**Chapter 613**
**Scene 1**
**Jedi Temple Hangar, Coruscant**
**Dagon POV**
The Lambda-class T-4a shuttle stood ready on the private landing platform reserved for high-level Council business. Its angular, tri-winged design gleamed under the hangar lights — a sleek, reliable vessel that was essentially an upgraded version of the Nu-class shuttle, but larger, more heavily armed, and better suited for long-range, discreet missions. I had chosen this particular craft for its balance of speed, capacity, and defensive capability.
Its specifications were solid:
- Length: 23.7 meters
- Width: 32.72 meters
- Height/Depth: 36.21 meters
- Atmospheric Speed: 850 kph
- Engine Units: SFS-204 sublight ion engines (2)
- Hyperdrive Rating: Class 1 (Class 10 backup)
- Shielding: Deflector shield
- Armament: Laser cannons (5), Taim & Bak KX5 laser cannons (2), Taim & Bak GA-60s twin rotating blaster cannons (2), ArMek R-Z0 retractable double blaster cannon (1)
- Escape Craft: Detachable cockpit module
- Crew: Pilot (1 required), Copilot (1)
- Passengers: 20
- Cargo Capacity: 80 metric tons
It was the perfect discreet transport for what we were about to do — no flashy Republic markings, just enough armament to handle trouble without drawing unnecessary attention.
Master Yoda stood near the ramp, engaged in what looked like a warm, familiar conversation with Chewbacca. The towering Wookiee let out a series of soft, rumbling growls and roars, which Yoda answered with gentle nods and smiles. I didn't know they were friends, but it made sense — Yoda had deep connections across the galaxy, especially with species known for their honor and loyalty.
"Master Yoda, I see you met Chewie from Kashyyyk. Though how did you know each other?" I asked, approaching them with a respectful nod.
"Hmm, long friends I am," Yoda replied with a twinkle in his eye. "Good relationships with Wookies I have. But how he came into your service was an interesting story."
"Yes, very interesting," I agreed. "Anyway, Chewie — is everything ready?"
Chewbacca let out a confident roar, slapping the side of the shuttle with one massive paw in affirmation.
I nodded. "Then let's go."
The three of us boarded the Lambda shuttle. The ramp sealed behind us with a solid thud. Moments later, the ship lifted off smoothly from the Temple platform and ascended into Coruscant's crowded skies. Once clear of the planet's gravity well, the hyperdrive engaged with a familiar thrum, and we jumped into the swirling blue tunnel of hyperspace.
**Scene 2**
**Hyperspace – Lambda-class Shuttle**
**Dagon POV**
The soft blue glow of hyperspace filled the cockpit as I sat in the pilot's seat, hands resting lightly on the controls. Chewbacca occupied the co-pilot position, occasionally making small adjustments with a low growl. Yoda sat in the passenger area behind us, his small form meditative and calm, eyes half-closed as he communed with the Force.
"Does anyone know that you left or said anything?" I asked, glancing back at Yoda.
"Odd it is, but no. To keep secrets, I know who to," Yoda replied quietly, his ears twitching slightly.
I nodded, relieved. "And you're serious about leaving everything — the Temple, the Order. Such is the decision. Why? Problems you have?"
Yoda's expression grew somber. "Hmm. You speak with much wisdom, yet the reason I am leaving is not what you revealed. No. It is the very reason we have already lost."
I turned my seat slightly to face him better. "The Jedi, guardians of peace, have lost the moment the Jedi intervened in the war. Right, Chewie? Because of peace and diplomacy."
Chewbacca let out a soft, thoughtful roar in agreement, his massive paws resting on the co-pilot console.
"See? Even Wookies have conflict even during times of peace. It's a natural part of growing up," I said.
Yoda simply slipped deeper into meditation, his eyes closing fully as he sought clarity in the Force. The weight of his words lingered in the cabin long after he fell silent.
I turned back to the viewport, watching the blue streaks of hyperspace flow past us. The mission ahead was delicate. Mandalore. The Darksaber. Uniting a fractured warrior culture while the galaxy burned around us.
I could only hope we were ready for what came next.