**Chapter 793: Voices of the Galaxy**
**Galactic Herald Studio – Coruscant**
The familiar theme music swelled as the holographic logo of the Galactic Herald spun into view. The studio lights brightened on the polished anchor desk.
Marcus Skidder, the veteran human host with his signature calm gravitas, looked straight into the camera.
"Good evening, citizens of the Republic. This is Marcus Skidder, bringing you the Galactic Herald. It is now Week 2, Month 1, Year 3 of what history will undoubtedly call the Galactic Clone War."
He paused for dramatic effect, the background holos shifting to show burning worlds, Republic fleets in formation, and the unmistakable silhouette of the *Annihilator*.
"As you all know by now, the war has escalated far beyond the Clone Wars we once knew. In the first week of the new year, the Confederacy of Independent Systems launched a brutal, unprovoked campaign into Hutt space, igniting open conflict with the Hutt clans. Multiple reliable sources confirm a violent civil war has erupted among the Hutts themselves, triggered by the confirmed deaths of Jabba the Hutt and several other powerful clan leaders. Entire sectors of Hutt space are now in flames."
Skidder's expression hardened.
"But the Republic has not been idle. In a stunning series of lightning strikes, Supreme Commander Dagon Marek and the Grand Army of the Republic have delivered devastating blows to the Separatist leadership. Raxus Secundus — the political heart of the Confederacy — has fallen. Key CIS senators have been captured and are being transported to Coruscant to answer for their crimes against the galaxy. Count Dooku, also known as Darth Tyrannus, the Sith Lord who betrayed the Republic, is now a fugitive. And most recently, the vital Pammant shipyards — the Confederacy's primary facility for constructing heavy capital ships — have been destroyed in a brutal but necessary strike led by Commander Marek himself."
He turned slightly as a new hologram appeared beside him.
"Joining us now is our military expert, retired Admiral Panama de Calanon. Admiral, your thoughts on these rapid developments?"
The older Zabrak woman, dressed in a crisp Republic naval uniform, nodded gravely from the guest seat.
"Thank you, Marcus. What we're seeing is a masterclass in strategic aggression. Supreme Commander Marek has done what many thought impossible — he has seized the initiative on multiple fronts simultaneously. The fall of Raxus is not just a military victory; it is a psychological one. The Separatist Parliament was the symbol of their so-called 'independence.' Its capture, along with dozens of their senators, shatters the illusion that the CIS is a legitimate government."
She leaned forward, eyes intense.
"The destruction of Pammant is even more significant. That shipyard complex produced the majority of their heavy warships — Providence dreadnoughts, Subjugators, Lucrehulks. Without it, the Confederacy's ability to replace losses in the coming months is crippled. Marek's use of the *Annihilator* and the new Titan-class dreadnoughts shows he understands the industrial nature of this war. He is not just fighting their fleets — he is destroying their capacity to wage war."
Skidder nodded. "And the Hutt situation?"
"Risky, but potentially brilliant," de Calanon replied. "By striking at the heart of Separatist leadership while they overextend into Hutt space, Marek is forcing them to fight on two fronts. The Hutts are now in chaos. A civil war among them weakens one of the galaxy's oldest criminal powers and removes a major neutral buffer that the CIS hoped to exploit. It's ruthless, but in a total war, ruthlessness wins."
**Cut to Field Report**
The hologram shifted to a live feed from a Venator-class Star Destroyer in orbit above Raxus Secundus. A blue Twi'lek reporter, slightly disheveled but composed, stood on the hangar deck surrounded by Republic clones and freed prisoners.
"This is Valeria Sol, reporting from the surface of Raxus Secundus. I was captured by Separatist forces during the initial chaos of the invasion, but Republic troops under Supreme Commander Marek's command liberated me and hundreds of other prisoners just hours ago."
Valeria's voice trembled slightly with emotion.
"What I witnessed here… it was chaos. The Separatist Senate was in full panic when the *Olympus Mons* dropped directly into the atmosphere. The EMP alone disabled most of their defenses. I saw senators trying to flee while droids powered down around them. Republic forces moved with terrifying precision. Commander Marek himself led the assault in that colossal armor of his. The Dragon has truly arrived at the heart of the Confederacy."
She gestured behind her as clones escorted shackled CIS senators past.
"These are just some of the high-ranking Separatist officials now in custody. They will face justice on Coruscant for war crimes, including the use of biological weapons on Alsakan. The people here are shaken. Many civilians who supported the CIS are now questioning everything. The fall of Raxus is not just a defeat — it is the beginning of the end for the Confederacy's legitimacy."
Valeria looked directly into the camera, eyes fierce.
"From Raxus Secundus, this is Valeria Sol. Back to you, Marcus."
**Back in Studio**
Marcus Skidder nodded solemnly.
"Thank you, Valeria. Stay safe out there. Admiral de Calanon, final thoughts?"
The Zabrak expert leaned in. "The message is clear: the Republic is no longer playing defense. Under Dagon Marek, we are taking the fight to the enemy's heart. Raxus, Serenno, Pammant — these are not random targets. They are the pillars of Separatist power. With the Hutts now in civil war and their space contested, the CIS is running out of places to hide and resources to rebuild. The Dragon is systematically dismantling their war machine."
Skidder turned back to the main camera.
"Citizens of the Republic, the war is far from over, but for the first time in years, hope feels tangible. This has been the Galactic Herald. I'm Marcus Skidder. May the Force be with us all."
The broadcast faded to the Herald logo as analysis panels and casualty reports scrolled across the screen.
---
**Private Viewing – Devastation Bridge**
Dagon stood with the girls, watching the broadcast on the main holoscreen. A small, satisfied smile tugged at his lips beneath the mask.
"They're starting to understand," he said quietly.
Ahsoka leaned against him. "The galaxy is watching, Master. And they're seeing the Dragon."
Miaria's tail flicked with pride. "Let them see. Let them all see what we're willing to do to end this."
The war continued, but tonight, the narrative belonged to the Republic.