**Chapter 374: Interludes of Ambition and Failure**
**Interlude 1 – Moff Terbon**
**Location: Lantilles, Shipyard Number 5**
Moff Lius Terbon stood on the elevated observation platform overlooking the vast assembly bay of Shipyard Number 5. The air hummed with the sound of welding torches, repulsor cranes, and the low roar of test engines. Below him, a squadron of sleek new R-7 Skelter prototype fighters was putting on a dazzling display.
The fighters moved with a grace and agility that seemed almost unnatural. They performed maneuvers that would have been considered impossible for any standard starfighter — sharp vertical climbs, instantaneous hovers, and rapid transitions from forward flight to stationary close-air-support positions. One Skelter suddenly dropped into a perfect hover mere meters above a simulated ground unit, its variable-geometry wings adjusting smoothly while its pilot unleashed a precise barrage from its E-Web heavy repeaters against a mock target.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Terbon remarked to the Sienar engineer standing beside him.
The engineer nodded enthusiastically. "Beyond impressive, Moff. The VTOL hover technology Dagon introduced has completely changed the equation. These fighters can now provide sustained close air support to ground forces while remaining fast enough to disengage from enemy air superiority assets. They're faster than gunships in atmosphere, more maneuverable than most interceptors in space, and the plasma-modified ion engines allow short micro-jumps. It's like having the best of a starfighter, a gunship, and a strike bomber all in one hull."
One of the Skelters executed a tight barrel roll while hovering, then accelerated forward in a blur.
Terbon allowed himself a rare smile. "General Marek continues to deliver. These will give our pilots a real edge. How soon can we begin full production?"
"We're already tooling up three lines here at Lantilles. With the new solar reactors and the upgraded manufacturing process, we should have the first operational wing ready within six weeks."
"Excellent. Keep me informed. The 12th Sector needs these yesterday."
**Interlude 2 – Serenno, Dooku's Palace**
Deep within the opulent halls of Castle Serenno, General Grievous and the dark acolyte Selena knelt before Count Dooku. The Sith Lord's fury was palpable — the air itself seemed to crackle with barely contained rage.
"Grievous!" Dooku snarled, his voice echoing through the chamber. "You lost our first prized warship — the *Malevolence* — because of your ill-fated thirst for vengeance against Jedi Dagon Marek. How do you explain yourself?"
Grievous's mechanical voice grated with defiance. "My lord, the ion cannon was repelled. Dagon's warship fired a counter-shot that canceled out its effect. Then his fleet destroyed the ion cannon rings, disabling my warship. I had no choice but to engage."
"Excuses!" Dooku snapped. "Your targets were supposed to be Republic medical transports and supply convoys — not full battlegroups! You exposed our most powerful weapon for nothing!"
He turned his burning gaze to Selena.
"And you, Selena… You are the last of the Nightsisters. Mother Talzin sent you to me. Explain your failure. You were supposed to rescue Grievous and withdraw. Why did you engage the enemy directly?"
Selena kept her head bowed, but her voice trembled with suppressed anger. "My lord, please forgive me. Talzin's wishes were for Dagon Marek to die. It was—"
"Enough!" Dooku thrust out his hand. Crimson Force lightning erupted from his fingertips, striking Selena and sending her sprawling to the floor with a pained scream.
"Failures. Both of you."
A tall, hooded figure stepped forward from the shadows — Bogan Vos, Dooku's newest acolyte.
"Bogan, you are now in charge of this theater of operations."
"Yes, my lord," Bogan bowed deeply.
Dooku's eyes narrowed. "Grievous and Selena, you will now serve under Bogan as commander until I decide your fate. Do not disappoint me again."
Grievous's metallic fists clenched, but he remained silent. Selena, still smoking slightly from the lightning, forced herself back to her knees.
"As you command, my lord," she whispered through gritted teeth.
Dooku turned away, cloak swirling. The failure at Dentaal and the subsequent loss of the *Malevolence* had been a serious blow. Now Zygerria had been burned to ash by Marek's fleet. The war was escalating, and Dooku's patience was wearing thin.
The Sith Lord's voice echoed as he departed the chamber:
"Bring me results… or I will find new tools."