**Chapter 411: Forging Giants**
**Dagon's POV**
The transformation of the Sienar shipyards on Lianna was nothing short of remarkable. What had once been a respectable but relatively modest facility was rapidly expanding into a true powerhouse of military production. Raith had taken my suggestions to heart, and the Ugnaughts — under Kuiil's steady leadership — were working miracles.
I stood on a high observation platform overlooking the main construction docks. Below me, dozens of new shipyard modules based on Fondorian designs were rising rapidly. The Ugnaughts moved with incredible efficiency, their short, sturdy bodies perfectly suited for the cramped, intricate work of heavy engineering. Sparks flew in bright arcs as welding torches fused massive durasteel beams into place. Cranes lifted entire prefabricated sections while teams of Ugnaught engineers swarmed over them like ants building a new colony.
Raith approached from behind, datapad in hand, looking both exhausted and exhilarated. "General, the Ugnaughts are a godsend. At this rate, we'll have three new major slipways operational within two weeks. The Fondorian modular design you suggested is perfect for rapid expansion."
I nodded, watching a group of Ugnaughts carefully position a massive hull segment. "They work harder than anyone I've ever seen. Give them respect and fair pay, and they'll move mountains for you."
"They already are," Raith replied. "We've reassigned several hundred to Benath as you requested. They're beginning salvage operations on the ancient Republic and Mandalorian wrecks there. The rest are focused here on the Nebula project and the new shipyard modules."
I turned to him. "What about the materials?"
Raith brought up a detailed inventory on his datapad. "The main material recovered is Duranium and Impervium — both rare alloys used in capital ship construction. Extremely profitable if we sell the excess, but we're keeping the best for ourselves. We also recovered significant amounts of Bonadan alloy, Durachrome, Tursturin, and tons of Doonium. There were even a few tons of beskar — we're keeping every gram of that for special projects."
"Excellent," I said. "The excess alloys are being sold to outer Republic companies?"
"Yes, and they're paying handsomely. The funds are already flowing back into our accounts. Your personal fortune is growing rapidly, General."
I allowed a small smile. "Good. Every credit goes back into the fleet."
Raith hesitated, then continued. "Regarding the Annihilator-class dreadnought — or Super Star Destroyer, as some are already calling it — the design is… ambitious. Fifteen kilometers in length. The largest ship ever built. Most of the hull will be repurposed from the ancient ships you brought in. We would need a crew of 125,000 officers, pilots, and enlisted personnel."
I nodded. "Focus on the Nebula-class first. Then, at a later date, the Annihilator. We build the foundation before the crown."
Raith brought up the weapons specifications. "The weapons will need significant production. You have the materials, just not the numbers yet."
I reviewed the armament list:
- Medium Turbolaser batteries (2,000, fire-linked in groups of 8)
- Heavy turbolaser batteries (1,000, fire-linked in groups of 8)
- Assault concussion missile tubes (150, 30 missiles each)
- Heavy ion cannons (150)
- Phylon Transport Q7 tractor beam projectors (20)
- Point-defense laser cannons (1,500)
"So we got that covered?" I asked.
Raith nodded. "With the Ugnaughts and the salvaged materials, yes. The Nebula-class will be ready in two to three months as promised. The Annihilator will take longer — perhaps a year or more for the first one — but once we have the production lines running, we can scale up."
I looked out over the shipyard again. The sight of thousands of Ugnaughts working in perfect harmony, the massive hulls rising like steel titans, filled me with quiet satisfaction. This was real progress. Not just another battle won, but the foundation for winning the war.
"Keep it compartmentalized," I reminded Raith. "Kuat must not learn the full scope of what we're building. Let them think we're simply upgrading existing designs."
"Understood," Raith said. "The Nebula will look similar enough to existing ships at first glance. By the time they realize what we have, it will be too late."
I turned to leave. "Good work, Raith. Keep pushing. The Republic needs these ships yesterday."
The fleet was growing.
The Annihilator-class would be a monster — 15 kilometers of pure dominance.
But first, the Nebula.
Then Ryloth.
Then the rest of the galaxy.
The war was far from over.
But for the first time, I felt like we were truly beginning to turn the tide.