2 weeks later

The time for planning was over.

A fourth battle followed the third for Suurja; and both the Neo-Crusaders as well as the Republic accepted it as a draw. While the Mandalorian's had ultimately failed at maintaining a foothold on the planet, the Republic Navy under Saul Karath was too battered to hold the orbit and retreated to Tarnith Station. As far as Saul was concerned, they had lost; and the blow to his pride was nearly unbearable.

The night sky on Mandalore was dotted less and less by natural stars and more and more by the infinite engines and propellant of the warships. Ever hour, thousands of Mandalorian's boarded transports and launched into orbit. The fervor among the company's of troops could not be greater; they were finally poised to claim the glory.

A military parade had seen Mandalore the Ultimate and his Commander's to the Unyielding Viper. "Glorious, isn't it?" said Canderous Ordo to the helmeted Cassus Fett, who replied with only a nod. The fool Rohlan Dyre had renounced his position to "find the real cause of the war" or some other similar ridiculousness. The other Commander's were fine with him; it would only leave each of them with more power when their sacred conquest was completed.

They escorted Mandalore the Ultimate to his throne room, situated immediately over the bridge. "I understand that Demagol is captured and Flashpoint Station is destroyed?" he called over his shoulder. "Yes, Lord Mandalore." said Cassus with just a touch of glee in his voice. It absolutely thrilled him to see the failure and removal of his rival. Mandalore came to rest on his throne, beholding them through his mask. He laughed.

"As if Flashpoint Station makes any difference in this whole war." he cackled, "Demagol was a trusted Commander and will be missed; however, I think the three of us will be sufficient in crushing the Republic, don't you?" "Of course, Great Mandalore!" said Canderous Ordo, "The time for our attack has come."

"So it has, Canderous. Our forward base on Dxun is still safe, is it not?" "I can confirm that, Great Mandalore." said Cassus Fett, balling a fist before him. "My Shock Troopers are the ones holding it."

"Yes, yes, your Shock Troopers. I think we use them too frequently. We only have six companies of them; they aren't a tenth of our force. You will not engage with them again unless explicitly instructed to, is that understood?"

"Yes, Lord Mandalore." said Cassus, his voice now traced with a hint of disappointment.

Mandalore rose, stepping around the far side of his throne to look out the viewing glass to his massive fleet. He was certain that nothing in history could compare to the countless war ships that hovered in orbit or the swarms upon swarms of starfighter's that zipped past. "Our people have been humiliated by this Republic once before..." he growled, "It will not happen again. Our destiny is victory, a complete conquest and domination of the pompous Republic. Soon, they will all answer to us. We are unstoppable. I only dream of the glory we will have when our banners are raised high over the ruins of their Senate Building on Coruscant. I will drink from the very skull of their General's and Admiral's. Are you ready?"

"Yes Mandalore!"