**Chapter 496**
**Ground Forces**
**Gray Wolf – Main Vehicle Hangar**
**Dagon POV**
The massive vehicle hangar of the *Gray Wolf* was alive with the low hum of repulsorlifts, the clank of maintenance droids, and the occasional shouted order from ground crews. Rows upon rows of armored vehicles stretched into the distance — AT-ATs, AT-STs, Juggernauts, treadspeeders, and the new mechanized battalions I had been developing.
I walked alongside Colonel Veers, hands clasped behind my back. At just 19 years old, the man already carried himself with the quiet confidence of a veteran. I remembered how terrifyingly effective he would become under Vader in another timeline, but here, in the Clone Wars, I had managed to pull both him and Piett from the Coruscant defense fleet before they could be buried in bureaucracy.
"You've done excellent work on Ryloth, Colonel," I said, pausing beside a row of freshly repainted AT-ATs. "Your armored battalions performed better than expected in difficult terrain."
Veers nodded, a hint of pride in his posture. "Thank you, General. The new mixed organic armor and the integration of salvaged droid shells have made a noticeable difference. The troops are adapting well to the Helldiver-Spartan hybrid suits."
I stopped in front of one of the upgraded AT-STs, running a hand along its reinforced leg joint. "Still… I'm concerned about future operations. This war is shifting. We've had open-field battles like Jabiim and cliff fighting on Ryloth, but more and more we're being asked to engage in urban combat. Bridge-cities, dense population centers — the kind of environments where heavy walkers become liabilities."
Veers listened carefully as I continued.
"AT-ATs are devastating in open terrain, but they're vulnerable to sabotage in cities. Too tall, too slow to maneuver, and a single well-placed explosive on a joint or undercarriage can cripple them. AT-STs are agile in combat but lightly armored. The AT-XTs, AT-DPs, and AT-PTs have similar issues. AT-TEs are slow. Juggernauts are powerful but cause massive collateral damage in populated areas. I don't want to level cities just to win them."
I paused, thinking back to Earth.
"During the war with Skynet, we relied heavily on modified armored container trucks — fast, rugged, decent protection, and versatile in both open and urban fighting. The Combine mechanized battalions we're fielding now are effective, but they're still vulnerable to air attacks. We don't have enough Skelters yet for constant close air support."
Veers considered my words. "The current mechanized battalions are very effective, General. More so than I initially expected with the new standards you've implemented. I've never read of any previous Republic operations using this exact combined-arms doctrine. The closest historical parallel I can think of is the ancient Mandalorian Wars and their use of Basilisk war droids."
I nodded. "Exactly. This concept is still relatively unknown to both sides. But it's only a matter of time before a tactical droid or Separatist commander copies it. We need better integrated support."
I turned to face him directly. "Veers, starting immediately, I want each armored battalion paired with two Braha'tok-class gunships for dedicated support."
Veers looked surprised. "Sir, those are essentially patrol ships or fleet anti-aircraft platforms. Using them in ground support roles like this…"
"They're faster than our current Ravens and MAATs," I replied. "Heavily armed and armored. In the next combat operation, test them out. I want real-world data on how they perform in combined arms maneuvers."
Veers straightened. "Yes, sir. I'll have the assignments drawn up immediately."
As he returned to his post, I allowed myself a small, satisfied smile. The pieces were slowly coming together.
**Scene 2**
**Bridge – Gray Wolf**
Six hours later, the *Gray Wolf* dropped out of hyperspace above Lantilles. The massive shipyards and defensive platforms of my main forward base greeted us like an old friend.
I stepped onto the bridge and was immediately greeted by a pleasant — if slightly overwhelming — sight. All the girls were present, along with a few senior officers. Aayla Secura stood a little behind them, still looking somewhat withdrawn but clearly making an effort.
Before I could say anything, Zule stepped forward, her expression serious.
"Dagon… we need to talk."
I raised an eyebrow, sensing the weight behind her words. The other girls shifted slightly, clearly in agreement.
"Alright," I said, nodding toward the ready room off the bridge. "Let's talk."
The girls followed me inside. Once the door sealed, I turned to face them.
"What's on your mind?"
Zule crossed her arms, her hybrid features showing a mix of concern and determination. "It's about Aayla… and about us. About how we keep growing. About how you keep taking on more responsibility, more people, more weight on your shoulders."
Ahsoka stepped up beside her. "We're not angry. We're just… worried. You nearly died again at the Temple. And now we have Aayla, who's clearly hurting. We want to help her too, but we also don't want to lose what we have."
Shin placed a gentle hand on my arm. "You're carrying the galaxy on your back, Dagon. We just want to make sure you remember you don't have to do it alone."
I looked at each of them — my family, my strength, my reasons for fighting.
"I know," I said softly. "And I'm grateful. More than you know."
The conversation continued — honest, emotional, and necessary. In the end, we reaffirmed our bonds and made space in our hearts for one more wounded soul who needed healing.
The war waited outside.
But for now, we had each other.