**Chapter 878: New Beginnings**
**Scene 1: Coruscant, Grandmaster Chamber – Dagon POV**
Coruscant, Grandmaster Chamber.
Clone Wars Year 3, Month 6 Week 2.
Dagon POV.
Dagon sat in the Grandmaster's chamber, the soft glow of Coruscant's endless cityscape filtering through the large windows. Three days had passed since his return from the Maw, and the galaxy was still reeling from the revelations. The official story—that the battle on planetoid zero-zero-two had been part of a larger droid revolution on a distant world—had been accepted without question. Droid uprisings were common enough in the Outer Rim that no one pressed for deeper answers.
The war still progresses. Skywalker liberated Tatooine, leading a decisive strike that broke the last major Hutt resistance there. The Republic is reorganizing into the Galactic Empire, with Dagon as Emperor and the girls as sister queens, sharing power and responsibility in the new order.
Mandalore remains neutral, a careful balance that Satine Kryze is determined to maintain.
Dagon had restarted the ancient tradition of Jedi Lords, naming Anakin Skywalker as the first in charge of Tatooine. Obi-Wan Kenobi was the second, already en route to Mandalore to restart his relationship with Satine and secure the system's future.
A new offensive is being prepared against Mon Cala, then the Corporate Sector. The current CIS fleet has gathered at Mon Cala for a last stand, joined by the remnants of the Hutt fleet. The Hapes fleet, however, seems to have disappeared entirely, raising concerns of hidden alliances or new threats.
Dagon leaned back in his chair, the weight of leadership settling heavily on his shoulders. The Empire was born, but the war was far from over.
**Scene 2: Alpha Site – Delta Squad**
Alpha Site.
GAR Special Operations Command C&C.
Location Classified.
Coruscant.
"No rest for us, eh?" Fixer mumbled.
"Boss! That can't be right! We aren't babysitters!" Sev whined.
"I'm not amused either, brothers. Nevertheless, our orders stand. We are to make a covert insertion at Scipio, and provide over-watch on one particular senator from the delegation which is there to investigate corruption and bank prices for the duration of the war."
"Who's the lucky guy?" Scorch asked.
"Gal. Senator Amidala."
Fixer whistled. "That's one tough girl."
"Oh, great. The danger magnet..." Sev moaned. "She's always on the news after getting in some kind of scrap! How are we supposed to keep her out of trouble?"
"We aren't. Delta Squad and as yet unnamed assets will be there in case everything gets kriffed beyond any hope, in General Skywalker and Supreme Commander Dagon's words. In such a case we are to grab her and get the hell out at any cost. Those orders are straight from the General."
"Is she his girlfriend or something?" Scorch asked.
"It doesn't matter. We have our orders. Now finish checking your gear. We are heading for the shooting range in five!" Boss ordered.
"Yes, sir!" three voices snapped in unison.
In the hidden Alpha Site, Delta Squad prepared for their new mission. The elite clone commandos checked their Katarn armor and weapons with practiced efficiency, the low hum of the command center providing a constant backdrop.
Boss reviewed the briefing again, his expression grim. "No rest for us, eh?" Fixer mumbled, adjusting his helmet.
"Boss! That can't be right! We aren't babysitters!" Sev whined, clearly unhappy with the assignment.
"I'm not amused either, brothers. Nevertheless, our orders stand. We are to make a covert insertion at Scipio, and provide over-watch on one particular senator from the delegation which is there to investigate corruption and bank prices for the duration of the war."
"Who's the lucky guy?" Scorch asked, loading his DC-17m.
"Gal. Senator Amidala."
Fixer whistled. "That's one tough girl."
"Oh, great. The danger magnet..." Sev moaned. "She's always on the news after getting in some kind of scrap! How are we supposed to keep her out of trouble?"
"We aren't. Delta Squad and as yet unnamed assets will be there in case everything gets kriffed beyond any hope, in General Skywalker and Supreme Commander Dagon's words. In such a case we are to grab her and get the hell out at any cost. Those orders are straight from the General."
"Is she his girlfriend or something?" Scorch asked with a smirk.
"It doesn't matter. We have our orders. Now finish checking your gear. We are heading for the shooting range in five!" Boss ordered.
"Yes, sir!" three voices snapped in unison.
The squad moved with precision, their banter masking the seriousness of the mission. Amidala's investigation into Scipio's banking corruption could expose major players in the old Republic's fall. Delta Squad's role was simple: keep her alive, no matter the cost.
**Scene 3: Jedi Temple Gardens – Dagon POV**
Jedi Temple Gardens.
Dagon POV.
The Jedi Temple Gardens were peaceful in the early evening, the giant lotus tree glowing softly under the artificial lights. Dagon sat on a stone bench, enjoying a rare moment of quiet. The flowers bloomed in vibrant colors, their scent carried on the gentle breeze.
"Well this is an odd surprise, Senator," Dagon said calmly as he looked over to the seat where Riyo Chuchi was sitting.
"Yes, Emperor, it is a good thing to see you," Riyo said, her tone lightly mocking as she stepped closer.
"Yeah, I am still Dagon you know, but honestly what can I help you with," Dagon said, gesturing for her to sit.
"I got divorced," Riyo said simply, her golden eyes meeting his.
"What, how," Dagon asked, genuinely surprised.
'I hope she didn't do this to marry me, for the romance,' Dagon thought, trying to keep his expression neutral.
"Cal cheated on me," Riyo said, her voice turning bitter as she recounted the betrayal.
'Phew, thank goodness. Well don't look too relieved,' Dagon thought, relief washing over him.
"That is terrible news, how," Dagon asked, leaning forward with concern.
"With my mother and best friend on Pantora," Riyo said, her hands clenching in her lap.
"Ohh, that's very not good," Dagon said, processing the depth of the betrayal.
"I also renounced my family and my Pantoran position in the Senate," Riyo continued, her voice steady despite the pain.
"Oh well good news, you can join the Temple diplomatic corps we have," Dagon said, offering her a place in the new order.
Before he could finish, Riyo crawled over the table and kissed him deeply, her hands cupping his face. The kiss was passionate, filled with months of suppressed feelings. Dagon froze for a moment, then returned it, his arms wrapping around her.
The gardens seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in the moment, the weight of the war and politics momentarily forgotten.