Chapter 340
Having landed her *Last Call* at the capital's spaceport, Selena headed straight to the Dufre Hotel, where the so-called "open conference" was taking place, attended by representatives of the Confederacy of Independent Systems and already dubbed the "Chanosant Meeting." The planet itself was considered neutral, but the Dathomirian herself was well aware that the planet's government secretly supported the Separatists.
The conference itself was not so important. The main thing was that it was broadcast not only on "Shadow Broadcasting," but also on the Republican "HoloNet."
Having entered the hotel grounds unhindered, Selena proceeded to Count Dooku's box, located on the second tier of the oval room. Standing behind Dooku, Selena waited patiently. She had long since realized that the lesson could begin at any moment. Idle, she began to listen to the words coming from below. She was the last Nightsister of the original ten sent by Mother Talzin to support Dooku in getting revenge on Marek. The rest were either killed by Marek or other Jedi. She still carried her metal arm from Dagon on Ohma-D'un and the scar from the immortal Jedi Faye on her failed mission. After a brief moment of reflection, she recognized the voice of Cob Mondrey, a talented orator and well-known media personality.
"He was probably chosen as the host of this conference."
"Today, Senator Daggibas Skoritols of Yag'Dhul confirmed that the Republic is secretly recruiting Givinian astrogator-theorists to launch an 'astrogation race'! The esteemed Senator has the floor!"
"Our internal count indicates that over one hundred and twenty-five reputable Givin theorists, including four dedicated mathematicians, have been recruited to participate in a project designed to develop Republic military operations. They are currently attempting to overcome hyperspace speed limitations and calculate faster routes for the enemy," Skoritols commented to Yag'Dhul Media. This statement has been confirmed by the Separatist Council."
"You've heard the esteemed Senator Skorytolis's comment! So, the Republic continues to escalate the conflict! What will the Confederate representative say?"
"The war won't be won by big guns and fast ships," the Dathomirian easily recognized the voice of Techno Union Chieftain Wat Tambor. "The importance of cutting-edge astrogation data and hyperspace computations cannot be overstated. With precise subspace coordinates, an experienced navigator could conceivably guide a warship across the entire galaxy in a fraction of the time required for a standard jump…"
"Are you back, Selena?" the Count's voice pulled her out of her thoughts.
"Yes, Teacher. Allow me…"
"No need. I'm already aware of what happened. You did everything right, exactly as I said."
Ventress gritted her teeth.
"But… this shameful escape…"
"Believe me, it had to be this way. As for Yoda… I'm afraid he's too much for you just yet. Even I can barely withstand his onslaught."
Without waiting for further comments, Selena asked, "What will be my new assignment?"
Dooku dimmed the lights in the box and then turned around.
"I have a task for you. This time, you won't have to hold back."
"I'm all ears, Teacher."
"What do you think of our General's new toy?" Dooku stared at her with interest.
Selena grimaced. A monster for a monster. She had been present on Pammant before Grievous received his new ship. The Subjugator-class heavy cruisers were intended to be the flagships of the CIS fleet's major naval forces. However, she hadn't thought it was worth the effort. A massive and extremely expensive ship, difficult to build in the relatively small shipyards loyal to the Confederacy, was clearly not what their fleet needed most. Yes, it was the equal of several fleets — but it couldn't be in several places at once.
"I'm not a shipbuilder, and I can't judge…" Ventress tried to answer as neutrally as possible.
"Hmm… So, you'll be heading to Raxus. Another similar ship, the *Malice*, awaits you there. True, the Quarren had to abandon the ion cannons. In their place, they installed an additional five hundred heavy turbolasers. Besides that, you'll have a detachment of twenty ships at your disposal."
"What is my goal?"
Dooku smiled.
"You'll have to capture Bothawui. But first, you'll have to complete one small task…"
"Sir, a droid barged in. Emergency transmission from Grievous."
Dooku grimaced. *What could have happened?*
"Count Dooku, I beg your forgiveness, but I am pinned down in the *Malevolence* in the Dentaal system. The hyperdrive and ion cannon are offline and the ship is taking heavy damage by the Republic fleet."
"Grievous, what happened?"
"Dagon Marek's fleet was at Dentaal protecting the convoy we were to attack. His ship—" static
"Grievous, you are breaking up."
"Sorry, we are in a nearby photosphere to escape the fleet. The radiation is frying our communication."
"Grievous, I forbid you from surrendering our prize ship."
"My lord, the ship is static."
"New plan. You will take your ship and 30 Providence-class Dreadnoughts as escorts and rescue Grievous."
"Yes, my lord."
"This Dagon Marek is messing with my master's plans."
---
**Dagon POV**
The *Terminus* plunged deeper into the photosphere, its kyber-powered shield glowing a brilliant blue against the star's fury. Heat and radiation battered the bubble, but the matrix held, converting the star's raw power into additional energy for the ship.
"Target the *Malevolence*," I ordered. "Full power to the super cannon — ion version. We end this today."
The massive ship surged forward, engines roaring as it closed on the wounded Separatist behemoth.
Grievous thought he could hide.
He was wrong.
The hunt was on.