**Chapter 397: The Beast of Malastare**
**Dagon's POV**
Malastare was the high-gravity homeworld of the quadrupedal Dug race, located on the Hydian Way. The planet had a variety of terrains — forests, deserts, methane lakes, and rivers — making it a favorite podracing location. Local and interstellar stars such as the Dug Sebulba competed in events like the Malastare 100, the Dug Derby, Sebulba's Legacy, the Phoebos Memorial Run, and the Vinta Harvest.
This planet had long been plagued by monstrous Zillo Beasts that fed on the native Dugs. The Dugs eventually gained the upper hand and eradicated most of them when it was discovered that Malastare's natural fuel resources were toxic to the creatures.
During the Cold War between the Galactic Republic and the reconstituted Sith Empire, local authorities wanted to smash the spice trade, which caused the price of spice to inflate. The Hutts began hiring individuals to deliver shipments of glitterstim.
In circa 1000 BBY, a contingent of Gran colonists settled on the planet. The first meeting between the Gran and the Dugs was bloody, and a long, brutal war ensued. Because of the power and influence the Gran wielded in the Galactic Senate, the Republic settled the violence in the Gran's favor.
The Gran Protectorate was established, and as a consequence, the Dugs were demilitarized and stripped of political power, with the unemployed ones being relocated to the western continent of their own planet.
In the Galactic Republic, Malastare was represented in the Galactic Senate exclusively by Gran politicians such as Pax Teem, Aks Moe, Ainlee Teem, Baskol Yeesrim, and Ask Aak. Around 65 BBY, the planet's economy was heavily dependent on both podracing and fuel exports, and its finances suffered when Gardulla the Hutt restored a spectacular course on Tatooine with the support of Damask Holdings, and a vast plasma source was discovered on Naboo and exported by the Trade Federation.
In his quest to become the prime clone, the bounty hunter Jango Fett visited Malastare in search of the crime lord Sebolto, thought to be in league with the Bando Gora crime syndicate.
Malastare remained loyal to the Republic during the Clone Wars, its senators serving on the Loyalist Committee. An organization called Dugs-for-Democracy opposed the Military Creation Act and fought for the civil rights of Dugs.
**Dagon's POV**
Now to get an ally.
"Tarkin, is the *Accumulator* assault ship empty as requested?"
"Yes, sir. All equipment and non-essential personnel were placed on the other ships."
"Good. I am moving to the ship and going to the surface."
"Pellaeon, if Malastare officials contact you, say it is a private Jedi military matter."
"Uhh… yes, sir," Pellaeon replied, clearly curious but professional enough not to press.
The *Accumulator* was a heavy assault ship, modified for large-scale troop and cargo transport. It was perfect for what I had in mind. I piloted a small shuttle down to the far side of the planet, near a giant cave the Dugs were aware of but avoided like the plague.
As we descended into the atmosphere, I instructed the captain to fly to the far end of the planet near that giant cave.
"Master, why are we here?" Zule asked, looking out the viewport at the rugged, high-gravity terrain.
"Here is our ally."
I reached out through the Force, feeling for the massive, ancient presence I had sensed the moment we entered the system. The Zillo Beast. A living legend. A creature the Dugs had nearly driven to extinction.
If I needed my own personal Super Star Destroyer and fleet, there was only one people who would join me with no questions asked, no betrayal, and complete loyalty — the Benathy. And it so happened their god was a Zillo Beast.
Make love, not war. I just hoped this plan worked.
"Who are you?" The deep, rumbling voice echoed directly in my mind through the Force bond I had initiated.
*Whoa.* I could hear her clearly.
I projected calm and respect. *I am a Jedi known as Dagon. I come here to safely reunite you with your own kind. This planet has killed your people and you are dying. Why not do better?*
*I am long. Why should I listen to you? This is my family home,* the Zillo Beast replied, her presence ancient and weary.
*And shouldn't you make a new family?*
The ground shook violently as the massive creature emerged from its cave. Classification: Reptile. Average height: 97 meters. Average length: 97 meters. Average mass: 60,000 metric tons. Skin color: Brown.
The Zillo Beast towered over the landscape like a living mountain, its armored plates gleaming under Malastare's sun. The crew on the *Accumulator* stared in stunned silence through the viewport.
"Okay, now move on to the ship," I said, directing the creature gently with the Force and a trail of calming energy.
I pointed to the stacks of meat from various creatures the clones had hunted on Saleucami, piled high in the massive hold of the assault ship. "See? Problem solved."
The Zillo Beast hesitated for a moment, then lumbered forward, drawn by the promise of food and the soothing presence I projected. It took several minutes for the beast to board, but once inside, it began devouring the prepared feast with surprising delicacy for its size.
Zule stared wide-eyed. "Master… you just recruited a Zillo Beast."
Ahsoka shook her head, half-laughing, half-incredulous. "Only you would think of this."
Kayla grinned. "It's actually kind of brilliant."
Stella crossed her arms, smirking. "As long as it doesn't eat the ship."
Flare just laughed. "The Benathy are going to lose their minds when they see this."
Nox watched with a mix of amusement and respect. "You really do the impossible, don't you?"
Chewbacca roared in approval.
Ethan's voice came over the comm. "Odds of success just increased to 47%. I am updating contingency plans."
I smiled faintly. "See? Problem solved. Next stop — Benath."
The *Accumulator* lifted off with its new, very large passenger. Malastare shrank behind us as we jumped into hyperspace.