**Chapter 868: The Kaggath**
**Scene 1: Galactic Senate – Dagon POV**
Galactic Senate.
Dagon POV.
The Force illusion had worked better than expected. The senators believed they had pressed the vote freely, but the subtle guidance ensured the outcome. They would not investigate further—their minds were already consumed with mutual suspicion and betrayal.
Dagon stood at the center platform, the weight of his new title settling over the assembly as he prepared to deliver his first decree. "Now senators as my first decree as Supreme Chancellor is to—"
The open Senate communications activated without warning. Dooku's hologram appeared on the main screen, his aristocratic features twisted in mocking amusement.
"My my, Dagon Marek as Supreme Chancellor, a Jedi in the Senate, how desperate has the Republic fallen," Dooku said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"You're one to talk Dooku. You have a long list of crimes which you must answer for," Senator Amidala shot back, her voice sharp with righteous anger.
"Yes that is the reason I contacted. I have decided I am tired of the fighting and wish to end this war properly," Dooku said calmly.
"Wonderful, the negotiations are—" Bail Organa began.
"Not you, you fool. Dagon Marek, as Grand Master of the Jedi Order and I being a Sith Lord I propose we end this war right now," Dooku said, his eyes locking onto Dagon's.
"Ha a foolish proposal. Your armies and fleets are pushed to the brink your Senate is gone and arrested why would I give in," Dagon asked, his voice steady and unimpressed.
The chamber erupted in a storm of whispers and shouts. Senators from every faction reacted with shock, some demanding immediate rejection, others sensing an opportunity to end the bloodshed. Dagon remained calm, his mind already calculating the implications of Dooku's challenge.
**Scene 2: The Kaggath Proposal**
"The Kaggath: a contest of mutual annihilation, pitting power base against power base," Dooku said.
"Me and you, one on one. If you win, I deactivate the droid armies and the Republic gets to move unopposed. If I win I am granted amnesty and a place in the new Jedi Order, and the Republic could still fight the Separatist without me," Dooku said.
"What guarantees do we have that this is an honorable duel," Mas Amedda said.
"Duel, no, it's a fight to the death. What is your answer Grand Master," Dooku asked.
"Chancellor Dagon you have no reason to accept this," Senator Riyo Chuchi said.
"I accept. Where is the location," Dagon said to the collective gasps from the Senate and his harem.
"The only true remaining place of neutrality, the Maw sector, planet zero-zero-two. 2 days Grand Master, don't be late," Dooku said as his hologram faded.
Dooku's hologram remained steady, his voice carrying across the chamber with calculated confidence. "The Kaggath: a contest of mutual annihilation, pitting power base against power base."
He outlined the terms clearly. "Me and you, one on one. If you win, I deactivate the droid armies and the Republic gets to move unopposed. If I win I am granted amnesty and a place in the new Jedi Order, and the Republic could still fight the Separatist without me."
Mas Amedda's voice rose in protest. "What guarantees do we have that this is an honorable duel?"
"Duel, no, it's a fight to the death. What is your answer Grand Master?" Dooku asked, his eyes never leaving Dagon.
Senator Riyo Chuchi spoke urgently. "Chancellor Dagon you have no reason to accept this."
Dagon met Dooku's gaze without hesitation. "I accept. Where is the location?"
The chamber erupted in collective gasps from the Senate and Dagon's harem. Dooku's smile widened. "The only true remaining place of neutrality, the Maw sector, planet zero-zero-two. 2 days Grand Master, don't be late."
His hologram faded, leaving the Senate in uproar.
**Scene 3: Senate Reactions**
Galactic Senate.
"I will end this war. I beat him before, I will beat him again," Dagon said.
A wide voice of objections and saying Dagon its a trap.
Maw Cluster, or simply the Maw, was an unstable and mostly unnavigable cluster of black holes within the Maw Nebulae located near the planet Kessel in the Outer Rim Territories. The only reason the Maw was visible was due to the ionizing gases being drawn into it.
"It's a deadly trap, to lure you to an ambush in a place where our capital ships can't reach," Admiral Grace said.
"Exactly which means Dooku would be isolated too. Fight for the whole galaxy," Dagon said.
The Senate chamber exploded with objections as Dagon's acceptance sank in. Senators shouted warnings of traps, demands for reconsideration, and accusations of recklessness. Dagon's harem stood in stunned silence, their faces a mixture of fear and determination.
"I will end this war. I beat him before, I will beat him again," Dagon said calmly, his voice cutting through the noise.
"It's a trap!" several senators cried out.
Riyo Chuchi stepped forward, her voice urgent. "Chancellor, you cannot risk yourself like this. The Republic needs you here."
Bail Organa nodded in agreement. "Dooku is desperate. This challenge is clearly a ploy to eliminate you."
Dagon raised a hand, silencing the chamber. "The Maw Cluster is an unstable region of black holes near Kessel. It's the only truly neutral ground left. Dooku will be as isolated as I am. This fight will decide the war."
Admiral Grace's hologram appeared on a side screen. "It's a deadly trap, to lure you to an ambush in a place where our capital ships can't reach."
"Exactly which means Dooku would be isolated too. Fight for the whole galaxy," Dagon replied.
The Senate fell into uneasy murmurs. Dagon's decision was made. The fate of the Republic—and the galaxy—would be decided in the Maw.