**Chapter 455**
**Eye of Aldhani**
**Scene 1**
The observation deck of the *Gray Wolf* offered a perfect view of the upcoming celestial event. Dagon had gathered his senior command staff for what he called a "working celebration." The Eye of Aldhani — known to the native Dhani as *Mak-ani bray Dhani* — was due to begin within the hour. Once every three years, the planet passed through a crystal belt, causing thousands of meteor-like crystals to burn up harmlessly in the atmosphere in a spectacular light show.
Dagon stood at the head of the table, his new black-armored right arm resting on the back of his chair. The three-pronged red star still burned in his black left eye.
"I've decided the command staff needs a break," he began. "And with the way this war is going, I'm going to have to divide our main forces. The new Nebula-class Star Destroyers will be ready in another month — twenty-five brand new ships — along with final repairs on the *Terminus*."
He paused, expression darkening for a moment. "I lost Ragnos. He was an exceptional captain and my first truly loyal follower. Most of you are proficient in your own right, but we need stronger independent commands."
Dagon activated the holographic fleet display.
"First order of agenda while we wait for the event to begin."
He looked at each officer in turn.
"*Sovereign* — Captain Wilhuff Tarkin, now **Admiral Tarkin**.
*Hood* — Captain Pellaeon, now **Admiral Pellaeon**.
*York* — Captain Ray, now **Admiral Ray**."
Each man straightened with pride.
"You are being transferred to the 18th Sector Fleet, Night Hammer Base. Tarkin, you're in overall command and will oversee the defense of your homeworld, Eriadu. Each of your Valiant-class ships will be reinforced with 5 Lancer-class frigates, 4 Starkiller-class light cruiser/carriers, 3 Marauder-class corvettes, 4 Arquitens-class command cruisers, and 2 Arquitens-class light cruisers. You will also receive two Allegiance-class battlescruisers — *Allegiance* and *Ravager*."
The three new Admirals nodded solemnly.
"Next — Coruscant defense and Core support."
Dagon continued assigning commands:
"Valiant lead ship — Admiral Grace O'Connor. General Li Noriega remains as overall fleet coordinator.
*Yaddle* — Admiral Hellman Gramb.
*Independence* — Admiral Ben Del-Dala.
*Blackfire* — General Arten Su."
He assigned them similar escort groups plus additional Venators, Accumulators, and Hammerhead cruisers. Two more Resurgent-class ships — *Steadfast* and *Finalizer* under Admiral Lichtendal Cerri and Admiral Lustian Kalgen — were also assigned to the Coruscant battlegroup.
Pellaeon spoke up. "Sir… are you sure about this division of forces?"
Dagon met his gaze. "At the Battle of Dentaal we faced two massive ships. One escaped. Two ships imply a class or series. The Republic fleet is limited on true capital ships. Venators function more like carriers. The Valiants are decent, but no allied shipyard is mass-producing them yet. The Resurgents are limited by their power requirements. The Allegiances are our current first-rate warships. Remember — I paid for most of this fleet myself, with alliances only to Sienar. The Senate still believes in peace and negotiations."
A wave of grumbling passed through the officers. They had seen Dagon risk his life repeatedly. They had fought impossible battles. And still, after Naboo, after Ryloth, after everything, the Senate dragged its feet.
Dagon raised a hand. "Now, now. Remember why we're here — to bring in the New Year properly."
**Scene 2**
As the Eye of Aldhani began, the sky above the observation deck turned into a breathtaking spectacle. Thousands of glowing crystals streaked through the atmosphere like falling stars, burning in brilliant trails of gold, silver, and violet. The entire command staff fell silent, watching the natural fireworks display.
Dagon stood at the viewport, arms crossed, the red star in his eye reflecting the lights.
Shin Wren approached quietly from behind, slipping her hand into his.
"You know," she said softly, "for a Jedi Master from such a famous family, you seem surprisingly… frisky."
Dagon glanced down at her with a small smirk. "You Jedi are allowed to relieve stress, aren't you? As long as there are no attachments?"
Shin blushed but didn't deny it. "My cousin was stationed on a diplomatic world once… she ended up renting an entire Zeltron brothel for a week."
Dagon chuckled. His hand slid down her back, pulling her closer. "You don't say."
Shin's robe slipped from one shoulder as his fingers traced lower, finding the edge of her floral underwear. She let out a soft gasp as his hand slipped beneath the fabric, gently stroking her already damp folds.
"Dagon…" she breathed, pressing back against his touch.
**Scene 3**
Later that night, after the celebration had wound down and most officers had retired, Dagon and Shin found themselves alone on the private command deck overlooking the continuing light show.
Shin had already shed her outer robe, standing in nothing but delicate floral lingerie that left very little to the imagination. Dagon's hands roamed freely — one flesh, one black-armored — squeezing her breasts and teasing her nipples until they were stiff and sensitive.
"You're so wet already," he murmured against her neck, sliding two fingers inside her. Shin moaned, knees trembling as she leaned back against him.
"I can't help it," she whispered. "Not when you look at me like that."
Dagon turned her around, lifting her onto the edge of the tactical console. He dropped to his knees, pushing her thighs apart and burying his face between them. Shin cried out, fingers tangling in his hair as his tongue worked her clit with expert precision. Her legs shook around his head as she came hard, moaning his name.
He stood, freeing himself from his pants. Shin wrapped her legs around his waist as he thrust into her in one smooth motion. They moved together urgently — her back against the console, his hips snapping forward, the Eye of Aldhani painting their bodies in shifting colors of light.
Shin came again, clenching tightly around him. Dagon followed soon after, burying himself deep as he finished inside her with a low groan.
They stayed locked together afterward, breathing hard, foreheads pressed together.
"I love you," Shin whispered.
Dagon kissed her softly. "I love you too."
Outside, the crystals continued to fall — beautiful, fleeting, and full of hope.