**Chapter 823: Forges of Naboo**
**Scene 1: Naboo Orbit – Theed Shipyards**
Fleet Admiral Dao stood on the observation deck of the *Pride of Naboo*, a heavily modified Venator serving as the temporary flagship for Naboo's growing defense fleet. Below, the planet's lush green surface gleamed under its twin suns, but it was the orbital ring of shipyards that held his attention. Theed Engineering Corporation — officially the Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps — had transformed from a royal transport designer into a vital military asset almost overnight.
Theed's shipyards utilized the kingdom's signature J-type aesthetic: elegant curves, polished chromium finishes, and advanced Gungan-inspired plasma technology. What had once produced luxurious royal cruisers now churned out patrol vessels, converted frigates, and modernized capital ships for both Naboo's defense and the broader Republic war effort.
Dao's gaze shifted to the research arm — Theed Engineering Research and Development. The best minds from Theed University and Sienar worked side by side with Gungan engineers, experimenting with plasma shields and heybleybers. The collaboration had already yielded promising results: stronger deflector screens and more efficient power systems.
"Interesting sight for a Mid Rim planet," Dao murmured to his aide. "After the Blue Shadow incident, Naboo learned the hard way that neutrality is a luxury they can no longer afford. Over thirty thousand civilians still suffer lingering effects — nightmares, mental scars. The Queen made the right call."
Theed Ship and Vehicle Designs division, located in a secure facility along the river just downstream from the palace, operated under heavy security. Every new design — from royal yachts to patrol craft — was born there and locked away until approved. Theed Shipyards themselves, both orbital and the small ground facility outside Theed, worked around the clock.
Dao turned to the main holo-display. Fifty-five vessels were currently undergoing conversion and modernization. The centerpiece: the Kumauri Battleships donated by Alsakan. Each over 3,000 meters long, these ancient but sturdy vessels were being refitted into modern Resurgent-class Star Destroyers.
**Resurgent-class Star Destroyer (Battlecruiser variant)**
- **Length**: 2,915.81 meters
- **Width**: 1,483.5 meters
- **Height**: 496.89 meters
- **MGLT**: 70 → 130 (upgraded)
- **Engines**: 5 Sienar-Jaemus Destroyer Ion Engines + 8 Gemon-8 secondary
- **Hyperdrive**: Class 1
- **Power Plant**: SJFS III-a1a primary + Solar Ionization Reactor + Auxiliary Kyber Reactor
- **Shielding**: Advanced Deflector + Flight Deck Projectors
- **Armament**: 1,500+ turbolasers and ion cannons (including 26 primary dual heavy XX-10 batteries, 18 broadside twin dual XX-10 ultra-heavy, ~100 triple light turbolasers, 6 twin triple point-defense batteries, 10+ point-defense missile emplacements)
- **Complement**: 4 starfighter wings (TIE Defenders, TIE/sf, TIE/se Bombers), 100 AAL-1971/9.1 Troop Transports, numerous ground vehicles, 1 prefabricated base
- **Crew**: 19,000 officers + 55,000 enlisted + 8,000+ Alaskan Marines
- **Consumables**: 3 years
"Fifty-five vessels," Dao said aloud. "In one week they'll be ready for Operation Firestorm — a mass strike on all remaining CIS facilities and deep pushes into Hutt and CIS space. Naboo's contribution will not be forgotten."
The Theed engineers had embraced the challenge with Naboo's characteristic elegance and precision. These new Resurgents would be faster, better shielded, and more lethal than their predecessors. Naboo was no longer just a peaceful world — it was becoming a fortress.
**Scene 2: Ringo Vinda Shipyards – Lyra Blissex**
Lyra Blissex sat in the chief engineer's station at Ringo Vinda's bustling shipyards, fingers dancing across multiple holographic displays. The massive orbital complex hummed with activity as new and refitted vessels took shape.
