**Chapter 609**
**Scene 1**
**Jedi High Council Chamber**
**Dagon POV**
The Council chamber now felt strangely empty after Yoda's departure. The small green Master had left with quiet dignity, his gimer stick tapping softly against the polished floor as he walked out, but his absence created a void that seemed to swallow the very air in the room. The ancient stone walls, usually filled with the quiet wisdom of centuries, now echoed with an uncomfortable silence. The remaining Masters sat in stunned silence, their minds swirling with agony and confusion over the revelations I had just shared. The weight of centuries of hidden history, the implications of a Sith Lord controlling both sides of the war, and the sudden departure of one of their most revered leaders hung heavy in the air like a gathering storm.
I could feel the emotional turbulence through the Force — shock, doubt, fear, and a deep, aching sense of loss. Some of the Masters looked as if the foundations of their entire Order had just been shaken. Others stared at the empty seat where Yoda had been, as if expecting him to return at any moment and declare it all a misunderstanding.
"Look," I said, breaking the heavy silence that had stretched on for nearly a minute, my voice steady but respectful. "I didn't know Master Yoda or his Master said anything about this. I also think the later Yaddle knew nothing about this, and Master Fay, despite being over a thousand years old, was quite young when it happened. Even if she heard anything or remembers or chooses not to, we must use this slim advantage. Master Yoda is known throughout the galaxy as the best diplomat we have. His presence alone carries more weight than any fleet or army. The Mandalorians respect strength and legend — and Yoda is both."
Oppo Rancisis suddenly rose from his seat, his serpentine body uncoiling with deliberate slowness. The long, flexible coils of his form shifted with a faint rustle against the stone floor. His expression was one of deep resignation, eyes heavy with centuries of service and the sudden realization that his time had come to an end. "I feel I can no longer carry on my Jedi duties. Take this. Goodbye, my old friends."
He placed his lightsaber gently on the central pedestal with a soft click that echoed through the chamber like a final punctuation mark. Then he turned to leave, his movements graceful yet final.
"Wait," I said quickly, stepping forward with genuine concern. "At least keep your lightsaber. Also, go to the Mern 13. I can provide you with credits and a ship. It will be—"
"Ah, the old takes care of the young, and the young takes care of the old," Oppo replied with a faint, peaceful smile that reached his eyes. "Yoda made a good choice making you High Jedi General, but I feel that this is no longer my part. The galaxy is changing, and I have served long enough. May the Force be with you all."
With that, he left the chamber, smiling peacefully as he walked away, his long form disappearing through the doorway without looking back.
Even Piell and Shaak Ti exchanged long, meaningful glances. Then they stood as well. Even Piell, small but fierce, placed his lightsaber beside Oppo's with a quiet resolve. Shaak Ti followed, her expression calm but her eyes filled with quiet determination. They placed their lightsabers on the pedestal and followed Oppo out without a word, their faces etched with the quiet determination of those who had made peace with their decision.
The chamber felt even emptier now. Three seats stood vacant, their occupants gone. The remaining Masters looked visibly shaken, the weight of the moment pressing down on them.
**Scene 2**
**Jedi High Council Chamber**
**Dagon POV**
The remaining Masters looked shaken to their core. The Council now consisted of only a handful of voices:
- Ima-Gun Di
- Obi-Wan Kenobi
- Eeth Koth
- Adi Gallia
- Saesee Tiin
- Ki-Adi-Mundi
- Kit Fisto
I took a deep breath, centering myself before continuing. "I will need a Ysalamiri for the test, also Jedi Temple robes for the mission. I will take a Nu-class shuttle for the mission and have some beskar as a peace offering," I explained my plans to the half-shocked remaining Masters of the Council.
Kit Fisto suddenly stood up, his expression resolute and filled with quiet conviction. "I vote for Dagon as the new Grand Master of the Jedi and Supreme Commander of the Republic."
"Wait, what?" I said, caught completely off guard, my eyes widening in genuine surprise.
The remaining Council members began voting one by one, their voices steady despite the chaos of the moment. Obi-Wan remained silent, looking stunned and conflicted, his face pale. I found myself saying "Aye" almost by instinct, the word slipping out before I could fully process what was happening.
Then, to my utter disbelief, they all stood up in unison. One by one, they placed their lightsabers on the central pedestal with quiet reverence. Without another word, they turned and left the chamber, their footsteps echoing softly as they disappeared through the doorway.
I stood there, frozen, staring at the pile of lightsabers now resting on the pedestal — symbols of centuries of service now laid down in a single, defining moment. Obi-Wan remained seated, looking as shocked as I felt, his hands gripping the arms of his chair tightly.
The weight of what had just happened settled over me like a collapsing star. The Jedi Order had effectively handed me leadership in one breathtaking instant.