**Chapter 606**
**Scene 1**
**Jedi Temple Hallway, Coruscant**
**Nhon Artu POV**
Nhon Artu waited in the wide, sunlit hallway leading to the Council Chamber, arms crossed as he watched Dagon and his group approach. The young General looked different — more imposing, more alive than the last time Nhon had seen him. His armor was a striking fusion of dark Sith-inspired plating with vibrant, personal accents: orange, purple, pink, blue, yellow, green, and white highlights that clearly came from the women walking beside him.
"Well, ha," Nhon said with a grin, looking Dagon up and down. "You certainly got some armor now. And colorful. But based on your previous armor, this one doesn't look like you at all."
Dagon adjusted the Krayt Dragon-motif beskar plating, the multicolored accents from his harem clearly visible — orange from Ahsoka, purple from Shin and Sakura, pink from Erictia, and so on.
"Yeah," Dagon replied casually. "I named the Nebula-class Star Destroyers without the girls' permission, so I thought the new armor should have some of their touches."
Nhon's sharp eyes narrowed as he studied Dagon's neck and jawline. "Hmm. And is there a reason your neck and face are covered in pink lipstick marks… and some still-glowing green lipstick marks on your neck?"
The girls behind Dagon shifted awkwardly. Ahsoka stepped forward quickly, trying to sound innocent.
"Oh yeah, that's still there. Master ran into some trouble on Felucia and he got a little… mark from the world."
Nhon raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "What, he ran into a Felucia forest spirit that wanted to marry him?"
Zule blurted out before she could stop herself, "Oh, so that's what she was called—wait, marry? Hmph—"
Aayla immediately clapped a hand over Zule's mouth, smiling nervously. "Padawan, we can't say stuff like that."
Dagon rubbed the back of his neck, looking slightly embarrassed. "Master, how much do you actually know about us?"
Nhon chuckled. "Well, I know you're powerful — more powerful than any Jedi we have. You freed souls on Ruusan, purified Naboo, rode a leviathan Krayt dragon on Atraken which ended the battle there, and stopped a thought bomb under the Temple itself."
He paused, then added with a sly grin, "I also know that after the Temple incident, you were surrounded by the girls, covered in blood, with them naked and embracing you."
The entire group went red. Dagon cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Uhh… that has to do with… an ancient technique. Jedi or Sith — we think — that involves healing," Dagon said with an awkward smile.
Nhon waved a hand. "Well, in any case, the Council has just about gathered. Master Windu and Master Plo have sent Master Fay and Master Ima-Gun Di as their representatives."
**Scene 2**
**Jedi High Council Chamber, Coruscant**
**Dagon POV**
The Jedi Council chamber felt heavier than usual. The circular room, with its tall windows overlooking Coruscant, was filled with a tense silence. Only part of the full Council was physically present, but the atmosphere was charged.
**Present Members:**
- Master Yoda
- Master Fay (representing Master Windu)
- Master Ima-Gun Di (representing Master Plo Koon)
- Master Obi-Wan Kenobi
- Master Eeth Koth
- Master Adi Gallia
- Master Oppo Rancisis
- Master Even Piell
- Master Shaak Ti
- Master Saesee Tiin
- Master Ki-Adi-Mundi
- High Jedi General Dagon Marek
I stood in the center, armor still on, the Wrath Shield resting on my back. The multicolored accents drew more than a few curious glances.
The hologram of a Mandalorian warrior in distinctive armor flickered to life in the center of the chamber. I recognized the design immediately.
"Hmm, a Mandalorian by the looks of it. Not similar to Jango, but rather like Jango's enemies — or allies, depending on how you view it. Death Watch," I said calmly.
Murmurs rippled through the Council.
I continued, "Death Watch — or Kyr'tsad in Mando'a — was a Mandalorian splinter group founded by Tor Vizsla. They opposed Jaster Mereel's Supercommando Codex. Their primary goal was to return the Mandalorians to their ancient roots as galactic crusaders, advocating the savage raider mentality of past Mandalorians."
Master Oppo Rancisis leaned forward. "The Supercommando Codex was a guideline for Mandalorian behavior, created by Jaster Mereel upon his ascension to Mand'alor. A man of strong ethical principles, Mereel found that many Mandalorians of his era had become dissatisfied with the dishonorable and overly savage ways that had become prevalent."
I nodded. "The holocrons Nox and I acquired — which I assume none of you have gone through — had the last update around 1,060 years before the Battle of Ruusan. Still accurate enough. Mandalore hasn't changed much. The last memory is particularly important."
I activated a small hologram from my armor, projecting the image of the Darksaber — the ancient black-bladed weapon pulsing with power.
"Legend tells that it was created over a thousand years ago by Tarre Vizsla, the first Mandalorian ever inducted into the Jedi Order. After his passing, the Jedi kept the saber in their Temple. That was until members of House Vizsla snuck in and liberated it. They used the saber to unify the people and strike down those who would oppose them. That is our key."
Master Yoda tapped his gimer stick thoughtfully. "Important, this is. But why bring this to us now, young Marek?"
I met Yoda's gaze steadily. "Because Death Watch is stirring again. And if they're moving, it means someone powerful is backing them. Possibly the same someone backing the Separatists. We ignore Mandalorian politics at our peril — especially with the war spreading."
Master Ki-Adi-Mundi stroked his beard. "You speak with confidence. Have you encountered them directly?"
"Not yet," I admitted. "But I've studied the holocrons deeply. If we're going to win this war, we need to understand every player — not just Dooku and Grievous."
Master Shaak Ti leaned forward. "And your… colorful armor? The reports from Felucia and the lipstick marks on your neck have raised questions among the younger Jedi."
I resisted the urge to sigh. "The armor is a personal choice. As for the marks… Felucia has many surprises. Some more affectionate than others."
A few Council members exchanged glances. Master Even Piell looked like he was fighting a smile.
Master Oppo Rancisis chuckled softly. "You certainly bring… energy to these meetings, General."
I offered a small, respectful bow. "I try to be useful, Masters."
The hologram of the Mandalorian warrior continued to spin slowly in the center of the room, a silent reminder that the war was far from simple.
**End chapter.**