Chapter 322
**Dagon POV**
The *Finalizer* hung in high orbit above Antar 4, its massive dagger-shaped hull gleaming under the system's distant sun. Below, the planet's surface was a patchwork of dense forests, rugged mountains, and hidden valleys — the perfect environment for the Antarian Rangers' training grounds and secluded bases.
I stood on the bridge, arms crossed, staring at the tactical display. The fleet I had brought was modest but formidable: five Venators — *Guardian*, *Liberation*, *Devastator*, *Dark Omen*, and *Rampage* — formed the core escort. Solid names. They would serve well.
The *Terminus* remained the flagship, flanked by the three Resurgent-class Battlecruisers: *Finalizer* under Lichtendahl Cerri, *Steadfast* under Rear Admiral Lustian Kalgen, and *Ranger* under Clone Commander Bly. Eight modified Arquitens Command Cruisers provided flexible firepower and coordination.
Ragnos' calm voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Sir, we have arrived at Antar 4. The fleet is maintaining position."
I nodded. "Good. Keep the formation tight. No unnecessary transmissions. We're here to protect, not announce ourselves."
My mind drifted back to the Antarian Rangers.
Established around 620 BBY, the Rangers were a unique paramilitary organization of non-Force-users dedicated to assisting the Jedi Order. Unlike most galactic citizens, they did not fear Jedi power — they actively sought to support it. Their duties ranged from reconnaissance and covert operations to the "dirty work" that Jedi sometimes could not handle directly. They filled a role similar to the Freedom Warriors of the Old Republic.
The Rangers consisted of various branches, constantly training to serve as support troops. For those without Force talent, it was a way to connect to the Jedi cause. Life as a Ranger was harsh; only the most dedicated and physically/mentally fit thrived. Most members became support personnel — technicians, pilots, communications experts — while a select few earned the full rank of Ranger.
At their peak, their numbers exceeded one thousand, as diverse as the Jedi Order itself. Jedi who worked with them often relied on the same small group repeatedly, sometimes developing semi-permanent partnerships that resembled a Master-Padawan relationship. In rare cases, when emotional attachment rules were lax, some Jedi even married Rangers.
Recruitment was selective. Most members were approached by existing Rangers, especially those turned down for Jedi training but old enough to choose their path. Any being who admired the Jedi and upheld their ideals could apply, but only the strongest advanced.
Ranks were military-style but fewer than in true armies:
- **Explorer**: Lowest rank — applicants still in training.
- **Lieutenant**: Honorific position.
- **Ranger**: Fully trained, active-duty members.
- **Ranger Captain**: Field commanders who distinguished themselves in combat.
- **Ranger General**: Highest rank, making sweeping decisions for the entire organization.
They valued every member and rarely allowed losses. Retirement or honorable discharge due to injury was accepted; leaving without reason was considered desertion. The Rangers kept a close eye on former members to protect their secrets. Evil or cruel acts led to dishonorable discharge.
The Jedi Council treated the Rangers with official indifference, but individual Jedi opinions varied widely. Many worked closely with them and valued their service. In the peaceful era of the Old Republic, the Rangers avoided the negative publicity that often surrounded the Jedi.
Now, in the third week of the seventh month of the first year of the Clone Wars, the Antarian Rangers' main base on Antar 4 was under threat.
Rahm Kota — the unconventional Jedi Master — and Jedi Knight Falon Grey were currently there. So far, I had managed to send them a few captured pirate ships, weapons, and armor. Their current strength included 24 Dreadnought heavy cruisers and 15 Braha'tok-class gunships, plus a militia of over 50,000 and 150,000 Antarian Rangers. It was a decent force… but about to be attacked.
Dooku and Palpatine had planned this. Sidious would hate to have any Jedi helpers after his Order rose. Time to protect them.
Ragnos' voice pulled me back to the present.
"Sir, we have arrived at Antar 4. The fleet is maintaining position."
I nodded. "Hold formation. Prepare for possible Separatist contact. I want sensor sweeps every thirty seconds. If anything larger than a shuttle appears, I want to know about it immediately."
The bridge crew moved with quiet efficiency.
I turned away from the viewport, mind already shifting to the next steps. The Rangers were a valuable asset — loyal, skilled, and unafraid of working with Jedi in ways most others weren't. Losing them now would be a blow we couldn't afford.
And if Dooku was coming… I intended to be ready.
The *Terminus* and its escorts hung silently in orbit, a silent guardian over the hidden base below.
Soon, Dooku would arrive.
It was time to prevent his mission from succeeding.