She reviewed the latest designs with a critical eye. The **Atgeir-class Battlecruiser** — 2,200 meters of outdated but reliable mass drivers, railguns, and projectile weapons. Crown-like dagger shield generators offered decent protection, but the armor was merely comparable to early Invincible-class vessels. Crew of 18,000. Eighty vessels were being modernized.
Then came the more ambitious project: the **Xyston-class**, essentially a fusion of Allegiance, Devastation, and Resurgent hulls.
**Xyston-class Star Destroyer**
- **Length**: 2,406 meters
- **Height**: 682 meters
- **MGLT**: 60
- **Engines**: 7 Ion Engines (3 Destroyer-I + 4 Gemon-4)
- **Hyperdrive**: Class 1
- **Power**: Solar Ionization Reactor + Auxiliary Kyber Reactor
- **Shielding**: Dual Deflector Domes
- **Armament**: 80 XX-10 Ultra Heavy Turbolaser Batteries, 60 Ion Cannons, 140 Point-Defense Laser Cannons, 35 Variable Ordnance Warhead Launchers, 10 Heavy Tractor Beams
- **Complement**: 112 TIE/dg Starfighters
- **Crew**: 29,585
"Father's Victory-class is outdated," Lyra murmured, "but the two hundred we built are still serving well. The Bothan Assault Cruisers are Sienar-Jaemus exclusives, so we focus on quality where we can."
Her fingers brushed the kyber necklace around her neck — a gift from Fleet Admiral Kinaun. Strange, but thoughtful. Beside it rested a small memory crystal, perfect for her research notes when away from her desk.
She settled deeper into her chair and opened a secure channel. Soon, her father Vallex Blissex appeared on the screen, looking as energetic as ever despite his age.
"Oh, my dear… It's been a while since we've spoken."
"But you were busy," Lyra reminded him with a smile.
"Well, well, well," Vallex chuckled. "So much work with these 'Victories'… I feel young again."
"I'm happy for you," Lyra smiled back.
"How are you? Still poring over those blueprints? You don't have to answer — I can see it on your face. Are you at least eating well? Or else, watch out, I'll fly over and check." Vallex playfully wagged his finger. "You're talented, of course, but life only lasts for a short time. You have to live it well. By the way, when are you going to give me grandchildren?"
The familiar joke made Lyra blush fiercely. "Okay…"
The man narrowed his eyes. "Now, now, tell me more about this."
"Actually, that's why I'm calling you," Lyra began, twirling a strand of hair. "I was proposed to, Dad."
"Really? And who is this stranger who managed to pierce your armor of composure? Otherwise, why would you be blushing?"
"His name is Kernatown. Kernatown Rinaun…"
"Rinaun, Rinaun… It seems to be a naval family with ancient roots."
"Do you know them?"
"No, I just heard."
"Oh, I see… Yes, he's a military man too. A fleet admiral."
"A high rank… How old is he?"
"Thirty-three…"
"Thirty-three? Isn't he too young for such a title?"
"No. He is very smart and brave."
"Brave, you say… It seems that this is indeed a serious matter."
"Dad!"
"What, Dad? Can't I make a joke? Oh well. Do you like him?"
"I like him," Lyra admitted softly.
"Well, what can you do? I'll fly over tomorrow and see your betrothed… Don't look at me like that. I'm not your enemy. If you want to marry him, I'll be only too happy…"
Lyra smiled and nodded, warmth spreading through her chest. Even in the middle of galactic war, family remained family.
**Scene 3: Strategic Horizons**
Back on the *Nightfall* en route to Coruscant, Dagon reviewed the latest reports. Naboo's shipyards were performing admirably. The modernized Resurgents would bolster the next wave of offensives. Operation Firestorm was shaping up to be decisive.
He allowed himself a moment of quiet satisfaction. The girls would arrive soon. The military conference would set the final campaigns in motion. Cato Neimoidia. Utapau. The shipyards. Then deeper into Hutt and CIS territory.
The Dragon's shadow continued to grow.