**Chapter 869: The Maw Awaits**
**Scene 1: Jedi Temple Hangar – Dagon POV**
Jedi Temple, hangar.
Dagon POV.
Dagon stood in the Jedi Temple hangar, the massive space filled with the low hum of starfighters and the distant roar of engines preparing for departure. His Annihilator armor gleamed under the hangar lights, every plate reinforced and ready for the coming confrontation. He carried extra supplies, blasters, three lightsabers, and his trusted beskar sword. This would be the end of the war. Dooku's challenge in the Maw would decide everything.
He was about to board his TIE Silencer when the girls blocked his path. Ahsoka, Visenya, Zule, Flare, Stella, Kayla, Grace, Shin, Erictia, Aayla, Sakura, Aubrie, Atroxa, Miaria, and Talon stood together, their faces a mix of anger, fear, and determination.
"You can't do this alone!" Ahsoka shouted first, her voice echoing through the hangar. "The Maw is a death trap. Black holes, unstable gravity—Dooku will have every advantage!"
Visenya stepped forward, her eyes blazing. "You saw the visions. You know what could happen to us if you fall. Why are you risking everything on one fight?"
Zule placed a hand on her stomach, her voice trembling with emotion. "I'm carrying your child, Dagon. We're supposed to face this together. You can't just leave us behind like this."
Flare crossed her arms, her Pantoran features tight with frustration. "This isn't like the other battles. Dooku is desperate. He'll cheat, set traps, do whatever it takes to win."
Stella nodded, her voice steady but filled with worry. "We've fought beside you through everything. Let us come with you. We can watch your back."
Kayla's Zeltron pheromones filled the air, her voice pleading. "You don't have to be the lone hero anymore. We're your family. Let us help end this."
Grace stepped closer, her hand reaching for his. "The Maw is too dangerous. Even with your armor, one mistake and you're gone. We can't lose you."
Shin's voice was soft but firm. "You promised us we'd face the future together. This feels like you're breaking that promise."
Erictia's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Dooku is a Sith. He'll use every dirty trick. You know that. Don't walk into this alone."
Aayla's lekku twitched with agitation. "We've lost too many already. If you go without us, we'll all be waiting here wondering if you're coming back."
Sakura's voice broke slightly. "You saw the visions of us dying. You changed the future once. Let us help change it again."
Aubrie wiped her eyes, her voice quiet. "You're stronger with us. Don't push us away now."
Atroxa's red eyes flashed with anger and concern. "I know Sith tactics better than anyone here. Let me come. I can anticipate his moves."
Miaria's tail lashed behind her. "You're not just our leader. You're our husband. Our partner. We deserve to stand with you."
Talon's voice was the last, her red skin flushed. "We've come too far to lose you now. Take us with you."
Dagon looked at each of them, his heart heavy. "There is no choice. I will come back I promise you that."
He stepped past them and boarded his TIE Silencer, the cockpit closing with a soft hiss. The starfighter lifted off, engines flaring as it shot out of the hangar toward the Maw.
**Scene 2: Providence-class Dreadnought – Sidious POV**
Providence-class dreadnought, Black Shadow.
Sidious POV.
"Has the boy taken the bait," Sidious asked hologram Dooku.
"Yes milord, but are you certain I must be present for the ambush, the plan," Dooku said nervously.
"Yes you fool, otherwise he wouldn't come. But don't worry you will be safe," Sidious said as hologram faded.
He then turned around and addressed his guests.
"Dagon will be delivered and when can I expect my payment," Sidious asked the hooded figures.
"You will get your payment when Dagon is dead or captured, not before, and you would be wise before you betray us," the figure with a spear said.
"Yes of course my mistake," Sidious bowed his head as the guests left.
Darth Sidious stood on the bridge of the *Black Shadow*, the Providence-class dreadnought hidden in the shadows of the Maw. His yellow eyes gleamed with anticipation as he contacted Dooku.
"Has the boy taken the bait?" Sidious asked, his voice smooth and commanding.
"Yes milord, but are you certain I must be present for the ambush, the plan," Dooku said nervously, his hologram flickering slightly.
"Yes you fool, otherwise he wouldn't come. But don't worry you will be safe," Sidious said as the hologram faded.
He turned to the hooded figures waiting in the shadows. "Dagon will be delivered and when can I expect my payment?"
"You will get your payment when Dagon is dead or captured, not before, and you would be wise before you betray us," the figure with a spear said, its voice low and threatening.
"Yes of course my mistake," Sidious bowed his head as the guests left.
The bridge fell silent once more. Sidious smiled coldly. Everything was proceeding as planned. Dagon would walk into the trap, and the Sith would rise again.
**Scene 3: Preparations for the Maw**
The 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.
Dagon's TIE Silencer sped through hyperspace toward the Maw. The unstable cluster of black holes would be the perfect battlefield—isolated, deadly, and neutral. Dooku would be as vulnerable as he was.
Admiral Grace's voice came through the comms, filled with concern. "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 calmly.
The girls' voices joined the channel, each pleading for him to reconsider. But Dagon's mind was set. This fight would end the war once and for all.