Cluster and all major trade routes within it," Lolouch reported, his mandibles still clicking intermittently. "The Dead Road, Elgit–M'Hanna Corridor, Gamor Run, Hollastin Run, Ilosian Spur, Kaaga Run, Oktos Route, Ootmian Pabol, Pabol Hutta, Pabol Kreeta, Pabol Sleheyron, Pando Spur, Rycar's Run, Shag Pabol, Sheela Run, Sisar Run, the Sy-Y, and Tatooine Dash are now under Confederate influence."
He paused. "However, we were repelled at the Toydaria system and the Republic border worlds. All planets under direct Republic protection held firm. My ship sustained heavy damage and will require extensive repairs."
Dooku steepled his fingers. "That is unfortunate, but acceptable. What of our losses?"
"Excluding the vessels lost at Toydaria, my fleet lost thirty Munificent-class frigates, eight Recusant-class heavy destroyers, thirteen Recusant-class light destroyers, and nine Allocator-class Star Destroyers."
Lolouch continued before Dooku could respond. "Yet Tatooine has fallen. Jabba's palace was confirmed destroyed. Nal Hutta and the Hutt Ruling Council factions not aligned with us have been neutralized."
"I see," Dooku murmured. "And our allies?"
"The Hutts, Black Sun, Pyke Syndicate, and the others are weakened. Since we spearheaded the vanguard, several mercenary forces loyal to Jabba—or to themselves—have gathered remnants and fled into the deep regions of Hutt space near the Wild Space border."
Dooku allowed himself a thin smile. "Very well, Admiral. Repair your ship and begin material extraction immediately. We need every resource to rebuild our fleets. Deploy sufficient ground forces on each secured world. When the Republic arrives, they will at least find resistance waiting for them."
The hologram flickered out.
Dooku leaned back in his ornate chair, eyes narrowing in thought. The Hutt incursion had bought them time and resources, but the cost was mounting. Marek's new ships—the Nebulas and Bothan Cruisers—were proving more dangerous than anticipated. The Republic was consolidating, and the so-called "Dragon of the Republic" continued to reshape the war in his image.
Patience, Dooku reminded himself. Sidious's grand design was still in motion. The Republic's victories were merely setting the stage for its eventual collapse.