**Interlude – Jedi Temple**
**Scene 1**
**The Salt Eagle Pub, Coruscant**
The famous Corellian pub known as the Salt Eagle was packed wall-to-wall with customers. An enormous stuffed eagle hung from the ceiling, watching over the lively crowd. Lil Holbal, a direct descendant of the founder, was mentally counting credits as he poured drinks. Profits tonight would be obscenely high.
Most patrons were regulars, but they rarely gathered in such numbers at once. Their attention was fixed on the large color holoscreen dominating one wall.
"…And this is the Galactic Herald, with your host Marcus Skidder!" the anchor announced energetically. "We're broadcasting live from recorded footage in the Orron III system, where a fierce two-hour battle between Republic and Separatist fleets has just concluded."
The screen showed sweeping shots of the aftermath: Republic warships advancing toward the planet's outskirts while others formed a defensive perimeter. Explosions still bloomed in the distance as salvage teams moved in.
"Our military expert, Panama de Calanon, has this to say."
The expert appeared, nodding seriously. "Thank you, Marcus. Yes, from the outside it may seem that this daring operation is already over. Apparently the famed General Dagon Marek is currently launching a brutal campaign to secure the Hydian Way. Based on previous footage from the Perlemian Trade Route, we understand how effective his tactics can be."
Marcus Skidder leaned forward. "You've heard Panama de Calanon's expert opinion. However, our viewers should not forget that the unit carrying out this operation is the infamous Mern-13. Their flotillas and ground forces made a decisive contribution at the Battle of Dentaal, and their core participated in the Battle of Jabiim — where many believe the star of General Dagon Marek truly rose. This man's military successes have already eclipsed those of another young Jedi, Anakin Skywalker, who rose to prominence in the very first months of the conflict. Now he has been eclipsed by a new star. Will Dagon live up to the command's expectations? Or will someone else's success force him to step aside? Well, as they say — we'll see! And as always, in the exclusive reports of the Galactic Herald! Stay tuned and stay with us!"
The feed switched again. "And right now, we're broadcasting from the planet Tibrin, where a referendum is underway on whether to secede from the Republic and join the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Our special correspondent, Valeria Sol, is speaking."
Valeria appeared on screen, wind whipping at her hair. "Thank you. Reporting rumors that Separatist leader Passel Argente led the failed attack, it might be safe to say — given the large number of CIS ships seen in the recording, over five hundred or more destroyed — we expect the Corporate Sector may be out of the fight for some time."
She continued, "In recent news, various worlds have received additional food shipments from Lianna and Lantilles due to their alliance with Dagon. Rebuilding on Ryloth has reached amazing progress. Local leader and hero Cham Syndulla pledges that when his people are secured, he will join Dagon Marek and fight the Separatists across the stars."
The anchor smiled. "And now we bring you to our lovely Twi'lek reporter Liss at the Coruscant fleet staging area. How is it going, Liss?"
"It's going great, Marcus! As you can see, a massive operation will soon be taking place. We don't know exactly where it's heading, but we have seen many Jedi Knights and Masters boarding their ships…"
**Scene 2**
**Jedi Temple – High Council Chamber**
**Yoda POV**
Yoda sat in his chair, ears twitching slightly as the holonews played in the background. The Council chamber was tense. Multiple holograms flickered around the table.
"The fleet is almost ready," Mace Windu said, his voice steady but grave. "We should arrive at Mygeeto in eight hours and begin the campaign."
The screen still showed footage of the Battle of Orron III — the *Grey Wolf* shredding Providence-class Dreadnoughts, Nebula-class Star Destroyers firing salvos of blue missiles, and Dagon's forces dominating the field.
"Hmm," Oppo Rancisis murmured. "A large force sent against Dagon, yet he destroyed it with minimal casualties and is already moving forward. He also secured food supplies for several sectors. His fleet is smaller in ship count compared to what we are sending to Mygeeto."
"In terms of tonnage and firepower," Evan Piell added, "Dagon's fleet is formidable. But yes, numerically smaller."
The list of Jedi committed to the Mygeeto operation was staggering:
Master Pak Norcuna, Master Dara Leska, Master Sana-Jis Ilova, Knights Railcema Bylissura and Dalnus Cam, Knight Nico Diath with his Padawan Tae Diath, Knights Odbull Stadlober, Ikarus Salan, Platt Fel, and Kai Enneb.
The "odd bunch" — Jedi Masters Knol Ven'nari, Nico Diath, Fay, and Jon Antilles.
Masters Sian Jeisel, Darrus Jeht, Tarados Gon, Shon Kon Ray, Ares Nune.
Knights Sannen, Tyneir Renz, Walden Bridger, Soon Bayts.
Jedi Aces: Rii'ke En, Jmmaar, T'chooka D'oon, B'dard Tone, Flynn Kybo, Siri Tachi, Li-Li, Maks Leem, Jai Maruk, Nejaa Halcyon, Ruati, Adi Gallia, and twenty more Knights.
Over 250 Venators, 150 Accumulators, 1,000 CR90 corvettes, 400 DP20 frigates, 400 Marauder-class corvettes. Over 500,000 clones and four million additional army personnel.
"It seems big," Evan Piell said quietly, "but I wonder if this is the right choice."
Plo Koon, Eeth Koth, Depa Billaba, Knight Nadarr Vebb, and Mace Windu would lead the assault.
"We haven't sent this many Jedi into battle yet," Evan continued. "Originally we were supposed to send twenty-seven to Jabiim, but Dagon solved that problem on his own."
"Agreed," Yoda said slowly, his gimer stick tapping the floor. "But to win this war, we must. Remember — Dagon spoke of Darth Plagueis, a Muun. There may be clues on Mygeeto. To assist Dagon, we shall send these forces."
The chamber fell into thoughtful silence as the news continued playing in the background, showing the growing legend of General Dagon Marek.