**Chapter 509**
**Authority and Ambition**
**Gray Wolf – Communication Center**
**Dagon POV**
The holoprojector in the *Gray Wolf's* secure communication center cast a cold blue light across the faces of everyone present. I stood at the center of the circular table, arms crossed, listening as the situation on Valahari spiraled further out of control.
It was bad news, good news, and okay news all at once.
Thanks to the destruction of Tofen Vane's attack force and the deaths of several noble heirs who had joined him, Valahari had descended into open civil war. House Vane — the ruling family — was fracturing. Lady Elodore Vane, now widowed, was caught in the middle while rival noble houses mobilized their private forces. It was the kind of messy, self-inflicted chaos that often followed when pride and vengeance collided.
"...the situation is falling apart very fast," Obi-Wan Kenobi's hologram said gravely. "Chancellor, I believe we need to resolve this crisis quickly before the entire sector collapses."
Palpatine's image nodded thoughtfully, fingers steepled beneath his chin. "I agree. But what can we do? The Separatists are openly supporting elements within Valahari. If they caused their own civil war, why should the Republic interfere? Besides, we still don't know the location of their hidden orbital factory. Launching a surface battle while worrying about an air strike from an unknown station would be… unwise."
Padmé Amidala's hologram leaned forward, her expression sharp. "But wasn't this situation caused by General Marek's actions in the first place?"
I snapped before I could stop myself. "Look, Senator — those men chose to attack Republic forces. If they died, that's not on me. They violated their own neutrality."
"Friends, please," Palpatine interjected smoothly, raising a hand to diffuse the tension. "Obi-Wan, what is the status of Lady Elodore Vane?"
"She is still in the capital from what we can gather," Obi-Wan replied. "But the noble houses on the planet are gearing up for full-scale battle. It's turning into another Jabiim — old grudges and new blood feuds."
Yoda's ears twitched. "A dangerous path, this is. Much anger, there is."
Palpatine turned his gaze directly toward my hologram. "Very well, General Dagon. I am giving you broad authority on this matter. You are to rescue Lady Elodore Vane, locate the hidden orbital factory, capture it, and use it as a forward base for control of the Valahari sector."
I inclined my head. "Yes, Chancellor."
Mace Windu's hologram fixed me with a hard stare. "Be wary, Dagon. Count Dooku may interfere personally."
I met his gaze evenly. "If that happens… should I aim to kill or capture him?"
There was a brief, heavy silence. Palpatine and Yoda exchanged a quick, private glance off-screen before Yoda spoke.
"As a Republic General, to protect your forces and fellow Jedi… do what is necessary, you must."
The transmission ended. The holoprojector powered down, leaving the communication center in relative quiet.
Shin stepped closer, placing a hand on my armored shoulder. "Broad authority. That's a lot of responsibility."
I exhaled slowly. "It's also an opportunity. If we secure that factory, we cut off a major supply line for upgraded Separatist fighters."
Ahsoka crossed her arms. "And if Dooku shows up?"
I smiled grimly. "Then we finally settle some old scores."
**Scene 2**
**Gray Wolf – Bridge**
I walked onto the bridge with purpose. The girls were already waiting — Ahsoka, Zule, Flare, Kayla, Stella, Visenya, Shin, Erictia, and Aayla — along with senior officers.
"Ethan," I called out. "Have we located it?"
My combat Ethan turned from his station after returning from a stealth mission from the scimitator. "Yes, sir. The hidden orbital factory is in the Veil Nebula. It's surrounded by neebray — those massive space whales appear to be acting as organic shields."
I studied the fresh tactical overlay. "Clever. Using living creatures as cover. Very Valahari."
I turned to the group. "Girls, get ready. We're going to capture a station."
Shin nodded. "Full strike team?"
"Everyone who wants in," I said. "This isn't just a military target anymore. It's political. We take the factory intact, rescue Lady Vane if possible, and establish control of the sector."
Aayla stepped forward, her expression determined. "I'm coming too."
I met her eyes and gave a small nod. "Good. We'll need you."
As the crew began preparing for the operation, I allowed myself one quiet moment of reflection. Valahari had chosen their path. Now the Republic — and I — would force them to live with the consequences.
The *Gray Wolf* and her escorts adjusted course, heading deeper into the nebula where the next battle awaited.