**Chapter 517**
**Twin Blades of the Valiant**
**Ethrani System – Second Planet (Kaelis)**
**Stella POV**
The *Knull* and *Necrosword* emerged from hyperspace in perfect formation, flanked by their escort groups. Two Valiant-class Star Destroyers — lean, deadly, and bristling with heavy turbolasers — led the strike force. Stella stood on the bridge of the *Silencer*, her green-accented armor gleaming under the bridge lights, lightsaber hilt clipped to her belt.
"Status?" she asked calmly.
"Enemy fleet detected," her clone commander reported. "Twelve modified freighters, six Gozanti cruisers, and approximately forty fighters. They're forming a defensive line over Kaelis."
Flare's voice came over the private comm between the two Valiants. "Stella, they're scrambling everything they have. Looks like the rebellious nobles decided to make a stand here."
Stella smiled faintly. "Then we'll show them why that was a mistake. All ships, advance. Focus fire on the capital ships. Launch all starfighters."
The two Valiants surged forward, their escort groups — five Lancer frigates, four Starkiller light carriers, and support vessels each — spreading out in a classic wedge formation. TIE squadrons and Skelters poured from the hangar bays like angry hornets.
**Scene 2**
**Bridge – Knull**
"Enemy fighters incoming!" the tactical officer called.
Stella watched the display as forty enemy fighters — a mix of outdated Z-95s and some upgraded Valahari craft — raced toward them.
"Flare, take the left flank. I'll take the right. Lancer frigates, screen the formation."
"Copy that," Flare replied, her voice steady but excited. "Let's dance."
The *Necrosword* peeled off with graceful precision, its turbolasers already firing. Stella gave the order for the *Silencer* to engage.
"Fire."
The heavy XX-9 turbolaser batteries of the Valiant roared to life. Brilliant green bolts lanced across the void, tearing through two Gozanti cruisers in the opening salvo. The enemy formation buckled under the onslaught.
Stella's starfighters tore into the enemy swarm. Her personal Skelter squadron, painted with elegant green accents, led the charge. She watched on the display as her pilots executed textbook maneuvers — TIE Defenders weaving through enemy fire while Skelters delivered devastating missile strikes.
"Beautiful," she whispered.
Flare's laughter came over the comm. "Left flank is collapsing. Their freighters are trying to run. Should we let them?"
"Disable engines only," Stella ordered. "We want prisoners and intel."
The battle lasted less than twenty minutes. The two Valiants and their escorts made short work of the defending fleet. One by one, the enemy ships lost power or surrendered. Escape pods dotted the space around the planet as crews abandoned burning vessels.
Stella opened a channel to the surface. "This is Jedi General Stella of the Republic. Noble houses of Kaelis, you are ordered to stand down and surrender. Resistance is futile."
A trembling voice answered from the capital. "We… we surrender."
**Scene 3**
**Surface – Kaelis Capital**
**Flare POV**
The landing was smooth. Flare led her ground team down the ramp of the MAAT gunship, lightsaber in hand. The capital city was beautiful — towering spires of white stone and glass overlooking lush gardens — but tension hung thick in the air.
Clone troopers in dark gray armor fanned out, securing the landing zone. Stella's forces landed nearby, their green accents marking them clearly.
"Any resistance?" Flare asked her clone captain.
"Minimal, General. The nobles are gathering in the central plaza. They want to negotiate."
Flare smirked. "Good. Let's negotiate."
The two Jedi Generals walked side by side into the grand plaza. Noble families waited under heavy guard — some defiant, most terrified. Children clung to parents. Elders looked on with weary resignation.
Stella stepped forward, voice calm and authoritative. "By order of the Republic and the Jedi Council, you are all under arrest for treason and aiding the Separatists. Your forces will stand down immediately. Cooperate, and your families will be protected."
One older noble spat on the ground. "You murdered our king and started this war!"
Flare's eyes narrowed. "Your king was killed by his own people's greed and Dooku's manipulation. We offered peace. You chose war."
Stella raised a hand. "Enough. Load them onto the transports. Secure the planetary government buildings. We hold this world now."
As clones moved to secure the nobles, Flare and Stella stood together, watching the sunset paint the spires gold and crimson.
Flare spoke softly. "Do you think Dagon's having as much success on Valahari?"
Stella smiled. "Knowing him? He's probably already captured the factory and half the planet by now."
They shared a quiet laugh, the bond between them — and with their distant lover — warm and reassuring.
**Bridge – Gray Wolf (Simultaneous)**
**Dagon POV**
Dagon received the report from Ethrani with satisfaction. "Both planets secured. Minimal casualties. Excellent work, Stella, Flare."
Stella's hologram smiled. "The nobles are in custody. We're establishing control now."
Flare's hologram appeared beside her. "We miss you. Come back soon."
Dagon's expression softened. "As soon as Lady Vane is secured and the sector is stable. Stay safe, both of you."
The connection ended. He turned to the girls waiting on the bridge — Ahsoka, Shin, and the others watching him with warm eyes.
"Two planets down," he said. "One more to go."
The war continued.
But they were winning.