**Chapter 888: Descent into the Depths**
**Scene 1: Annihilator, Briefing Room – Dagon POV**
Annihilator, briefing room.
Dagon POV.
"Number of cities located on Dac, including Aquarius, Mon Calamari City (also known as Coral City), Foamwander City, and Quarren City. Drone shuttles were used to carry people between the cities, which were heavily populated because they provided protection from the planet's many dangerous predators," Dagon said.
"There at least 40 surface floating cities and 90 underwater cities. We should prioritize the surface with gunships and walkers before we deploy to the surface," Fleet Admiral Yularen said.
"No. Similar to older water worlds the Sith Empire learned that water worlds surface cities are easily abandoned for surface invaders to then destroy them and drown the troops," Dagon said.
"That makes sense. Deny us a position," Commander Baraca said.
"Then we deploy bombers and fighters. Eliminate any resistance," Commander Havoc said.
Dagon stood at the head of the briefing room aboard the *Annihilator*, the massive super star destroyer hanging in high orbit above Mon Cala. The holographic display showed the water world in stunning detail—its vast oceans sparkling under the system's sun, dotted with floating cities and hidden underwater metropolises. The room was filled with the Empire's top commanders, their faces tense as they studied the latest intelligence.
"Number of cities located on Dac, including Aquarius, Mon Calamari City (also known as Coral City), Foamwander City, and Quarren City. Drone shuttles were used to carry people between the cities, which were heavily populated because they provided protection from the planet's many dangerous predators," Dagon said, highlighting the major population centers.
"There are at least 40 surface floating cities and 90 underwater cities. We should prioritize the surface with gunships and walkers before we deploy to the surface," Fleet Admiral Yularen suggested, his voice measured.
"No. Similar to older water worlds the Sith Empire learned that water worlds surface cities are easily abandoned for surface invaders to then destroy them and drown the troops," Dagon said firmly, his eyes scanning the room.
"That makes sense. Deny us a position," Commander Baraca said, nodding in understanding.
"Then we deploy bombers and fighters. Eliminate any resistance," Commander Havoc added, his tactical mind already calculating strike patterns.
The briefing continued with detailed plans for the planetary assault. The Mon Cala and Quarren would fight fiercely in their element, but the Empire had prepared for this. Aquatic AT-ATs, specialized clone divisions, and advanced underwater vehicles were ready to deploy once the orbital defenses were fully neutralized.
**Scene 2: Battle of Dac City – Surface**
Battle of Dac City.
Surface.
TIE Avengers, ARC-170, T-70, Y-wings clashed against Mon fighters and droid Vultures.
Mon Cala troops' AA towers launched swarms of rockets.
While Annihilator-class fighters ran deep strike operations.
Dragon battlecruisers engaged atmospheric fire.
The skies above Dac City burned with the fury of aerial combat. TIE Avengers and ARC-170 starfighters tore through the clouds, their lasers blazing as they engaged Mon Cala starfighters and swarms of Vulture droids. The T-70 X-wings weaved through the chaos, their pilots calling out targets as proton torpedoes streaked toward enemy formations.
"Blue Leader, we've got Vultures on our six!" a T-70 pilot shouted, rolling his fighter sharply. "Breaking right—torpedoes away!"
The missiles struck home, a Vulture droid exploding in a brilliant fireball. "One down! Keep pushing—they're trying to screen the AA towers!"
Mon Cala AA towers on the floating city's platforms launched swarms of rockets, the projectiles streaking upward in dense salvos. Imperial fighters dodged and weaved, point-defense lasers intercepting many of the rockets, but several found their marks. A TIE Avenger exploded in mid-air, its pilot's final transmission cut short.
"Annihilator-class fighters commencing deep strike operations," a squadron leader reported. The advanced starfighters dove through the clouds, their weapons targeting the AA towers and defensive emplacements. Explosions rippled across the floating city's platforms as the strikes hit home.
Dragon battlecruisers engaged atmospheric fire from orbit, their massive turbolasers pounding the surface defenses. The energy beams cut through the atmosphere, striking the floating cities with devastating force. Sections of the cities broke apart, debris raining down into the oceans below.
"Keep the pressure on!" Dagon's voice echoed through the command channel. "Clear the surface for the ground assault!"
The aerial battle intensified, the skies filled with the roar of engines and the constant thunder of explosions. Imperial fighters pressed their advantage, systematically dismantling the Mon Cala's air defenses.
**Scene 3: The Planetary Assault Begins**
The Imperial fleet maintained orbital superiority, the *Annihilator* and Mandators providing covering fire as the first waves of landing craft and aquatic vehicles descended toward the planet. Gunships and dropships weaved through the remaining AA fire, their escorts engaging the last pockets of resistance.
"Surface cities are being abandoned as predicted," a sensor officer reported. "The Mon Cala are retreating to the underwater cities."
"Expected," Dagon replied. "Begin deployment of aquatic forces. Secure the surface cities and prepare for underwater operations."
The battle for Mon Cala had entered its next phase—the fight for the water world's hidden depths. The Empire was ready.