**Chapter 595**
**Scene 1**
**Jedi Temple Hangar, Coruscant**
**Anakin Skywalker POV**
The Jedi Temple hangar was alive with the usual controlled chaos — mechanics working on starfighters, clones performing maintenance checks, and younglings gathered in small groups watching the large holonews display mounted on the far wall. Anakin Skywalker stood a short distance away, arms crossed, observing the scene with a mix of amusement and quiet irritation.
A group of younglings — no older than ten or eleven — were completely absorbed in the latest broadcast dedicated to General Dagon Marek's campaign since the war began. The holonews page played dramatic footage set to stirring music.
The first segment showed intense battlefield clips from Jabiim. A deep, resonant voice narrated:
> "Because my soldiers do not buckle or yield. When faced with the horror of this world, my soldiers push forward. My soldiers scream out. My soldiers rage. Devote your hearts!"
The younglings cheered softly, repeating the now-famous battle cry under their breath. One small Twi'lek girl whispered it with wide-eyed admiration.
The second image showed Dagon maneuvering his black TIE Advanced through a chaotic dogfight. Vulture droids swarmed him, but he used the Force with surgical precision — temporarily disrupting their missiles and armaments, breaking their formation so he could pick off the remainder with ease.
"Master Skywalker," one of the younglings asked, looking up at him, "can all Jedi do that? The missile thing?"
Anakin scratched the back of his head. "In theory, yes. But the concentration and patience required in the middle of a battle like that… it's near impossible for most of us."
The third image showed Dagon in his advanced Krayt Dragon armor on Felucia, rocketing through the air like a living weapon — a fast-moving tank of destruction, unleashing dark energy blasts and Rasenshuriken attacks that shredded droid positions.
"Enjoying the show, Anakin?" Obi-Wan Kenobi asked, walking up beside him with a sly smile. "Are you becoming a fan of the Starkiller?"
Anakin rolled his eyes. "No, Master. It's just… he has a lot of power. From what Balance Corps he was in originally? How does meditating make someone that powerful?" he complained.
"I don't know," Obi-Wan replied, still smiling. "Probably if you had listened to your old master's teachings when you were still a Padawan, you could be as strong as him."
"He's got you there, Master," Etain Tur-Mukan said with a grin as she approached.
That earned laughter from the couple of clone commandos nearby, including Captain Rex, who tried (and failed) to hide his amusement behind a cough.
Anakin crossed his arms tighter, muttering under his breath. The younglings continued watching the holonews, completely enthralled by the legend growing around General Dagon Marek.
**Scene 2**
**Jedi Temple – High Council Chamber**
**Yoda POV**
The Council Chamber was quieter than usual. Only a portion of the High Council was physically present; many members were still engaged in campaigns across the galaxy. Yoda sat in his chair, gimer stick resting across his lap, listening intently as the discussion unfolded.
"Master Plo and Master Windu will be delayed due to the fighting on Mygeeto," Master Kit Fisto reported, his expression grim. "Master Fay and Master Iman Gun-Dai will be attending in their stead. But I believe we should send more forces to Mygeeto to take it, lest the Separatists return and chase off the fleet."
"Hmm," Yoda murmured. "What is the status of General Dagon since his last transmission?"
"Master Shin and her Padawan Erictia will be arriving tomorrow," Shaak Ti replied. "Dagon sent her to meet with her brother. Master Zhou has come back to the Temple while their uncle Noonan has taken temporary guard duty on the Prism. Dagon will arrive in three days after meeting with Sienar. Rumors have some Kuat dignitaries at Lianna as well."
Shaak Ti continued, "Also, some more news. While Dagon's official accounts are public knowledge, limited digging into systems he has been to, matched with the aid being provided by Lantilles and various other planets, are being funded by a private company named Atlas — which so happens to be the co-founder and co-owner of Sienar-Jaemus Fleet Systems, a sub-branch of Sienar that has grown very powerful and richer than the original Sienar Fleet Systems. It will soon be on par with Kuat or Corellian corporations, and it is due to Dagon being involved."
Luminara Unduli frowned. "I fear he might be trying to consolidate power."
Saesee Tiin shook his head. "I think it is a good thing. After all, all that new tech does help the Republic win the war. Those Cinder satellites are being used on worlds the Jedi AgriCorps couldn't help. Look at Ryloth — they are now able to grow enough food to sustain themselves."
Ki-Adi-Mundi spoke thoughtfully. "The only problem is that if too many worlds become independent after the war, eventually the Core Worlds will lose the power of the rest of the galaxy that relies on exports."
Yoda tapped his gimer stick slowly. "Balance we must find. Powerful Dagon has become. But dangerous the path of power can be. Watch him closely, we must. But also, learn from him, we should."
The Council members exchanged uneasy glances. The legend of General Dagon Marek continued to grow — and with it, the questions about where his true loyalties lay.